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How to Use the Excavation Cost Calculator
Our excavation cost calculator is designed to help homeowners, contractors, and project managers estimate the volume of earth to be moved and the associated costs. Whether you are digging a swimming pool, a basement, or a foundation for a new shed, knowing your "dirt numbers" is crucial for budgeting.
To use the calculator, simply measure the planned area and follow these steps:
- Length (ft)
- The longest horizontal measurement of the excavation site in feet.
- Width (ft)
- The shorter horizontal measurement of the site in feet.
- Depth (ft)
- How deep you intend to dig. Note: If your depth varies, use the average depth.
- Price per Cubic Yard ($)
- The local rate charged by excavation companies, typically ranging from $30 to $150 depending on soil type and location.
The Excavation Formula
Excavation is calculated by volume, usually in cubic yards. Since most people measure in feet, the excavation cost calculator performs a two-step conversion. First, it finds the cubic feet, then it converts those feet into yards (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
Total Cost = [(Length × Width × Depth) / 27] × Price per Cubic Yard
- Length × Width: Determines the surface area (Square Footage).
- Area × Depth: Determines the volume in cubic feet.
- Divide by 27: Converts feet to yards (the standard unit for soil hauling).
- Multiply by Price: Provides the final monetary estimate.
Calculation Example: Basement Excavation
Scenario: You are digging a hole for a standard basement that is 30 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 8 feet deep. The local contractor charges $60 per cubic yard to dig and haul away the debris.
Step-by-step solution:
- Length = 30, Width = 40, Depth = 8
- Calculate Cubic Feet: 30 × 40 × 8 = 9,600 ft³
- Convert to Cubic Yards: 9,600 / 27 = 355.56 yd³
- Multiply by Price: 355.56 × $60
- Total Estimated Cost = $21,333.60
Factors Influencing Excavation Pricing
Soil Composition
Soft, sandy soil is much easier and cheaper to excavate than rocky terrain or heavy clay. If the operator hits bedrock, the price can double or triple due to the need for specialized hammer equipment.
Accessibility and Equipment
Can a large excavator reach the site? If the project is in a backyard with a narrow gate, the contractor may have to use smaller equipment (skid steers), which takes longer and increases labor costs.
Hauling and Disposal
The "dirt" doesn't just disappear. The excavation cost calculator helps you find the volume, but remember that soil "fluffs" once dug (increasing in volume by 20-30%). Ensure your price per yard includes haul-away fees and dump site charges.
Common Questions
How much does it cost to dig a pool?
On average, pool excavation costs between $2,500 and $6,000. For a standard 15×30 pool at 5ft depth, you would be looking at roughly 83 cubic yards of material.
Why is 27 used in the formula?
A cubic yard is a cube that is 3 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. Since 3 x 3 x 3 = 27, there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. All commercial soil and gravel sales are conducted using cubic yards.
Does the calculator account for "Swell"?
No, this calculator provides the "bank volume" (the volume of the hole). When soil is excavated, it loosens and expands. Contractors often add a 20% "swell factor" when estimating how many trucks they need for hauling.