Cut and Fill Volume Calculator
Enter the cross-section areas at two stations and the distance between them. The calculator uses the average end area method to estimate the earthwork volume in cubic feet and cubic yards.
How to estimate cut and fill volume
- Measure the cut or fill cross-section area at each station, in square feet.
- Enter both areas and the length between the stations.
- Read the volume in cubic feet and in cubic yards.
Examples
Volume between two stations
area 1 = 50 sq ft, area 2 = 70 sq ft, length = 100 ft
6000 cubic feet, about 222.22 cubic yards
Uniform cross-section
area 1 = 30 sq ft, area 2 = 30 sq ft, length = 50 ft
1500 cubic feet, about 55.56 cubic yards
Frequently asked questions
What is the average end area method?
It estimates the volume between two cross-sections by averaging their areas and multiplying by the distance between them: volume = length times (area 1 plus area 2) divided by 2.
How accurate is the average end area method?
It is exact when the cross-section changes linearly and slightly overestimates otherwise. It is the standard method for highway and site earthwork takeoffs.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide cubic feet by 27, since one cubic yard equals 3 by 3 by 3 feet. The calculator shows both values for you.
Does this calculate cut or fill?
Both. The math is identical. Use cut cross-section areas for excavation and fill cross-section areas for embankment, and read the volume for that material.
Why must the areas and length be positive?
A volume needs real cross-sections and a real distance, so zero or negative values are rejected. Enter measured areas in square feet and the length in feet.
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