Earthwork Volume (Average End Area) Calculator

Work out earthwork volume (average end area) instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Earthwork Volume (Average End Area) Calculator

Average end areas multiplies the mean of two cross-sections by the distance between them, which is quick and is the method most contracts specify for payment. The prismoidal formula uses the mid section as well, L/6 x (A1 + 4Am + A2), and is more accurate wherever the section changes non-linearly along the chainage.

Formulas

Average end areas

V = (A1 + A2) / 2 x L

Prismoidal

V = L/6 x (A1 + 4 Am + A2)

Worked example

With the default values below, Earthwork Volume (Average End Area) Calculator returns Volume by average end areas of 450.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Area at the first sectionminimum 0 m²: 12 m²
Area at the mid sectionminimum 0 m²: 15 m²
Area at the second sectionminimum 0 m²: 18 m²
Distance between the end sectionsminimum 0.1 m: 30 m

Results

Volume by average end areas: 450.00 m³
Volume by the prismoidal formula: 450.00 m³
Prismoidal correction: 0.00 m³
Average of the end areas: 15.000 m²

Step by step

1Values used
2Average end areas
3Prismoidal
4Volume by average end areas= 450.00 m³
5Volume by the prismoidal formula= 450.00 m³
6Prismoidal correction= 0.00 m³
7Average of the end areas= 15.000 m²

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 3 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 Earthwork Volume (Average End Area) figure worked out?

V = (A1 + A2) / 2 x L. Average end areas multiplies the mean of two cross-sections by the distance between them, which is quick and is the method most contracts specify for payment.

Why do contracts specify the less accurate method?

Because it is simpler, reproducible and does not require mid sections to be surveyed. The bias is systematic and is absorbed into the tendered rate.

What values do I need to enter?

This calculator takes 4 inputs: Area at the first section, Area at the mid section, Area at the second section, Distance between the end sections. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.