Cut-and-Fill Mass Balance Tool
Estimate cut and fill earthwork volumes by zone, calculate net balance, and determine import/export requirements with optional cost estimates.
Cut Zones (Excavation)
Fill Zones (Adding Soil)
No fill zones added yet. Click "Add Fill Zone" to start.
Bulking & Compaction Factors
Excavated soil expands (1.25 = 25% expansion). Typical: 1.1-1.5
Fill soil compresses (0.90 = 10% shrinkage). Typical: 0.8-0.95
Import/Export Costs (Optional)
Calculate Cut & Fill Balance
Enter cut and fill zones with their areas and average depths to estimate earthwork volumes, net balance, and import/export needs.
Cut Zones
Add areas
Fill Zones
Add areas
Fill in the form and click "Calculate Balance" to see results
Understanding Cut-and-Fill Earthwork
What Is Cut and Fill?
Cut and fill (also called cut and cover) is an earthwork process where soil is excavated from one area (cut) and used to fill another area (fill) to create level surfaces or desired grades. This is fundamental to site preparation for construction, roads, and landscaping.
- Cut: Excavating soil from areas that are too high, typically measured in bank cubic yards (BCY)
- Fill: Adding soil to areas that are too low, typically measured in compacted cubic yards (CCY)
- Mass Balance: Comparing cut and fill volumes to determine if soil needs to be imported or exported
Understanding Volume Terms
Earthwork volumes are expressed differently depending on the state of the soil:
BCY (Bank Cubic Yards)
In-situ volume of soil before excavation. This is the "natural" state in the ground, compacted by years of settlement.
LCY (Loose Cubic Yards)
Volume after excavation. Soil expands when dug up (bulking), so LCY is larger than BCY for the same material.
CCY (Compacted Cubic Yards)
Volume after compaction as fill. Soil is compressed using equipment to achieve required density for construction.
Bulking and Compaction Factors
Two critical factors affect earthwork volume calculations:
Bulking Factor (Swell)
- Soil expands when excavated
- Typical range: 1.10 to 1.50
- Example: 1.25 means 25% expansion
- LCY = BCY x Bulking Factor
Higher for clay and rock, lower for sand
Compaction Factor (Shrinkage)
- Fill soil is compacted to increase density
- Typical range: 0.80 to 0.95
- Example: 0.90 means 10% shrinkage
- Loose needed = CCY / Compaction Factor
Depends on soil type and compaction requirements
Important: These factors vary significantly by soil type. Clay has high swell (~1.4), while sand has low swell (~1.1). A geotechnical report can provide accurate values for your specific site.
Typical Factors by Soil Type
| Soil Type | Bulking Factor | Compaction Factor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand / Gravel | 1.10 - 1.15 | 0.90 - 0.95 | Low swell, compacts easily |
| Loam / Topsoil | 1.20 - 1.30 | 0.85 - 0.90 | Average conditions |
| Clay | 1.30 - 1.50 | 0.80 - 0.90 | High swell, moisture sensitive |
| Rock (Blasted) | 1.40 - 1.80 | 0.70 - 0.85 | Very high swell |
Why Mass Balance Matters
Understanding the net balance of cut and fill is crucial for project planning:
- Cost Control: Importing or exporting soil adds significant costs (trucking, disposal fees, material costs)
- Balanced Sites: Ideally, cut material can be reused as fill, minimizing off-site hauling
- Environmental: Less trucking means reduced fuel consumption and emissions
- Schedule: Import/export operations add time to the project timeline
- Permits: Some jurisdictions require soil disposal permits or restrict import sources
Limitations of Simple Calculators
This Calculator is for Planning Only
- Uses simplified average depth assumptions per zone
- Cannot account for irregular surfaces or complex topography
- Bulking and compaction factors vary significantly by actual soil conditions
- Does not consider soil moisture, organic content, or debris
- Import/export costs do not include hauling distance or disposal fees
- Not a substitute for professional engineering or geotechnical analysis
Tips for More Accurate Estimates
- Get a geotechnical report: Professional soil testing provides accurate bulking and compaction factors for your specific site
- Use surveyed data: Topographic surveys give precise existing and proposed elevations
- Break into smaller zones: More zones with different depths improves accuracy over large areas
- Get contractor bids: Experienced earthwork contractors can provide realistic cost estimates
- Plan for contingency: Actual volumes often vary 10-20% from estimates
Frequently Asked Questions
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