Does this include importing fill?

No. Add fill import separately if you need to bring in soil.

What about rock or ledge?

Not modeled; increase contingency or unit costs if rock is likely.

Are retaining walls included?

No. This is grading/haul only—walls/drainage are separate.

How accurate is the depth estimate?

It’s an average. Use survey or grading plans for better precision.

Does it include compaction?

Assumes standard compaction within grading cost; testing is not itemized.

construction calculator

Landscape Grading Cost Estimator

Estimate grading and haul-off costs using area, cut/fill depth, and erosion control allowances.

Results

Cubic yards moved: 92.59
Grading cost: $1,667
Haul-off cost: $1,111
Erosion control: $2,500
Contingency reserve: $528
Total grading cost: $5,806
Cost per sq ft: $1

How to use this calculator

Enter area, average cut/fill depth, and unit costs for grading and haul-off.
Add erosion control allowance and contingency.
Review cubic yards, line-item costs, and cost per sq ft.

Inputs explained

Average depth: Use an average cut/fill depth across the area; localized deep cuts may need more.
Erosion control: Silt fence, blankets, seeding, or straw—enter a per-sq-ft allowance.

How it works

Volume (cubic yards) = area × depth / 27. Grading and haul-off scale with volume; erosion control scales with area.

Contingency is applied to the subtotal to cover unknowns like rock, access, or soft spots.

Formula

Volume (cubic yards) = Area × (Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Grading cost = Volume × Grading $/yd³
Haul-off cost = Volume × Haul $/yd³
Erosion control = Area × Erosion control $/sq ft
Base total = Grading + Haul + Erosion
Contingency = Base total × Contingency%
Total cost = Base total + Contingency
Cost per sq ft = Total cost ÷ Area

When to use it

Early budgeting for new build or landscaping projects.
Comparing grading bids or DIY equipment rental costs.
Estimating haul-off cost for soil export projects.

Tips & cautions

Access issues (tight sites, rock) can raise costs—add contingency if conditions are unknown.
Importing fill is not modeled; add it separately if needed.
Use surveys or builder takeoffs for more accurate depth estimates.
Does not include retaining walls, drainage systems, or compaction testing.
Assumes balanced cut/fill averages; actual haul can vary with soil swell/shrink.
Unit costs are placeholders—replace with local contractor pricing.

Worked examples

5,000 sq ft, 6" depth, $18/yd³ grading, $12/yd³ haul, $0.50/sq ft erosion, 10% contingency

Volume ≈ 92.6 yd³
Grading ≈ $1,667; Haul ≈ $1,111; Erosion ≈ $2,500
Base total ≈ $5,278; Contingency ≈ $528
Total ≈ $5,806; Cost/sq ft ≈ $1.16

Deep dive

Estimate landscape grading costs by cubic yard, including haul-off, erosion control, and contingency.

Use this to budget site work before getting contractor bids.

FAQs

Does this include importing fill?: No. Add fill import separately if you need to bring in soil.
What about rock or ledge?: Not modeled; increase contingency or unit costs if rock is likely.
Are retaining walls included?: No. This is grading/haul only—walls/drainage are separate.
How accurate is the depth estimate?: It’s an average. Use survey or grading plans for better precision.
Does it include compaction?: Assumes standard compaction within grading cost; testing is not itemized.

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