Calculate excavator productivity, excavation volume, or time from any 2 inputs with unit options in ft³, m³, yd³, minutes, or hours.
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Excavator Productivity Formula
The basic excavator productivity relationship is volume divided by time. Choose the result to solve for, then enter the two displayed inputs and select a result unit.
- P = excavator productivity, usually in ft³/min, ft³/hr, m³/hr, or yd³/hr
- V = total volume of excavation
- T = total time
- V = total volume of excavation
- P = excavator productivity
- T = total time
- T = total time
- V = total volume of excavation
- P = excavator productivity
The calculator converts to cubic meters and hours, applies the formula, then converts to your selected result unit. It uses exact international-length definitions: 1 ft³ = 0.028316846592 m³, 1 yd³ = 0.764554857984 m³, and 1 hr = 60 min. Thus 1 m³ ≈ 35.3147 ft³.
Excavation Productivity Unit Conversions
Use these conversions to check the units used in the calculation.
| Quantity | Conversion | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic meters to cubic feet | 1 m³ ≈ 35.3147 ft³ | Metric volume inputs |
| Cubic yards to cubic feet | 1 yd³ = 27 ft³ | Common earthwork volume inputs |
| Hours to minutes | 1 hr = 60 min | Time and hourly productivity |
Illustrative Productivity Scenarios
Actual productivity depends on equipment, material, cycle time and delays. The numbers below are illustrative inputs, not verified equipment ratings or generally applicable production ranges. Use a measured or independently justified average for your job.
| Work condition | Illustrative input | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small trenching or confined work | 20 to 60 yd³/hr | Lower output due to limited space and slower cycles |
| General excavation in workable soil | 60 to 150 yd³/hr | Illustrative assumption; verify the rate for your equipment and site |
| Bulk excavation with good loading conditions | 150 to 300+ yd³/hr | Requires efficient cycles, suitable equipment, and minimal delays |
Example Calculations
Example 1: Calculate excavator productivity
You excavate 540 cubic yards in 6 hours. Find the productivity in cubic yards per hour.
The excavator productivity is 90 yd³/hr.
Example 2: Calculate total time
You need to excavate 1,200 cubic yards, and the excavator averages 100 cubic yards per hour.
The total excavation time is 12 hours.
FAQs
What does excavator productivity mean?
Excavator productivity is the amount of material an excavator moves in a given amount of time. It is commonly shown as cubic yards per hour, cubic meters per hour, cubic feet per hour, or similar volume-per-time units.
Why is actual productivity different from the calculated result?
The formula uses average output over time. Real jobsite productivity can change because of soil type, bucket fill factor, cycle time, operator efficiency, machine size, trench depth, swing angle, truck availability, and delays. For planning, use realistic average values rather than peak production rates.
Should loose or compacted volume be used?
Use the volume basis that matches your estimate. Excavation quantities may be measured as bank, loose, or compacted volume. Do not mix them without applying the proper swell or shrink factor, because the same soil can occupy different volumes depending on its condition.
