Excavation estimating is a volume problem before it is a price problem. You send the site plan, grading and drainage plan, geotechnical report and any utility sheets; we take off cut and fill in bank cubic yards, convert to loose and compacted quantities using the swell and shrinkage factors stated in the geotech report, and price each depth band separately. Bulk excavation from 0–5 ft, 5–10 ft and 10–15 ft carries different equipment and cycle times, so we do not blend them into one average.
- Deliverable
- Excel estimate + marked-up PDF plans
- Organized by
- CSI MasterFormat section
- Turnaround
- 24–48 hours for most projects
- Pricing
- ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing
- Software
- Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, RSMeans data
We organize the takeoff by CSI MasterFormat Division 31 — 31 10 00 Site Clearing, 31 20 00 Earth Moving, 31 23 00 Excavation and Fill — and carry Division 33 11 00 and 33 30 00 pipe bedding and trench backfill when utility trenching is in scope. Every line shows the quantity, unit and the sheet or detail it came from. If your bid also includes cut and fill, surface grading or site utilities, we can price those on the same markup set so the volumes reconcile across scopes.
Most projects return in 24–48 hours. Rush turnaround is available when your bid date is close. Pricing is ZIP-code adjusted using RSMeans data, with material and labor separated so you can substitute your own crew rates at buyout. Confirm the adopted code edition and any local amendments with the local building department before you rely on erosion control or trench safety quantities.
As an outsourced excavation estimating company, we build the takeoff from plan and profile sheets in Bluebeam Revu and PlanSwift, using on-screen takeoff so you can see exactly where each quantity came from. We break out 31 22 00 Grading, 31 23 16 Excavation, 31 23 23 Trenching and Backfill, and 31 25 00 Erosion and Sediment Control as separate lines, and we note where soil bearing capacity from the geotech report drives undercut or over-excavation. Trench safety quantities follow OSHA 1926 Subpart P, so sloping, benching and shoring are priced as distinct items rather than buried in a general condition.
What the excavation quantity takeoff covers
The estimate follows the dirt from clearing through final backfill. We measure clearing and grubbing by area and tree diameter class, strip topsoil in bank cubic yards, take off mass and structural excavation by depth band, and price fill placement by compacted lift. Trench excavation is split by pipe diameter and depth band so bedding stone and native backfill stay on separate lines.
Clearing & Grubbing
Tree removal by diameter class, stump removal, topsoil strip and stockpile measured in bank cubic yards.
AC · EA · CYMass Excavation
Bulk cut to subgrade by depth band (0–5 ft, 5–10 ft, 10–15 ft) with separate equipment and cycle times.
BCYStructural Excavation
Footings, pile caps, pits, and trenches excavated to precise dimensions, including over-excavation and backfill.
CY · SFTrenching
Trench excavation for storm, sanitary, and water lines by depth, including pipe bedding and backfill.
LF · CYRock Excavation
Rock removal by method: ripping, hoe ram, or blasting, with separate pricing for each method.
CYFill & Compaction
Fill placement and compaction in lifts, measured in compacted cubic yards, including imported borrow.
CCY · TONHaul-Off & Disposal
Export of surplus or contaminated soil, including trucking, disposal fees, and tonnage.
CY · TON · MIDewatering & Erosion Control
Dewatering by well points, sumps, or pumps with duration; silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized entrance.
DAY · LF · EAWhat every excavation & earthwork estimating takeoff includes
- Clearing, grubbing and tree removal by diameter class
- Topsoil strip, stockpile and re-spread measured in bank CY
- Mass excavation to subgrade by depth band
- Structural excavation for footings, pile caps and pits
- Trench excavation for storm, sanitary and water by depth
- Rock excavation allowance by method: ripping, hoe ram, blasting
- Undercut of unsuitable material and imported select fill
- Fill placement and compaction in lifts, compacted CY
- Imported borrow or structural fill by truckload and ton
- Export and haul-off of surplus or contaminated soil
- Dewatering by well points, sumps or pumps with duration
- Erosion and sediment control: silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized entrance
How our excavation estimator performs the takeoff
- Set the limit of disturbanceWe trace the limit of disturbance and construction fence on the grading plan, then measure clearing and grubbing area. Tree removal is counted by diameter class from the landscape or clearing plan, and topsoil strip volume is calculated as area times the topsoil depth shown on the boring logs, held in bank cubic yards.
