Cut & Fill Calculator
Calculate earthwork cut and fill volumes from cross-sections (average end area). Compare cut and fill in bank m³ using shrinkage, and get import/export in bank and loose m³ for haulage.
Typical: 0.80-0.95. 1 bank m³ of cut gives this many m³ of compacted fill.
Typical: 1.10-1.30. Used for truck (loose) volumes.
Enter cross-section data to calculate cut and fill volumes
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This calculator provides PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES ONLY and is intended for planning and budgeting purposes. Results should NOT be used for final structural design or construction without verification by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
By using this tool, you acknowledge that:
1. All calculations are indicative and may not account for site-specific conditions, load combinations, or local code requirements.
About This Calculator
The Cut & Fill Calculator helps civil engineers and earthworks contractors estimate grading quantities for construction sites across the UAE and Gulf. Enter cut and fill areas at each cross-section station; the calculator uses the average end area method to get cut volume in bank (in-situ) m³ and fill volume in compacted m³. It converts the fill to the bank m³ of soil needed using the shrinkage factor, so cut and fill are compared in the same state, then reports import or export in bank m³ and in loose m³ (using the bulking factor) for truck haulage.
When to Use This Calculator
- Planning site grading for new construction projects
- Estimating earthwork quantities for tender submissions
- Calculating material import/export requirements
- Optimizing cut-fill balance to minimize haulage costs
- Verifying subcontractor earthwork claims
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Cross-Sections
Enter the chainage (station) of each cross-section with its cut area and fill area in m², from your survey or design sections.
Set Shrinkage Factor
Shrinkage = compacted ÷ bank volume (typically 0.80-0.95). It converts compacted fill to the bank m³ of soil needed.
Set Bulking Factor
Bulking = loose ÷ bank volume (typically 1.10-1.30). It converts the import or export to loose m³ for truck haulage.
Review Balance
Get cut (bank m³), fill (compacted m³ and bank m³ needed), the net import or export, and the cumulative mass haul ordinates.
Typical Scenarios in UAE & Gulf Projects
A 100 m road section with cross-sections every 20 m: cut areas 25, 40, 30, 10, 0, 0 m² and fill areas 0, 5, 15, 35, 50, 30 m². The calculator gives 1,850 bank m³ of cut and 2,400 compacted m³ of fill. With a shrinkage factor of 0.85 the fill needs 2,823.5 bank m³, so the cut covers only part of it and 973.5 bank m³ must be imported, which is 1,119.6 loose m³ of haulage at a bulking factor of 1.15. Comparing loose cut with compacted fill instead would understate the import.
A subcontractor claims import quantities measured in trucks (loose m³). Convert them back to bank m³ by dividing by the bulking factor, and compare with the bank m³ shortfall from the calculator, so both are in the same state before certifying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Your Calculations Further
This calculator reflects the logic built into Arkan's construction management platform.
Last Updated: January 2026
Standards Reference: Average end area method; bank/loose/compacted volume conversions per standard earthworks practice