Cut and Fill Calculator

Cut and fill refers to the process of earthmoving where soil is excavated (“cut”) from areas where the ground level is too high and used to fill in areas where the ground level is too low. This process creates a level surface for construction while minimizing the need to import or export materials.

Our calculator provides professional-grade accuracy when proper input data is provided. The accuracy depends on the precision of your elevation measurements and the density of your grid or cross-sections. For critical projects, we recommend consulting with a licensed surveyor or engineer.

The grid method divides the area into equal squares and calculates cut/fill for each grid point, ideal for relatively flat sites. The cross-section method uses elevation data along specific lines (sections), better suited for linear projects like roads or pipelines with significant elevation changes.

Swell factor accounts for volume increase when soil is excavated (typically 20-30%). Shrinkage factor accounts for volume decrease when soil is compacted (typically 10-20%). These factors help estimate actual hauling and compaction requirements.

While this calculator provides accurate results suitable for many projects, large commercial projects often require more sophisticated analysis with professional surveying equipment and software. Our calculator is excellent for estimates and small to medium projects.