Cut And Fill Volume Calculator

Work out cut and fill volume instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Cut And Fill Volume Calculator

The average end area method gives volume between two surveyed cross-sections as the mean of the two areas times the distance between them. Comparing the cut so obtained with the fill needed over the same length shows whether the earthworks balance or whether material must be imported or carted away, which is usually the largest single cost in a road contract.

Formulas

Average end area

V = (A1 + A2) / 2 x distance

Balance

Net = cut volume - fill volume

Worked example

With the default values below, Cut And Fill Volume Calculator returns Cut volume of 300.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Cut cross-section at first stationminimum 0 m²: 12 m²
Cut cross-section at second stationminimum 0 m²: 18 m²
Distance between stationsminimum 0.1 m: 20 m
Fill required over the same lengthminimum 0 m³: 250 m³

Results

Cut volume: 300.00 m³
Net cut minus fill: 50.00 m³
Material to import or export: 50.00 m³
Earthwork balance: Surplus cut — material must be exported or stockpiled

Step by step

1Values used
2Average end area
3Balance
4Cut volume= 300.00 m³
5Net cut minus fill= 50.00 m³
6Material to import or export= 50.00 m³
7Earthwork balance= Surplus cut — material must be exported or stockpiled

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Cut And Fill Volume figure worked out?

V = (A1 + A2) / 2 x distance. The average end area method gives volume between two surveyed cross-sections as the mean of the two areas times the distance between them.

Is the prismoidal formula more accurate?

Yes, where the section changes shape quickly. Average end area always over-estimates slightly on a transition; the prismoidal correction removes that bias.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 4 inputs: Cut cross-section at first station, Cut cross-section at second station, Distance between stations, Fill required over the same length. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.