Trench Volume Calculator
Calculate trench excavation volume using trapezoidal cross-section with truck load and excavation time estimates.
Inputs
Results
Volume
1,200 cu ft
≈ 23 hot tubs
Volume
44.44 cu yd
≈ 23 hot tubs
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Trench Length, Width, and Depth in feet.
- If the trench has sloped walls, enter the Slope Ratio (H:V) — this widens the trench at the top.
- Read Volume in cu ft and cu yd — use the cubic yard figure when ordering fill or paying for spoil disposal.
- Use Truck Loads (10 yd) to schedule haul trucks and Excavation Time to plan equipment rental.
- Feed the cu yd output into the Excavation Cost or Backfill Quantity calculators for budget estimates.
How the result changes with Trench Length
| Trench Length | Volume | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 12,000 cu ft | 444.44 cu yd |
| 3,500 | 42,000 cu ft | 1,555.56 cu yd |
| 6,500 | 78,000 cu ft | 2,888.89 cu yd |
| 9,000 | 108,000 cu ft | 4,000 cu yd |
What each input means
- Trench Length
- Total length of the trench.
- Top Width
- Width of the trench at ground level.
- Bottom Width
- Width at the bottom of the trench.
- Trench Depth
- Depth from ground surface to trench bottom.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersTrench Length = 100, Top Width = 4, Bottom Width = 2, Trench Depth = 4 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate VolumeVolume1200 = 1200
- Calculate VolumeVolume44.44 = 44.44
- Calculate Truck LoadsTruck Loads5 = 5
- Calculate Excavation TimeExcavation Time1.48 = 1.48
Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.
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