- Build the cut and fill modelUsing spot elevations, contours and proposed subgrade, we calculate cut and fill volumes by depth band. We keep cut in bank measure and fill in compacted measure, then apply the swell and shrinkage factors from the geotech report. Where the geotech is silent, we note the assumed factor on the line so you can adjust it.
- Take off structural and trench excavationFooting and pile cap excavation is measured from the foundation plan, adding working space and side slope by soil type. Utility trenching is measured along the centerline by pipe diameter and depth band, with bedding stone, native backfill and compaction testing kept as separate lines rather than one trench average.
- Price rock, undercut and dewateringRock is not left as a note. We carry a unit price line for ripping, hoe ram and blasting based on the geotech rock profile and the removal method specified. Undercut is measured where the geotech identifies unsuitable material, and dewatering is priced by method, duration and discharge point.
- Reconcile haul and disposalSurplus volume is converted from bank to loose cubic yards using the swell factor, then checked against truck capacity and cycle time to produce a truck count. Disposal is priced by ton at the named facility, with the volume-to-weight conversion shown so the landfill scale tickets can be reconciled at buyout.
- Cross-check against site logisticsWe compare the calculated truck count and cycle time against the site access plan, haul road width and any street occupancy restrictions. If the plan shows a single access point or steep grades, we adjust the cycle time and flag the potential for queuing. This step often reveals whether the haul fleet assumed by the subcontractor is realistic for the site conditions.
What to send us
- Grading planExisting and proposed contours, spot elevations and limit of disturbance. This drives the cut and fill balance and the depth bands.
- Geotech reportBoring logs, soil classification, swell and shrinkage factors, rock profile and groundwater elevation. Without it we must assume factors and flag them.
- Site and utility plansPipe sizes, invert elevations, trench depths and structure locations. Needed to split trench excavation by depth band and diameter.
- Foundation planFooting sizes, pile cap dimensions and depths. Structural excavation and backfill cannot be measured without them.
- Erosion control planSilt fence alignment, inlet protection locations and stabilized construction entrance. Measured in LF and EA.
- Spec bookDivision 31 and 33 sections, compaction requirements and testing frequency. We price to the specified lift thickness and density.
- Disposal site infoLandfill or transfer station name, tipping fee and any tonnage restrictions. Haul distance and disposal cost depend on it.
Sample takeoff format
Every line carries the CSI section, quantity, unit and the sheet it came from. The example below is illustrative, not a project quote.
| Section | Line item | Qty | Unit | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 10 00 | Clearing and grubbing within limit of disturbance | 42,000 | SF | C-101 |
| 31 23 16 | Mass excavation 0–5 ft depth, bank measure | 8,200 | CY | C-201 |
| 31 23 16 | Trench excavation 6 ft deep, 12 in storm | 1,450 | LF | C-301 |
| 31 23 23 | Imported select fill, compacted in 8 in lifts | 2,300 | CY | C-202 |
| 31 25 00 | Silt fence, 36 in height, per plan alignment | 3,400 | LF | C-401 |
| 31 23 16 | Rock excavation allowance, hoe ram method | 150 | CY | C-203 |
| 31 23 16 | Structural footing excavation, 4 ft depth | 980 | LF | S-101 |
| 31 23 16 | Trench excavation 8 ft deep, 24 in sanitary | 620 | LF | C-302 |
| 31 23 23 | Imported borrow, 6 in lifts, compacted | 1,800 | CY | C-203 |
| 31 25 00 | Inlet protection, type C, per detail | 18 | EA | C-402 |
| 31 23 16 | Dewatering, well points, 30-day duration | 1 | LS | C-501 |
| 31 23 16 | Haul-off of surplus soil, 10-mile round trip | 4,500 | CY | C-601 |
Units of measure we price in
Earthwork bids fail when bank, loose and compacted cubic yards are mixed on the same line. We label every quantity with its measure and show the conversion factor used.
