Junk Volume & Truck Load Calculator
Estimate the total volume of your junk items and determine how many truck loads are required to haul everything away.
Formulas Used
Item Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Height (ft) × Quantity
Total Raw Volume = Σ (all item volumes)
Usable Truck Capacity = Truck Capacity (cu ft) × Packing Efficiency (%)
Truck Loads Needed = ⌈ Total Raw Volume ÷ Usable Truck Capacity ⌉ (ceiling — always round up)
Estimated Cost = Truck Loads Needed × Cost per Load
Cubic Yards = Total Raw Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27
Assumptions & References
- Item dimensions are entered in feet; volume is computed in cubic feet.
- Packing efficiency accounts for irregular shapes, air gaps, and safe stacking limits. Loose/irregular items (furniture, appliances) typically achieve 70%; compact, stackable items can reach 90%.
- Standard junk-removal truck capacities are based on industry-common sizes: a full junk truck holds approximately 864 cu ft (equivalent to ~6 standard pickup-truck loads).
- Truck loads are always rounded up (ceiling function) because a partial load still requires a full trip.
- Cost estimates are user-supplied and do not include fuel surcharges, disposal fees, labor, or taxes — contact your hauler for an exact quote.
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet (used for dumpster/landfill comparisons).
- References: EPA guidelines on bulky waste disposal; NWRA (National Waste & Recycling Association) industry volume standards.
Formulas Used
Item Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Height (ft) × Quantity
Total Raw Volume = Σ (all item volumes)
Usable Truck Capacity = Truck Capacity (cu ft) × Packing Efficiency (%)
Truck Loads Needed = ⌈ Total Raw Volume ÷ Usable Truck Capacity ⌉ (ceiling — always round up)
Estimated Cost = Truck Loads Needed × Cost per Load
Cubic Yards = Total Raw Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27