OUTDOOR
Yard Grading Cost: Per Square Foot in 2026
Estimate yard grading cost per square foot — with the free landscaping calculator.
Standing water, a bumpy lawn, or water pooling at the foundation — all fixed by grading. It's cheaper than most people expect. Here's the real 2026 cost.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Yard grading runs $0.80–$2.00 per sq ft in 2026 (typical project $1,022–$3,334). Labor is most of the cost. Fill dirt adds $10–$40 per cubic yard. Regrading around a foundation for drainage runs more.
What it costs
Yard grading runs $0.80–$2.00 per sq ft; premium regrading runs $1.25–$4.00. A typical project runs $1,022–$3,334. Fill dirt or topsoil adds $10–$40 per cubic yard. Equipment and labor are most of the cost; the slope work is what you pay for.
- Typical: $0.80–$2.00 per sq ft
- Premium regrade: $1.25–$4.00 per sq ft
- Typical project: $1,022–$3,334
- Fill dirt: $10–$40 per cubic yard
When you need it
Grading fixes standing water, erosion, bumpy lawns and water running toward the foundation. The ground should slope 6-8% away from the house for the first 10 feet. A proper grade also makes mowing easier and keeps trees healthier.
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