How to use the Grading Quantities tool for rough cost estimates

View rough-magnitude cut/fill volumes and per-lot elevation data for early feasibility screening.

Written by Raymond Fuorry
March 31, 2026

Layout Generator includes a Grading Quantities tool that provides rough earthwork volume estimates based on the current terrain and your proposed lot layout. This article explains how to use the tool and interpret the results.

What does the Grading Quantities tool show?

The Grading Quantities tool displays rough-magnitude earthwork data for your tract, including:

• Cut and fill volumes (in cubic yards) — how much dirt needs to be removed or added.
• Topsoil removal estimate — the estimated volume of topsoil that needs to be stripped.
• Bulk cut-to-fill ratios — the relationship between cut and fill volumes.
• Per-lot elevation data — the elevation value for each individual lot (e.g., Lot 117 = 533.29 ft).

These numbers update automatically as you modify your lot layout, road network, and restricted areas.

How to view grading quantities

To view grading quantities for your tract:

1. Open the Grading Quantities panel from the left side of the screen.
2. Review the summary data for cut, fill, topsoil removal, and ratios.
3. Click individual lots to see their per-lot elevation data.

How accurate are the numbers?

Grading quantities in Layout Generator are rough-magnitude estimates intended for early-stage feasibility screening. They should not be taken at face value as engineering-grade calculations.

The data source for elevation is publicly available LiDAR data from city and county sources. The accuracy of public LiDAR ranges from a few inches to a few feet depending on the data source and age.

The purpose of these numbers is to help you determine whether a parcel represents a small, medium, or large dirt-moving project — so you can make better go/no-go decisions before spending money on engineering.

For higher accuracy, you can request a LiDAR topo scan from TraceAir (accurate to approximately 0.1 feet) through the "Request More Data" feature. The LiDAR data from TraceAir is delivered as a separate deliverable and does not feed directly back into Layout Generator's grading quantities.

Frequently asked questions

What unit are grading quantities displayed in?

Grading quantities are displayed in cubic yards.

How often do the numbers update?

The grading quantities update automatically every time you modify your lot layout, add or remove roads, or change restricted areas. There is no need to manually refresh.