Bank volume
The geometric volume occupied by soil before it is disturbed: footprint × total layer depth.
Dig-plan arithmetic
Paver Excavation Calculator
Add the layers below finished grade, calculate in-place excavation volume, then apply an editable soil-swell allowance for preliminary hauling conversations.
Excavation takeoff
192 sq ft footprint
Total layer depth7.4 in
Bank volume in place4.37 yd³
Loose volume after digging5.24 yd³
Planning assumption20% swell allowance
Uniform-volume estimate only. Confirm finish elevations, slope, edge extension, utilities, soil behavior, haul capacity and disposal rules before digging.
Read the result correctly
Excavation volume is not material order volume.
Excavation removes the full stack. Base and sand orders use separate compaction, waste and density assumptions.
Loose volume
An editable expansion estimate for removed soil. Actual behavior depends on soil type, moisture and handling.
Material volume
Use the paver base calculator for gravel and sand quantities. Do not order base from the excavation result.
Workflow
Before the excavator arrives
- Establish finish elevation and drainage direction.
- Confirm utilities and required local locate procedures.
- Decide whether the structural base extends beyond the visible paver edge.
- Separate reusable topsoil from unsuitable excavated material.
- Confirm truck, trailer or container volume and legal payload separately.
- Check disposal rules and access before moving soil.
Need a starting base depth?
Use the base depth guide, then verify the section for soil, drainage, freezing and traffic.
FAQ
Excavation questions
How deep should I excavate for pavers?
Add the planned compacted base, bedding course, paver thickness and any specified correction depth. Real grading and drainage may produce a nonuniform excavation.
Why show bank and loose volumes?
Soil often occupies more volume after digging. Keeping both values visible prevents the in-place cut volume from being confused with a hauling estimate.
Does this include gravel compaction?
No. Excavation depth uses compacted layer thicknesses. Use the main material calculator to add a loose-order allowance to base gravel.