Trapezoidal Prism & Trench Calculator
Calculate volume of drainage swales, farm troughs, trenches, and canals. Enter your measurements below to calculate instant, accurate volume in gallons, liters, cubic feet, or cubic meters.
Enter Dimensions
Measure your trapezoidal prism / trench / trough and select units for each measurement
How to Calculate Trapezoidal Prism / Trench / Trough Volume
Understand the mathematical formula and measurement method
Where a = top width, b = bottom width, h = depth, and l = length.
Calculation Steps
- 1Measure top width (a), bottom width (b), depth / height (h), and total trench length (l).
- 2Calculate trapezoidal cross-section area: A_cross = (a + b) / 2 × h.
- 3Multiply by length: Volume = A_cross × l.
Practical Everyday Uses for Trapezoidal Prism / Trench / Trough
Where this 3D calculation is applied in construction, shipping, and daily projects
Excavation & Drainage Trenches
Calculate cubic yards of dirt removed during ditch digging or gravel backfill required.
Agricultural Water Troughs
Determine total water holding capacity for cattle and sheep troughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common measurement questions for trapezoidal prism / trench / trough volume
How do you calculate volume of an excavation trench?▼
Average the top width and bottom width: (a + b) / 2, multiply by depth, then multiply by trench length.
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