| Item | Unit | How it's measured |
|---|---|---|
| Mass excavation | CY (bank) | Measured in place before digging, by depth band from existing grade |
| Fill placement | CY (compacted) | Measured after compaction in lifts, using the shrinkage factor from the geotech report |
| Haul-off | CY (loose) | Bank volume multiplied by the swell factor, checked against truck count and landfill scale tickets |
| Clearing and stripping | SF | Plan area within the limit of disturbance, with topsoil depth from the boring logs |
| Trench excavation | LF | Centerline length by pipe diameter and depth band, plus bedding and backfill volumes |
| Imported stone | TON | Delivered weight converted to volume using the supplier's unit weight per CY |
| Structures and inlets | EA | Counted from the drainage plan, each with excavation, bedding and backfill volume |
| Truck cycle check | CY per load | Load volume divided into total haul to confirm the truck count and cycle time |
Worked example: trench excavation for a 12-inch storm line
This example walks through a trench takeoff for a 12-inch storm sewer run. The dimensions are illustrative and do not represent a specific project.
Given: 200 LF of 12-inch storm pipe, average depth 6 ft, soil type B, bedding stone per detail, native backfill compacted in 8-inch lifts.
Step 1: Trench cross-section area
- Trench width at bottom = pipe OD + 2 ft working space. 12-inch pipe OD ≈ 1.0 ft, so bottom width = 3.0 ft.
- Side slopes for soil type B: 1:1 (45°). At 6 ft depth, top width = 3.0 + 2 × 6 = 15.0 ft.
- Average width = (3.0 + 15.0) / 2 = 9.0 ft.
- Cross-section area = 9.0 ft × 6 ft = 54.0 SF.
Step 2: Trench volume (bank)
- Volume = 54.0 SF × 200 LF = 10,800 CF.
- Convert to CY: 10,800 / 27 = 400.0 CY bank.
Step 3: Bedding stone
- Bedding thickness = 6 inches below pipe and 12 inches over pipe (per detail).
- Bedding area = trench bottom width × 1.5 ft = 3.0 ft × 1.5 ft = 4.5 SF.
- Volume = 4.5 SF × 200 LF = 900 CF = 33.3 CY compacted.
Step 4: Native backfill
- Backfill volume = trench volume – pipe volume – bedding volume.
- Pipe volume: π × (0.5 ft)^2 × 200 LF = 157 CF = 5.8 CY.
- Backfill = 400.0 – 5.8 – 33.3 = 360.9 CY bank.
- Convert to compacted using shrinkage factor (typically 0.90 for soil type B): 360.9 × 0.90 = 324.8 CY compacted.
Step 5: Swell and haul-off
- Surplus = trench volume – backfill (bank) = 400.0 – 360.9 = 39.1 CY bank.
- Swell factor for soil type B: typical 1.25. Loose volume = 39.1 × 1.25 = 48.9 CY.
- Truck capacity: 14 CY per load. Truckloads = 48.9 / 14 = 3.5, round up to 4 loads.
Step 6: Waste factor
- Add 5% waste for bedding stone: 33.3 × 1.05 = 35.0 CY.
- Add 3% waste for backfill: 324.8 × 1.03 = 334.5 CY compacted.
Step 7: Summary line items
- Trench excavation: 400.0 CY bank
- Bedding stone: 35.0 CY compacted
- Native backfill: 334.5 CY compacted
- Haul-off: 4 truckloads (48.9 CY loose)
This example shows how each quantity is derived and where waste is added as a separate step. Your actual project will have different dimensions, soil conditions, and specified factors.
What moves the excavation cost estimating number
Relative impact on a typical estimate for this trade, based on estimator judgment. Select a bar for details.
Depth band
Excavation below 5 ft needs larger equipment, benching or shoring, and longer cycle times. A single average depth hides the cost of the deep bands where most of the money sits. We split 0–5 ft, 5–10 ft and 10–15 ft so each band carries its own equipment and labor rate. The depth bands also drive the need for trench safety systems, which are priced separately by method and depth.
