Excavation Cost Calculator
An excavation cost calculator estimates the price of digging out material by calculating the dig volume in cubic yards and multiplying by your price per cubic yard for excavation and hauling. Enter your dig dimensions and price per cubic yard below for an estimate, including the soil swell for hauling.
cost = loose (swelled) yards x user price per yard for haul-away.
Enter the dimensions or cubic yards to estimate the cost.
Estimate only. Prices vary by region, supplier, material grade and labor. Enter your own local price; this site never quotes prices.
How Much Does Excavation Cost?
Excavation cost is the dig volume in cubic yards times your price per cubic yard, which covers digging, loading and hauling the material away. Remember that excavated soil swells, so the hauled volume exceeds the in-ground figure, and pricing often follows the loose volume. Access, soil type, rock and disposal fees all affect the rate. The calculator estimates from your price per yard and accounts for swell in the haul volume.
What Affects Excavation Pricing?
Excavation pricing depends on the volume, the soil type (clay, rock and wet soil cost more), site access for machinery, the haul distance to disposal, and any disposal fees at the destination. Rock or a high water table can raise costs sharply. The calculator estimates the volume-based figure from your price per yard; get a site-specific quote when conditions are difficult, since they drive the real rate.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does excavation cost?
- It is the dig volume in cubic yards times your price per cubic yard for digging and hauling. Soil swells, so the hauled volume is larger. Enter your local price.
- What affects excavation pricing?
- Volume, soil type (rock and wet soil cost more), site access, haul distance and disposal fees. Difficult conditions raise the rate sharply.