How to Calculate the Amount of Fill for a Trench

Measure the length of the trench. Lay a tape measure along the ground adjacent to the trench or along the base of the trench if that is flatter. Record the length. Repeat the measurement and if it differs from the first result, continue to repeat the measurement until two results match. Leave the tape measure lying beside the trench.

Measure the width and depth of the trench at equally spaced intervals along its length. Refer to the tape lying beside the trench to establish the distance between measurements. For example, in a 12-foot-long trench, you may choose to record the dimensions every 3 feet, at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 feet markings along the tape. Record each measurement as you make it.

Calculate the average width by adding the individual measurements together and dividing the total by the number of measurements taken. For example with measurements of 2.0, 2.5, 2.0, 3.0 and 2.0 feet, the average would by (2.0+2.5+2.0+3.0+2.0) / 5, or 2.3 feet. Establish the average depth using the same process.

Determine the volume of the trench by using the formula: Volume = Width x Length x Depth. As an example, a trench 12 feet long with an average width of 2.3 feet and an average depth of 5 feet has a volume of (12 x 2.3 x 5) cubic feet.

Convert the volume in cubic feet to cubic yards. Soil, concrete and other fill materials are usually sold by the cubic yard. There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard, so divide the value in cubic feet by 27 to convert to cubic yards.