Result = $
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Result = $
Length × Width × Depth
'+l+' × '+w+' × '+d+' = '+cuft.toFixed(2)+' ft³
';resultHtml+='Step 2: Convert to Cubic Yards
Total ft³ / 27 (since there are 27 ft³ in 1 yd³)
'+cuft.toFixed(2)+' / 27 = '+cuyd.toFixed(2)+' yd³
';resultHtml+='Step 3: Calculate Total Cost
Cubic Yards × Cost per Yard
'+cuyd.toFixed(2)+' × $'+p.toFixed(2)+' = $'+total.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2,maximumFractionDigits:2});resultHtml+='
Calculator Use
This excavation cost calculator is designed to provide quick and accurate estimates for earthwork projects. Whether you are digging a foundation for a new home, installing a swimming pool, or grading a driveway, knowing the volume of material to be moved is critical for budgeting.
To use the tool, simply enter the dimensions of the area you intend to excavate and the local rate per cubic yard charged by contractors in your area.
- Length (Feet)
- The longest horizontal measurement of the excavation site.
- Width (Feet)
- The shorter horizontal measurement perpendicular to the length.
- Depth (Feet)
- The vertical distance from the ground surface to the bottom of the pit. For varying depths, use the average depth.
- Cost per Cubic Yard
- The dollar amount charged for excavating and moving one cubic yard of material (typically ranges from $30 to $100 depending on soil type).
How It Works
The calculation relies on geometric volume formulas converted into standard construction units. In the United States, excavation is almost always billed by the cubic yard (yd³) rather than cubic feet.
Total Cost = [(Length × Width × Depth) / 27] × Price per Yard
- Volume in Cubic Feet: Calculated by multiplying the three linear dimensions.
- Conversion Factor: There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3ft × 3ft × 3ft). We divide the total cubic feet by 27 to get the yardage.
- Swell Factor: Note that soil "swells" when dug up (increases in volume). While this calculator uses bank volume (the hole size), contractors often factor in a 15-25% swell for haul-away costs.
Calculation Example
Example: You are excavating a space for a standard in-ground swimming pool that is 30 feet long, 15 feet wide, and has an average depth of 5 feet. Your contractor quotes $60 per cubic yard for removal.
Step-by-step solution:
- Length = 30 ft, Width = 15 ft, Depth = 5 ft
- Calculate Cubic Feet: 30 × 15 × 5 = 2,250 ft³
- Convert to Cubic Yards: 2,250 / 27 = 83.33 yd³
- Apply Cost: 83.33 × $60 = $4,999.80
- Final Result: The estimated excavation cost is approximately $5,000.
Common Questions
What is the average excavation cost per yard?
Nationwide, costs generally range between $30 and $150 per cubic yard. Sandy or soft soil is cheaper to move, while rocky terrain or hard clay requires specialized machinery and more time, driving the price toward the higher end.
Does this include hauling and dumping?
Most excavation cost calculator results assume the "dig and dump" model. However, you should clarify if dump fees (tipping fees) are included in your contractor's per-yard rate, as these can add $200 to $1,000 per load depending on local regulations.
How do I calculate for irregular shapes?
If your site is not a perfect rectangle, the best method is to divide the area into smaller rectangles, calculate the volume for each, and sum them together. Alternatively, for circles, use (π × Radius² × Depth) / 27.