Dirt Removal Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate the volume, weight, and cost associated with removing dirt from your project site. Whether you're digging a foundation, creating a new garden bed, or leveling an area, understanding the amount of material to be moved is crucial for planning and budgeting.

Length of Area (feet):
Width of Area (feet):
Depth of Removal (feet):
Soil Type: Loose Soil (approx. 90 lbs/cu ft) Compacted Soil (approx. 105 lbs/cu ft) Clay (approx. 110 lbs/cu ft) Sand (approx. 100 lbs/cu ft) Gravel (approx. 115 lbs/cu ft)
Estimated Removal Cost per Cubic Yard ($):

function calculateDirtRemoval() { var lengthFeet = parseFloat(document.getElementById("lengthFeet").value); var widthFeet = parseFloat(document.getElementById("widthFeet").value); var depthFeet = parseFloat(document.getElementById("depthFeet").value); var soilDensityLbsPerCuFt = parseFloat(document.getElementById("soilType").value); var costPerCubicYard = parseFloat(document.getElementById("costPerCubicYard").value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById("dirtRemovalResult"); resultDiv.innerHTML = ""; // Clear previous results // Input validation if (isNaN(lengthFeet) || lengthFeet <= 0 || isNaN(widthFeet) || widthFeet <= 0 || isNaN(depthFeet) || depthFeet <= 0 || isNaN(soilDensityLbsPerCuFt) || soilDensityLbsPerCuFt <= 0 || isNaN(costPerCubicYard) || costPerCubicYard < 0) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid positive numbers for all dimensions and soil density. Cost per cubic yard can be zero or positive."; return; } // Calculations var volumeCubicFeet = lengthFeet * widthFeet * depthFeet; var volumeCubicYards = volumeCubicFeet / 27; // 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet var totalWeightLbs = volumeCubicFeet * soilDensityLbsPerCuFt; var totalWeightTons = totalWeightLbs / 2000; // 1 ton = 2000 lbs var estimatedTotalCost = volumeCubicYards * costPerCubicYard; // Display results var html = "

Calculation Results:

"; html += "Volume to Remove: " + volumeCubicFeet.toFixed(2) + " cubic feet"; html += "Volume to Remove: " + volumeCubicYards.toFixed(2) + " cubic yards"; html += "Estimated Weight: " + totalWeightLbs.toFixed(2) + " lbs"; html += "Estimated Weight: " + totalWeightTons.toFixed(2) + " tons"; html += "Estimated Total Removal Cost: $" + estimatedTotalCost.toFixed(2) + ""; resultDiv.innerHTML = html; } .dirt-removal-calculator { font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); max-width: 700px; margin: 20px auto; border: 1px solid #ddd; } .dirt-removal-calculator h2 { color: #333; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px; } .dirt-removal-calculator p { color: #555; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 15px; } .calculator-inputs label { display: block; margin-bottom: 8px; font-weight: bold; color: #444; } .calculator-inputs input[type="number"], .calculator-inputs select { width: calc(100% – 22px); padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; border: 1px solid #ccc; border-radius: 4px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; } .calculator-inputs button { background-color: #007bff; color: white; padding: 12px 20px; border: none; border-radius: 4px; cursor: pointer; font-size: 18px; width: 100%; transition: background-color 0.3s ease; } .calculator-inputs button:hover { background-color: #0056b3; } .calculator-results { margin-top: 25px; padding: 15px; background-color: #e9f7ef; border: 1px solid #d4edda; border-radius: 4px; color: #155724; } .calculator-results h3 { color: #155724; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 10px; } .calculator-results p { margin-bottom: 8px; color: #155724; } .calculator-results p strong { color: #0e3a17; }

Understanding Dirt Removal for Your Project

Whether you're embarking on a major construction project, installing a new swimming pool, or simply re-landscaping your backyard, dirt removal is often a necessary and significant part of the process. Accurately estimating the volume, weight, and cost of dirt removal is crucial for effective project planning and budgeting.

How the Dirt Removal Calculator Works

Our calculator simplifies the estimation process by breaking it down into key components:

Length, Width, and Depth of Area: These inputs define the three-dimensional space from which dirt needs to be removed. Enter these measurements in feet to calculate the total volume.
Soil Type: Different soil types have varying densities. For instance, compacted clay is much heavier per cubic foot than loose topsoil. Selecting the correct soil type helps the calculator accurately estimate the total weight of the dirt. We provide common approximations for loose soil, compacted soil, clay, sand, and gravel.
Estimated Removal Cost per Cubic Yard: This is the average cost you anticipate paying a contractor or disposal facility per cubic yard of dirt. This cost can vary widely based on your location, local disposal fees, and the contractor's rates.

Based on these inputs, the calculator provides:

Volume to Remove (Cubic Feet & Cubic Yards): The total space the dirt occupies.
Estimated Weight (Pounds & Tons): The total weight of the dirt, which is critical for understanding hauling capacity and disposal charges.
Estimated Total Removal Cost: A preliminary budget figure for the entire removal process.

Factors Affecting Dirt Removal Costs

The cost of dirt removal isn't just about the volume; several other factors play a significant role:

Volume of Dirt: This is the most obvious factor. More dirt means more labor, more equipment time, and higher disposal fees.
Soil Type: As mentioned, denser soils are heavier, increasing hauling costs (often charged by weight) and potentially requiring more robust equipment for excavation.
Accessibility: If the excavation site is easily accessible by heavy machinery (excavators, dump trucks), costs will be lower. Tight spaces, sloped terrain, or areas requiring manual labor will increase expenses.
Disposal Fees: Landfills and recycling centers charge fees for accepting dirt, often based on weight (per ton) or volume (per cubic yard). These fees vary significantly by region.
Hauling Distance: The further the disposal site is from your project, the higher the fuel and labor costs for transportation.
Labor and Equipment: The cost of hiring skilled operators and renting specialized equipment (excavators, bobcats, dump trucks) contributes significantly to the overall price.
Permits: Large-scale excavation projects may require local permits, adding to the administrative costs.

Example Usage: Digging a Foundation for a Shed

Let's say you're digging a foundation for a new shed. The area is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and you need to excavate 3 feet deep. You estimate the soil is compacted soil, and local removal services charge about $30 per cubic yard.

Length: 20 feet
Width: 10 feet
Depth: 3 feet
Soil Type: Compacted Soil (approx. 105 lbs/cu ft)
Cost per Cubic Yard: $30

Using the calculator, you would find:

Volume: 600 cubic feet (20 x 10 x 3)
Volume: Approximately 22.22 cubic yards (600 / 27)
Estimated Weight: Approximately 63,000 lbs (600 x 105) or 31.5 tons (63,000 / 2000)
Estimated Total Removal Cost: Approximately $666.60 (22.22 x $30)

This gives you a solid starting point for budgeting and discussing quotes with contractors.

Tips for Reducing Dirt Removal Costs

Get Multiple Quotes: Always contact several dirt removal companies to compare prices and services.
Consider On-Site Reuse: If the dirt is clean and suitable, can you use it for backfilling, creating berms, or leveling other areas on your property? This can save significant disposal and hauling costs.
Separate Materials: If your excavation includes rocks, concrete, or other debris, try to separate it from the clean dirt. Disposal facilities often charge more for mixed waste.
Ensure Clear Access: Make sure the site is easily accessible for excavation equipment and dump trucks to minimize labor time and potential difficulties.
Plan Ahead: Coordinate with your contractor to ensure efficient scheduling, which can sometimes lead to better rates.

By using this dirt removal calculator and understanding the various cost factors, you can approach your project with greater confidence and a more accurate budget.