I’ve created this calculator to provide you with transparent, accurate pricing for a stump grinding and removal project. Here’s how the calculations work so you understand the results. 

Set Base Rates

Let me start with how I set my basic rates:

Labor Cost per Hour ($): If you’re employing someone to do this work, you can expect to pay a labor rate (typically around $30/hour) to cover my time and equipment costs for stump removal. You can find salary data for tree trimmers and pruners in your area at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Price per Diameter Inch ($): In this calculator you will charge per inch of stump diameter – usually $5 per inch. So if you have a 20-inch wide stump, the base price would start at $100. I’ve found this to be the fairest way to price stump removal since bigger stumps require more time and effort.

Measuring Your Stump

When I come to look at your stump, I’ll need to measure two things:

The Width (Diameter) Measure across the widest part of your stump. This is really important because it tells you how long the job will take. From experience, I know that each inch of diameter takes about 3 minutes to grind properly (ballpark). So if your stump is 20 inches wide, I’ll need about an hour just for the grinding portion.

Of course there’s always some variance in timing. If the stump is dried out and old, it will be easier to grind. If this stump is fresh and recently cut down, the process will take more time. 

A stump like this can be a tripping hazard.

The Height I also need to measure how tall the stump is to determine time and effort:

• If it’s up to 12 inches tall, that’s included in my base price
• If it’s between 13-24 inches, I need to add 10% to the price. This is reflected in the calculator. 
• If it’s 25 inches or taller, I need to add 15%. This is also in the calculations. 

For example, if you have a tall stump (26 inches) with a base price of $100, I’d charge $115 to account for the extra work.

Type of Stump Removal

There are two removal methods in this calculator:

Stump Grinding This is what I recommend for most situations:

• I added 15 minutes for prep time in the calculations. 
• I estimate 3 minutes per inch grinding away the stump.

Excavation For some situations, excavation makes more sense:

• Calculator adds 30 minutes to set up since this is larger equipment. 
• Still requires about 3 minutes per inch to remove everything.

Cleanup Options

I offer several cleanup choices in the calculator. Here’s how your selection will change the estimated time and price of the job. 

Creative repurposing of a stump.

Basic Cleanup If you’re okay with keeping the wood chips:

• I’ll remove all the large pieces
• It takes me about 15 extra minutes
• I include this in the base price

Standard Cleanup This is what most of my customers choose:

• I’ll spread the chips evenly and make sure everything’s level
• Takes about 30 minutes extra
• Adds $100 to your total

Premium Cleanup For a completely finished look:

• I’ll remove all debris and fill the hole.
• You could offer grass seed or anything else as a premium offering. 
• I estimate about an hour to complete per stump. 
• Adds $200 to the total.

Custom Cleanup This gives you flexibility to add in a custom cleanup quote. For example, some customers want partial cleanup that might take 45 minutes and cost $150.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that most professionals charge a minimum fee per stump removal. This helps cover the time to drive to a location and pads profitability. The minimum price I would charge for the smallest stump grinding project would be between $200 – $300.