Cut & fill volumes
Volumes between the existing surface and design subgrade (finished levels less pavement, slab or topsoil depths), split by area, lot or stage.
Earthworks Estimating
Earthworks Estimating Services
Cut and fill, excavation, backfill and bulk earthworks quantities calculated from your design levels and survey information — with methods and assumptions clearly documented.
Illustrative site · sample figures
Cut777m³
Fill743m³
Net export34m³
Pad level100.20RL
How we measure earthworks
See an Earthworks Takeoff in 3D
Existing and design levels are compared at every point of a survey grid, the topsoil strip is measured, then cut and fill are calculated cell by cell — with bulking and compaction applied to give the site balance.
- The survey is read onto a 5 m grid across the site, with an existing level taken at every grid point.
- The building platform is set at subgrade RL 100.00, with batters at 1:1.5 in cut and 1:2 in fill tying back into natural ground.
- Topsoil is stripped 150 mm deep over the whole works area and measured to stockpile for reuse.
- Cut depth is read at every grid point and averaged over each 5 m cell, with the cut batter added by end areas.
- Fill is measured the same way up to the platform and fill batter, placed and compacted in 300 mm layers.
- Cut is reused as fill after compaction and the surplus is bulked for export, so the site balance is ready to price.
| Item | Qty | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Site area 45 × 20 m · 5 m grid | 900 | m² |
| Building platform RL 100.00 subgrade | 700 | m² |
| Topsoil strip 150 mm to stockpile | 135 | m³ |
| Cut to platform bank, incl. batter | 472 | m³ |
| Fill to platform compacted, incl. batter | 283 | m³ |
| Batters trim & topsoil | 169 | m² |
| Cut reused as fill ÷ 0.90 compaction | 314 | m³ |
| Export surplus × 1.25 bulking, loose | 198 | m³ |
| Delivered as an Excel cut/fill report with a marked-up grid plan | ||
Illustrative building platform — sample figures, not a quotation.
Scope
What’s Included
The scope is confirmed with you before work starts, including the calculation method, strip depths and factors, so you know exactly what will be measured and priced.
Excavation
Bulk excavation, including basements, and detailed excavation for footings and pits, with batters and working space where they add volume.
Topsoil
Strip depth over the site area, stockpile volumes and respread to landscaped areas.
Trenching
Service trenches by depth band, with bedding, pipe surround and backfill measured from the trench details.
Import & export
Surplus spoil to export and fill to import, after reuse of suitable site-won material.
Factors
Bulking and compaction factors, taken from your geotechnical report or instructions and stated as assumptions.
Method
How Volumes Are Calculated
The method depends on the information supplied. It is agreed at scope review and stated in the deliverable, so every volume can be traced back to the surfaces and levels used.
Surface to surface
The existing and design surfaces are built as triangulated models from LandXML, CAD or surveyed levels and compared across the site. Best suited to bulk earthworks, building pads and subdivisions.
Cross-sections
Cut and fill areas are measured on sections at set chainages and averaged between them (average end area). Suited to roads, channels, embankments and other linear works.
Grid levels
Existing and design levels are compared at each point of a regular grid, and the cut or fill depth is averaged over each cell. Used where only spot levels or a level survey are available.
Deliverables
What You Receive
- 01
Cut/fill summary with cut, fill and net volumes by area or stage
- 02
Site balance showing reuse, import and export, with bulking and compaction applied
- 03
Excavation, trench and backfill schedules in formula-linked Excel
- 04
Marked-up PDF plans showing the areas, boundaries and sections measured
- 05
Method and assumption notes: surfaces used, strip depths, factors and exclusions
- 06
Cost estimate with plant, labour and material breakdown (when pricing is requested)
Ideal for
Who It’s For
- Earthworks contractors
- Civil contractors
- Developers and subdivision projects
- Site preparation packages
Dedicated estimator available
Need earthworks estimating every week? Get your own dedicated estimator.
Quantifying cut, fill and excavation on a regular basis? Add a dedicated estimator to your team who prepares earthworks quantities and estimates your way, project after project.
- The same estimator on every project
- Works in your templates and formats
- Learns your rates, trades and standards
- Support arranged around your pipeline
How it works
Simple From Start to Finish
Send drawings
Share drawings, scope and deadline.
Scope review
We confirm deliverables and timeframe.
Takeoff & estimate
Quantities measured and organised.
Review & delivery
Checked, then delivered in your format.
Typically an existing surface (survey as LandXML, DWG/DXF or a PDF with spot levels and contours), the design levels or design surface, pavement and slab build-ups, typical sections and, where available, the geotechnical report for strip depths and material reuse. We confirm what is needed once we see the project.
Yes. Volumes are first reported in their in-situ (bank) state. Bulking and compaction factors are then applied as separate lines, so you can see their effect on the site balance and haulage quantities. Factors come from your geotechnical report or instructions and are stated as assumptions.
Yes. Trenches are measured from services layouts, long sections and trench details — excavation by depth band, with bedding, pipe surround and backfill calculated separately.
Standard estimates are typically delivered within 48 hours. Large sites, long road corridors and staged subdivisions take longer. We confirm the delivery date after reviewing your drawings and survey, before work begins.
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Learn moreGet support with earthworks estimating
Send your drawings and scope. We will review the project and confirm deliverables and timing before any work begins.