Trench/Ditch Volume Calculator
Calculate cubic yards or cubic meters of material to remove or fill in a trench or ditch.
Enter length, width, and depth for accurate excavation estimates.
Trench Volume
Trench/Ditch Volume is calculated by multiplying length, width, and depth.
Volume = Length × Width × Depth
Unit conversions:
Imperial: Cubic Yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) / 27Metric: Cubic Meters = Length m × Width m × Depth m
Soil expansion (swell factor): When you dig soil, it expands. You will need to haul away more volume than the trench itself:
- Sand/Gravel: 10–15% swell
- Common earth: 20–30% swell
- Clay: 30–40% swell
- Rock: 40–60% swell
Common trench widths:
- Water line: 18–24 in (45–60 cm)
- Sewer line: 24–36 in (60–90 cm)
- Electrical conduit: 6–12 in (15–30 cm)
- French drain: 12–18 in (30–45 cm)
Tips:
- Call 811 (USA) or local utility locator before digging
- Trenches deeper than 5 feet (1.5 m) require shoring or sloping per OSHA
- Budget for backfill material which compacts 10–15% below original volume