Berm Volume Calculator

Last updated: 05 Jul 2025 | Author: Brij | Review By: Irshad

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Estimate earthwork volume using top width, bottom width, height, length, or slope ratio. Accurate for both trapezoidal and triangular berms.

Calculation Method:

Width Dimensions Slope Ratio

Berm Length:

Berm Height:

Top Width:

Bottom Width:

Volume Calculation Results

Volume in Cubic Feet:

ft³

Volume in Cubic Meters:

m³

If you’re designing or estimating materials for landscaping, drainage, or earthwork construction, calculating berm volume accurately is essential. A berm is a raised strip of land that can be flat-topped or triangular and often includes sloped sides.

This guide explains how to calculate berm volume in two ways, depending on what information you have:

Top Width + Bottom Width (Trapezoidal Cross-Section)
Bottom Width + Slope Ratio (Triangular or Trapezoidal)

Let’s go through both, step by step.

1. Berm Volume Using Top Width & Bottom Width

This is the most accurate method if your berm has both a flat top and a flat bottom (trapezoidal shape).

Formula:

$\text{Volume} = \text{Length} \times \left( \frac{\text{Top Width} + \text{Bottom Width}}{2} \right) \times \text{Height}$

2. Berm Volume Using Bottom Width & Side Slope Ratio

If you only know the bottom width and the slope, you can calculate volume by estimating the top width from the slope.

Step 1: Calculate Top Width

$\text{Top Width} = \text{Bottom Width} - 2 \times (\text{Height} \times \text{Slope Ratio})$

Note: If this results in a negative top width, the berm is actually triangular (pointed top). Use the triangular formula instead.

3. Berm Volume with Triangular Cross-Section (Top Width = 0)

This formula applies when the berm comes to a point (top width = 0):

Formula:

$\text{Volume} = \text{Length} \times \left( \frac{\text{Bottom Width}}{2} \right) \times \text{Height}$

4. Example Calculation

Let’s walk through a real example:

Length = 60 ft
Top Width = 4 ft
Bottom Width = 12 ft
Height = 3 ft

Step 1: Use the trapezoidal volume formula

$\text{Volume} = 60 \times \left( \frac{4 + 12}{2} \right) \times 3 = 60 \times 8 \times 3 = 1440 \text{ cubic feet}$

5. Notes for Practical Use

If you input only Bottom Width and Slope Ratio, the calculator will estimate the Top Width and apply the correct formula.
If Top Width = 0, the calculator automatically uses the triangular volume formula.
If you have both Top and Bottom Widths, slope isn’t needed.

Tips for Best Accuracy

Always keep units consistent (feet or meters).
Use decimal format (e.g., 2.5 for 2½).
Use a slope ratio in H:V format (e.g., 2 means 2H:1V).

Final Thoughts

This berm volume calculator is built to handle real-world scenarios—whether you know both top and bottom widths or only the base and slope. With flexible inputs and automatic shape detection (triangular or trapezoidal), it’s an easy tool for landscapers, engineers, and builders.

Check out 1 similar Berm Volume Calculator :

Berm Volume Calculator

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