Frost & ground/ CALCULATOR

Foundation bearing and excavation elevations

Translate final grade, bearing depth and a working layer into site elevations and excavation depth.

Final adjacent grade elevationmUse the same project datum as every other elevation.

Bearing depth below final grademVertical distance from final grade to the underside bearing surface of the foundation.

Working layer below bearing surfacemmInclude only the approved layer excavated below the structural bearing surface.

Foundation bearing elevation

98.65 m

Planned excavation elevation

98.50 m

Excavation depth below final grade

1.50 m

One final-grade elevation and vertical dimensions at a single point. Existing grade, slopes, steps, over-excavation, replacement fill, tolerances, groundwater, shoring and safe excavation geometry are excluded. A survey control point and approved drawings govern site work.

FROM ESTIMATE TO ACTION

Use the result, not just the number.

Verify the inputs

Measure or document each input. If a value is only an estimate, record its source and test a conservative alternative.

Keep the calculation traceable

Save the input link or copied result together with the date, units and assumptions. A number without its inputs cannot be checked later.

Confirm the decision

Compare the estimate with the related guide, current product data and requirements that apply at your location before buying or building.

Inputs to verify

Final adjacent grade elevation (m): Use the same project datum as every other elevation.
Bearing depth below final grade (m): Vertical distance from final grade to the underside bearing surface of the foundation.
Working layer below bearing surface (mm): Include only the approved layer excavated below the structural bearing surface.

Continue your calculation

Frost & ground

Foundation frost-depth screening comparison

Compare a planned bearing depth with a locally established frost-protection target.