Excavation below 5 ft needs larger equipment, benching or shoring, and longer cycle times. A single average depth hides the cost of the deep bands where most of the money sits. We split 0–5 ft, 5–10 ft and 10–15 ft so each band carries its own equipment and labor rate. The depth bands also drive the need for trench safety systems, which are priced separately by method and depth.
Bank volume expands when dug. If the swell factor is applied to haul-off but not to the compacted fill quantity, import is overstated and the bid is high. We show the factor on every conversion line. We also check the shrinkage factor for fill, because compacted volume is less than bank volume, and mixing the two directions is a common error that inflates the import quantity and the bid.
Cycle time is round-trip distance divided by average speed, plus load and dump time. A disposal site 10 miles further can add more to the bid than the excavation itself. We calculate the number of trucks required based on the production rate and cycle time, and show the truck count on the haul line so you can verify against your fleet or subcontractor availability.
Ripping, hoe ram and blasting carry very different unit costs and production rates. The geotech rock profile and the spec section determine which method is priced. We carry separate lines for each method and note the assumed production rate. If the geotech indicates rippable rock but the spec requires blasting, we price the more expensive method and flag the discrepancy for your bid review.
Well points, sumps and pumps are priced by duration and discharge point. A lump sum with no duration or permitting line is the most common underbid in wet sites. We price dewatering by method, with the number of days based on the construction schedule, and include the cost of discharge permitting and treatment if required by the local jurisdiction.
Soil type affects excavation difficulty, side slope stability and whether the material can be reused as fill. We use the geotech report to classify soils by USCS group and adjust production rates accordingly. If the report identifies expansive clays or organic material, we add lines for undercut and imported select fill, because those soils cannot be compacted to the specified density.
Limited access, narrow haul roads, steep grades and restricted work hours slow the cycle and reduce daily production. We review the site plan for access points, turning radii and any street occupancy requirements. If the plan shows a single access point or requires flaggers, we add traffic control lines and adjust the haul cycle time, which can increase the truck count and the haul cost.
Silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrance and concrete washout are measured in LF and EA from the erosion control plan. We also check for any special requirements such as sediment basins or rock check dams. These items are often shown on a separate sheet and missed in the takeoff, but they are required for permit compliance and must be included in the bid.
Common scope gaps we catch in earthwork bid estimating
Most earthwork bid losses come from quantities that were never priced, not from unit rates. These are the gaps we look for on every set.
- Swell factor applied to hauled volume but not to the compacted fill quantity, so imported borrow is overstated and the bid is uncompetitive. We check both directions of the conversion.
- Topsoil shown as strip and stockpile on the plan but with no re-spread or haul-off line in the bid. We measure both options and price them separately.
- Rock excavation left as a note on the geotech report instead of a unit price line. We carry ripping, hoe ram and blasting as separate lines by volume.
- Dewatering shown as a lump sum with no discharge point or permitting line. We price by method and duration, and flag the discharge requirement.
- Trench bedding stone and native backfill combined into one average, with compaction testing not carried. We split bedding, backfill and testing into separate lines.
- Spoil left on site with no grading or stabilization cost. We add the cost to spread, compact or stabilize the stockpile if it stays.
- Traffic control, flaggers and street occupancy permits for curb-line work, often shown only on the traffic control sheet. We carry them as separate items.
- Under-cut of unsuitable material identified in the geotech but not measured on the grading plan. We calculate the volume below subgrade and add imported fill to bring the subgrade back to design elevation.
- Erosion control measures such as silt fence, inlet protection and stabilized construction entrance shown on a separate plan sheet and omitted from the earthwork takeoff. We measure them in LF and EA and include them as separate line items.
- Dewatering discharge permitting and treatment costs not carried, even when the plan shows a discharge point. We add a line for the permit and any required treatment, based on the local jurisdiction's requirements.
