Dirt Removal & Hauling Calculator
Calculate exactly how many dump trucks are required to haul off excavated soil. Automatically adjusts Bank Cubic Yards (BCY) to Loose Cubic Yards (LCY) using soil swell factors.
When you dig a hole, the dirt expands. You must use a spoil calculator to convert the solid ground volume (BCY) into the loose, expanded volume (LCY). A standard tandem dump truck holds exactly 10 to 12 cubic yards of loose dirt.
Dump Truck Hauling Estimator
Spoil Volume & Logistics Budget
Hauling Output
Logistics Metric
Calculated Requirement
Loose Spoil Volume (LCY)
120.0 LCY
Dump Trucks Required
12 Loads
Total Estimated Haul Cost
$3,000.00
Using a Dirt Removal Calculator
A professional dirt removal calculator must be based on LCY (Loose Cubic Yards) rather than the raw blueprint dimensions.
- Soil Removal Calculator Mistakes: The most common estimating error in earthwork is failing to use a spoil calculator factor. If you dig a 100-yard hole in heavy clay, you don't haul away 100 yards of dirt. Due to the 25% swell factor, you actually haul away 125 yards.
- Weight vs Volume: While dump trucks have a volume capacity (e.g. 10 cubic yards), they also have a strict highway weight limit (usually restricted by DOT axle ratings). Wet mud or heavy rock may force you to "short-load" the trucks to avoid overweight tickets, increasing your total loads.