How much does excavation cost per cubic yard?

Excavation costs $50-$200 per cubic yard depending on soil conditions, depth, and access. Simple topsoil removal runs $50-$75/cu yd, while rocky or clay soils can exceed $150/cu yd. Hauling and disposal add $20-$40 per cubic yard. Our calculator factors in soil type and disposal costs.

How do I calculate cubic yards of dirt to remove?

Multiply length x width x depth (all in feet), then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. For example, a 20x30 foot area dug 3 feet deep = 1,800 cu ft / 27 = 66.7 cubic yards. Remember that soil expands 20-30% when excavated (swell factor).

Do I need a permit for excavation?

Most jurisdictions require permits for excavation deeper than 4-5 feet or near property lines. Foundation excavation always requires permits and inspections. Call 811 at least 48 hours before digging to locate underground utilities - it is free and required by law.

Excavation Calculator

Calculate excavation costs and soil removal requirements. Get accurate estimates for digging, hauling, and disposal based on soil type and project size.

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Typical Excavation Costs by Soil Type

Soil Type	$/Cubic Yard	Expansion Factor	Difficulty
Normal Soil (topsoil/loam)	$50 – $100	1.25×	Standard
Sandy Soil	$45 – $85	1.15×	Easy — digs fast, caves easy
Clay Soil	$65 – $130	1.35×	Moderate — heavy, sticky
Mixed Soil	$55 – $110	1.30×	Varies by composition
Rocky Soil	$100 – $220	1.50×	Hard — may need breaker

Prices are per cubic yard in-place (bank measure). Expanded volume after digging is 15-50% greater depending on soil.

Assumptions & Sources

Assumptions

Soil pricing: Based on 2025 national averages for machine-dug residential/commercial excavation, including operator labor.
Expansion factor: Soil expands 15-50% once removed from the ground. All haul-off costs use expanded (loose) volume, not bank volume.
Haul-off: Not included by default in quick mode. Professional mode prices haul-off at $15-40/cu yd depending on distance. On-site spreading is $0 extra.
Equipment rates: Mini excavator $85/hr, standard excavator $125/hr, backhoe $95/hr. Hand digging priced at manual labor rates (~0.5 cu yd/hour).
Regional multiplier: ZIP-code-based adjustment using RSMeans 2025 regional cost indices applied to both equipment and labor.

Last updated: February 2026

Pro Tips from a Construction PM

Call 811 before you dig — always: A $0 utility locate beats a $15,000 gas line repair. Most states require 3 business days' notice, and hitting an unmarked line is the utility company's problem, not yours.
Soil type changes everything: Sandy soil digs fast and cheap. Clay is heavy and sticks to buckets. Rock? That's 2-3× the cost and you might need a breaker attachment. Get a test hole before you commit to a fixed-price bid.
Budget for haul-off separately: Most bids assume on-site spreading, not trucking to a dump. If your site can't absorb the spoils, you're looking at $15-40/cubic yard extra, and dirt expands 25-50% once it's out of the ground.
Measure your access: If the excavator can't reach the dig site, you're paying for hand digging at 10× the cost. Check gate width and overhead clearance before the machine shows up.
Dewatering kills budgets: If you hit the water table, a sump pump adds $200, but well points run $800+. Ask around about water table depth in your area before you start.

Related Calculators

Concrete Calculator — Estimate concrete volume and cost for footings, slabs, or walls going into your excavation.
Foundation Repair Calculator — Calculate foundation repair costs if excavation is for underpinning or drainage remediation.
Gravel Calculator — Figure gravel quantities for backfill, base layers, or access roads on your excavation site.

Excavation Calculator by State

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