Backfill and fill material options
The choice of fill material affects unit cost, truckloads, and suitability. Compare these options on a cost-per-cubic-yard-in-place basis.
| Material | Typical unit cost (per CY in place) | Truckloads required (per 1,000 CY compacted) | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-site native re-use | Lowest – only handling and compaction | 0 (already on site) | Under footings if free of organics and expansive clays; not under slabs. |
| Imported select fill | Medium – material plus haul | ~80 loads (12.5 CY per load) | Under footings and slabs; requires testing for plasticity and gradation. |
| Crushed stone (e.g., #57) | High – material plus haul | ~90 loads (11 CY per load) | Under footings and slabs; excellent drainage; higher cost. |
| Flowable fill | Highest – ready-mix delivery | ~100 loads (10 CY per load) | For tight spaces and backfill where compaction is difficult; requires mix design. |
| Cement-stabilized soil | Medium-high – on-site mixing | 0 (native soil treated) | For subgrade improvement; requires lab mix design and testing. |
Codes and standards that affect excavation quantities
Model codes
Model codes such as the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) set requirements for excavation, backfill, and foundation drainage. For earthwork, the key provisions are in IBC Chapter 18 (Soils and Foundations) and Chapter 33 (Safeguards During Construction). These sections dictate the minimum depth for footings, requirements for backfill compaction, and slope stability. The IRC has similar provisions for residential work. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) may affect insulation placement around foundations, which can require additional excavation. The NEC covers underground electrical conduits, which may require trenching to specific depths. The IPC and UPC govern plumbing piping, including trench bedding and backfill. NFPA 13 may affect fire line trenching. Confirm the adopted edition and amendments with the local building department.
Industry standards
Standards from ASTM and others define test methods and material specifications. ASTM D698 and D1557 are the standard Proctor tests for compaction, and the specified density (typically 95% or 98%) directly affects the number of passes and lift thickness, impacting labor and equipment time. ASTM C33 covers concrete aggregates, which may apply to bedding stone. ASTM D2487 provides soil classification, which determines side slope angles and suitability for reuse. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) excavation standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P) dictate sloping, benching, and shoring requirements based on soil type, which changes the trench cross-section and volume. These standards are referenced in specifications and must be priced accordingly.
Specification sections
CSI MasterFormat Division 31 sections are the primary source for excavation scope. Section 31 23 16 (Excavation) defines depth bands, rock removal methods, and disposal requirements. Section 31 23 23 (Fill) specifies compaction density, lift thickness, and testing frequency. Section 31 10 00 (Site Clearing) covers tree removal and topsoil stripping. Section 31 25 00 (Erosion and Sedimentation Controls) lists silt fence, inlet protection, and stabilized entrance requirements. Division 33 sections, such as 33 11 00 (Water Utility) and 33 30 00 (Sanitary Sewer), specify pipe bedding and trench backfill. Each section must be read to capture special requirements like undercut, dewatering, or imported fill.
Local amendments
Local jurisdictions adopt model codes with amendments that can change excavation quantities. For example, some areas require deeper frost protection, increasing footing depth and excavation volume. Others have stricter erosion control ordinances, requiring additional measures like sediment basins. The adopted code edition varies by state and municipality; for instance, California may be on a different IBC edition than Texas. Some local health departments regulate dewatering discharge, adding permitting and treatment costs. Always confirm the adopted code edition and local amendments with the local building department before finalizing your bid.
Who uses this excavation estimate for contractors
General contractors
You need a third-party check on the sitework sub's number before you carry it into the bid. We give you the bank and compacted volumes so you can compare the sub's quantity against ours line by line.
Sitework subcontractors
You are bidding several jobs at once and need the takeoff done without pulling a estimator off another bid. The depth-band split lets you apply your own equipment rates to each band.
Developers and owners
You are comparing sitework proposals and want to know whether the import and haul quantities are real. The truck count and disposal tonnage give you a check against the landfill tickets.
Civil engineers and architects
You need a cost check on the grading plan before it is issued for bid. The cut and fill balance tells you whether the site is import-heavy or export-heavy early enough to adjust the design.