How this calculator works
It calculates the volume of soil from your dig area and depth, converts to cubic yards, and estimates how many standard 10-yard dump-truck loads you’ll need to haul it away.
Worked example — a 20 ft × 20 ft area dug 12 inches deep:
400 × 1 = 400 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 14.8 cubic yards → 2 truck loads.
400 × 1 = 400 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 14.8 cubic yards → 2 truck loads.
Soil swells when dug
Loosened soil takes up 15–25% more space than it did in the ground, so hauling volume runs a bit higher than this in-ground estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards in a dump truck?
A standard dump truck holds about 10–14 cubic yards of soil.
How do I calculate dirt to remove?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet), then divide by 27 for cubic yards.