Excavation Cost Calculator
Budget a dig-out job by cubic yard of haul-off plus machine labor per square foot — and call 811 before you break ground.
How this calculator works
This estimates a rough dig-out budget: cubic yards of soil removed (from the standard volume formula) times a per-cubic-yard haul-off/disposal price, plus machine labor (dig footprint area times a per-square-foot rate).
Formula: Cubic yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27. Total cost = (Cubic yards × Price/yd³) + (Area sq ft × Labor rate/sq ft).
Worked example
A 30 ft × 20 ft (600 sq ft) dig area at 18 inches, $25/yd³ haul-off, $2/sq ft machine labor:
- Depth in feet: 18 ÷ 12 = 1.5 ft
- Cubic yards: (30 × 20 × 1.5) ÷ 27 ≈ 33.3333 → 33.33 yd³
- Material (haul-off) cost: 33.3333 × $25 ≈ $833.33
- Labor cost: 600 × $2 = $1,200.00
- Total estimated cost: $2,033.33
Cost reference (at default rates)
| Dig area | Estimated total cost |
|---|---|
| 15 ft × 10 ft | ~$508 |
| 30 ft × 20 ft | ~$2,033 |
| 60 ft × 40 ft | ~$8,133 |
How to measure your area
Measure the footprint of the planned dig in feet and use the total depth you need to reach, not the depth of any single lift or pass — excavators typically work in lifts, but you’re budgeting the full cut. Confirm your utility locate is complete and marked before finalizing any dig plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to call 811 before excavating?
Yes, always — call 811 (the US national call-before-you-dig number) at least a few business days before any excavation, regardless of depth. Utility companies will mark buried gas, electric, water, and communication lines on your property for free, and skipping this step risks serious injury, utility outages, and liability.
What does the price field represent for excavation?
Unlike the gravel or sand calculators, this price is per cubic yard of soil hauled off-site (disposal/tipping cost), not a delivered material price — you're paying to remove volume, not bring it in. Adjust it to match local dump fees and hauling distance.
What does the labor rate cover?
The labor rate represents machine time (excavator/skid steer plus operator) per square foot of the dig footprint, not hand labor. Rocky, clay-heavy, or high-water-table soil can slow machine progress significantly and push real costs above this flat-rate estimate.
What's excluded from this estimate?
Backfill material, compaction, silt fencing or erosion control, and hauling-distance surcharges for the disposal site aren't included. This is a rough dig-and-remove budget only.
What projects typically need this kind of excavation estimate?
Basement or foundation digouts, in-ground pool excavation, utility trenching, and pond or retaining-wall footing digs are common uses. Pair this with the Concrete Foundation Cost Calculator or Fill Dirt Calculator if your project also needs a foundation pour or backfill afterward.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.