Quantity reference
Excavation Bank vs Loose Volume Reference
Earthwork quantities use different volume states: in-place bank, excavated loose and compacted fill. Swell and shrink depend on measured soil behavior.
| Volume state | Definition | Planning relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Soil in place before excavation | Base surveyed or measured volume |
| Loose | Material after excavation | Bank volume × (1 + swell ratio) |
| Compacted | Placed and compacted material | Requires project-specific density/compaction data |
| Truckloads | Loose volume ÷ usable truck capacity | Round up; verify legal payload limits |
Before using these quantities in a bid
- Do not apply a universal swell factor across all soils.
- Truck maximum weight may be limiting before bed volume is full.
- Complex grading and haul analysis belongs to the paid trade workflow.
Reference values are nominal or mathematical planning aids unless otherwise stated. Confirm actual product data, approved drawings, applicable requirements, jobsite conditions, and supplier information. These pages contain no live price feed and do not replace professional judgment.
Turn your reference check into a better estimate
Use the related free calculator for one-off math, or explore the professional trade estimating workflow for plan-based quantities, materials and labor.