Excavation Cost per Cubic Yard
Quick answer: HomeGuide’s 2026 cost guide puts excavation at $2.50–$15.00 per cubic yard, with most residential jobs totaling $1,100–$5,600. An excavator with operator runs $100–$300 per hour, and standard trenching is $5–$12 per linear foot. Rock that needs breaking costs far more, about $50–$200+ per cubic yard. Hauling the dirt away is usually extra.
To check a quote, start with the volume. Measure the cut in bank cubic yards (length × width × depth in feet ÷ 27) with the excavation calculator or trench calculator. Then multiply by a per-yard rate, or estimate machine hours. Add haul-off separately.
Excavation cost by pricing method
| Charge type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Per cubic yard | $2.50–$15.00 |
| Per hour, excavator + operator | $100–$300 |
| Per hour, operator only | $50–$150 |
| Per day, excavator rental only | $200–$700 |
| Per square foot (shallow grading) | $1–$5 |
| Per acre | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Rock or ledge, per cubic yard | $50–$200+ |
HomeGuide notes that many contractors have minimum project fees of about $500–$800.
Excavation cost by project
| Project | Typical total |
|---|---|
| Foundation pad or basement, new home | $1,500–$10,000 |
| Dig around an existing house | $5,000–$15,000 |
| In-ground pool | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Driveway, patio, or deck pad | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Hillside or slope grading | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Grading for a new lawn | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Trenching for sewer, septic, or drainage | $500–$1,200 |
| Rock or ledge removal | $1,000–$20,000+ |
Trenching cost per foot
Standard utility trenching runs about $5–$12 per linear foot, or roughly $500–$1,200 for a 100 ft run. Gas and sewer lines cost more because of depth, bedding, inspection, and the pipe itself. The width and depth of the trench drive the dig time, so get the spec from your plumber or electrician before you price it.
Worked example: checking a quote
- Volume: a 24 × 24 ft garage pad cut 1.5 ft deep = 864 ft³ ÷ 27 = 32 bank yd³.
- Digging at $2.50–$15/yd³: 32 × $2.50 = $80 up to 32 × $15 = $480. Most contractors will charge their minimum fee of about $500–$800 for a job this size.
- Haul-off: 32 × 1.25 swell = 40 loose yd³, about 4 tandem loads. Disposal and hauling are priced separately. See dirt removal cost.
What makes excavation cost more
- Soil type: sand digs fastest. Clay, roots, and rock slow the work down.
- Access: tight side yards need smaller machines and more hours.
- Depth and shoring: deep trenches need sloping or shoring for safety.
- Hauling and disposal: often the biggest add-on.
- Permits and utility locates: call 811 before you dig. The locate service is free.
Frequently asked questions
How much does excavation cost per cubic yard?
HomeGuide's 2026 guide lists $2.50–$15.00 per cubic yard for typical soil, and about $50–$200+ per cubic yard for rock that needs breaking.
How much does it cost to rent an excavator with an operator?
About $100–$300 per hour for the machine and operator, or about $200–$700 per day to rent an excavator alone.
How much does trenching cost per foot?
Standard trenching runs about $5–$12 per linear foot. Gas and sewer lines cost more because of depth, bedding, and inspection requirements.
Does excavation cost include hauling the dirt away?
Often not. Many quotes list digging, hauling, and disposal separately. Ask whether the dirt stays on site or is trucked away.
Is there a minimum charge for excavation?
Many excavation contractors have a minimum project fee of about $500–$800, so very small digs cost more per yard.
Related calculators and guides
Sources
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Excavation Cost? (February 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Trenching Cost Per Foot? (2026)
Updated: October 17, 2026 by the YardsCalculator editorial team. Figures are planning estimates; confirm weights, truck capacity, and prices with local suppliers and haulers.