Dirt Removal Cost Calculator

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dirt removal cost calculator
Calculate by Dimensions (L x W x D)Calculate by Truckloads/Units
Answer:
Total Volume: 0 Cubic Yards
Total Estimated Cost: $0.00
function toggleInputs(){var mode=document.getElementById('given_data').value;var lRow=document.getElementById('row_length');var wRow=document.getElementById('row_width');var dRow=document.getElementById('row_depth');var qRow=document.getElementById('row_quantity');if(mode==='volume'){lRow.style.display='table-row';wRow.style.display='table-row';dRow.style.display='table-row';qRow.style.display='none';}else{lRow.style.display='none';wRow.style.display='none';dRow.style.display='none';qRow.style.display='table-row';}}function resetCalc(){document.getElementById('answer').style.display='none';document.getElementById('stepDetails').style.display='none';}function calculateDirtCost(){var mode=document.getElementById('given_data').value;var rate=parseFloat(document.getElementById('rate').value);var showSteps=document.getElementById('steps').checked;var stepDiv=document.getElementById('stepDetails');var vol=0;var totalCost=0;var stepsHtml=";if(isNaN(rate)){alert('Please enter a valid rate per unit.');return;}if(mode==='volume'){var l=parseFloat(document.getElementById('length').value);var w=parseFloat(document.getElementById('width').value);var d=parseFloat(document.getElementById('depth').value);if(isNaN(l)||isNaN(w)||isNaN(d)){alert('Please enter length, width, and depth.');return;}var cubicFeet=l*w*d;vol=cubicFeet/27;totalCost=vol*rate;if(showSteps){stepsHtml='Steps:
1. Calculate Cubic Feet: '+l+' × '+w+' × '+d+' = '+cubicFeet.toFixed(2)+' ft³
2. Convert to Cubic Yards: '+cubicFeet.toFixed(2)+' / 27 = '+vol.toFixed(2)+' yd³
3. Multiply by Rate: '+vol.toFixed(2)+' × $'+rate.toFixed(2)+' = $'+totalCost.toFixed(2);}}else{var qty=parseFloat(document.getElementById('units').value);if(isNaN(qty)){alert('Please enter the number of units.');return;}vol=qty;totalCost=qty*rate;if(showSteps){stepsHtml='Steps:
1. Multiply Quantity by Rate: '+qty+' × $'+rate.toFixed(2)+' = $'+totalCost.toFixed(2);}}document.getElementById('resVol').innerHTML=vol.toFixed(2);document.getElementById('resCost').innerHTML='$'+totalCost.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2,maximumFractionDigits:2});if(showSteps){stepDiv.innerHTML=stepsHtml;stepDiv.style.display='block';}else{stepDiv.style.display='none';}document.getElementById('answer').style.display='block';}

How to Use the Dirt Removal Cost Calculator

Estimating the expense of clearing debris or excess soil is vital for landscaping, pool construction, or foundation work. This dirt removal cost calculator helps you estimate expenses based on volume or flat quantities.

Calculation Mode
Select "By Dimensions" if you are excavating a hole and need to find the volume. Select "By Quantity" if you already know how many truckloads or cubic yards you have.
Dimensions (L, W, D)
Enter the length, width, and depth of the area in feet. For shallow areas, remember that 6 inches is 0.5 feet.
Cost per Unit
The local rate for hauling dirt away. This usually ranges from $15 to $50 per cubic yard depending on the material type.

How It Works: The Dirt Removal Formula

To find the cost, we first determine the volume of the material in cubic yards. Because most excavation measurements are taken in feet, we use the following conversion:

Total Cost = [(Length × Width × Depth) / 27] × Rate per Cubic Yard

  • 27: This is the number of cubic feet in one cubic yard.
  • Depth: Must be in feet. If you have inches, divide by 12 (e.g., 4″ / 12 = 0.33 ft).
  • Swell Factor: Note that "fluffed" dirt (dirt that has been dug up) takes up 1.2 to 1.3 times more space than compact dirt.

Calculation Example

Scenario: You are digging a small garden pond that is 10 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 3 feet deep. Your local hauler charges $30 per cubic yard to remove clean fill.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Calculate Cubic Feet: 10 × 10 × 3 = 300 ft³
  2. Convert to Cubic Yards: 300 / 27 = 11.11 yd³
  3. Multiply by Rate: 11.11 × $30 = $333.30
  4. Final Result: The estimated dirt removal cost is $333.30.

Common Factors Influencing Costs

1. Type of Dirt

"Clean fill" (just dirt, no rocks or roots) is the cheapest to remove. If the dirt is mixed with concrete, heavy rocks, or organic debris (roots/stumps), many facilities charge significantly more for sorting and processing.

2. Accessibility

If a dump truck can drive right up to the pile, the cost is lower. If a contractor has to use a Bobcat or wheelbarrow to move dirt from a backyard to the street, labor costs will increase the total price significantly.

3. Distance to Landfill

Hauling fees often include a "per mile" component. If your site is far from a legal dumping facility or a recycling center, expect to pay a premium for the driver's time and fuel.

4. Equipment Rental

While this dirt removal cost calculator focuses on the hauling fee, don't forget the cost of excavating. Renting a mini-excavator can add $200-$500 per day to your project budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a standard truckload size?

A standard tandem dump truck typically holds 10 to 12 cubic yards of dirt. Smaller "short" trucks may only hold 5 to 7 yards, while large end-dumps can hold up to 25 yards.

Is dirt removal more expensive than delivery?

Generally, yes. When you buy dirt, you pay for the material and delivery. When you remove it, you pay for the labor to load it, the hauling, and the "tipping fees" at the dump site. Tipping fees can be the most expensive part of the process.

How do I save money on dirt removal?

Try listing the dirt for free on local marketplaces (like Craigslist or Facebook) as "Clean Fill." Often, people building up their yards or filling holes will come and take it for free, saving you the hauling and dump fees entirely.

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