Earthwork Calculator - Professional Excavation and Fill Calculations

Advanced earthwork calculator for contractors and excavators. Calculate cut/fill volumes, bulking factors, compaction requirements, and material hauling needs.

BCY/LCY/CCY Framework: Bank Cubic Yards • Loose Cubic Yards • Compacted Cubic Yards |Professional Tool: Industry-standard earthwork calculations

Ultimate Cubic Yard Calculator

Volume
0.00 cu yd

Understanding BCY, LCY, CCY

BCY

Bank Cubic Yards

Material volume in its natural, undisturbed state

This is the volume of soil or rock as it sits in the ground before any excavation. Used for estimating how much material needs to be removed.

LCY

Loose Cubic Yards

Material after excavation (expanded volume)

When soil is excavated, it expands due to the release of confining pressure. LCY = BCY × Bulking Factor (typically 1.25-1.5).

CCY

Compacted Cubic Yards

Material after compaction (reduced volume)

When fill material is compacted, it reduces in volume. BCY Required = CCY ÷ Compaction Factor (typically 0.8-0.95).

Material-Specific Factors

Bulking & Compaction Factors

Material TypeBulking FactorCompaction Factor
Clay1.30.8
Soil1.250.9
Sand1.10.95
Gravel1.150.92
Rock1.50.75

Pro Tip

Always test actual soil conditions on site. Laboratory testing provides the most accurate factors for your specific project.

Earthwork Applications

Foundation Excavation

Calculate soil removal for building foundations

Typical bulking: 25-30% volume increase

Hauling consideration: Account for truck capacity

Site Grading

Cut and fill calculations for level sites

Cut volume: BCY to be removed

Fill volume: CCY required for compaction

Retaining Walls

Backfill calculations behind wall structures

Compaction required: 90-95% density

Drainage consideration: Gravel backfill