Free Project Planning Tool
Groundworks Cost & Quantity Calculator
Estimate excavation volume, loose material, soil tonnage, muck-away loads, concrete volume, and an editable budget using your own unit rates.
How the calculator works
Excavation volume is length × width × average depth. Loose volume applies the editable bulking factor. Estimated tonnes use the in-situ volume and editable density because bulking changes volume, not mass. Loads divide tonnes by payload and round up.
Concrete volume is length × width × depth plus the selected allowance. Measure complex shapes as separate simple volumes. The optional budget multiplies the calculated quantities by rates you provide; it does not supply or recommend market rates.
Use the result with the bulk excavation and muck-away guide, groundworks planning checklist, and relevant service page.
FAQs
Useful answers before you call.
Is this a groundworks quotation?
No. It is an early planning tool. Actual prices depend on drawings, ground conditions, access, material classification, haulage, concrete specification, labour, plant, risk, and programme.
Why can I edit the unit rates?
Rates vary by project and market. Editable fields let you test your own budget assumptions without presenting generic rates as a contractor quotation.
How are muck-away loads estimated?
The tool multiplies in-situ volume by an editable soil-density assumption, then divides estimated tonnes by the selected vehicle payload and rounds up.
What information is needed for an accurate quote?
Current drawings, levels, ground and drainage information, access photographs, site address, material details, and programme are useful starting points.
Need the assumptions checked?
Send the site address, drawings, access information, and calculator results to LG Groundworks for a project-specific review.