Soil Shrinkage Calculator
Estimate how much a loose soil quantity represents after compaction. Compare compacted volume, volume loss and the loose material needed for a target finished volume.
Soil quantity inputs
Compaction volume result
How soil shrinkage is estimated
If a selected shrinkage percentage is being used as a simple volume model, the compacted quantity is the loose volume reduced by that percentage.
Loose quantity for target = target compacted volume ÷ (1 − shrinkage ÷ 100)
Worked example
600 m³ of loose material with a 15% assumed shrinkage becomes 510 m³ of compacted volume in this simplified model. To obtain 500 m³ compacted, the corresponding loose quantity is about 588.24 m³.
Why terminology matters
Earthwork specifications may use compaction factors, shrinkage factors, densities or measured volume relationships. Do not mix definitions from different project documents.
Why field verification matters
Actual placed volume depends on moisture, material gradation, lift thickness, compaction equipment and achieved density. A percentage calculator is most useful for planning and scenario comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shrinkage reduce volume?
In the simplified model, yes.
Can I calculate material for a target compacted volume?
Yes.
Is shrinkage universal?
No.
Does this replace field testing?
No.