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Stump Grinding Cost Calculator
Estimate stump grinding cost per inch by stump diameter, wood type, and accessibility. This free stump removal estimator includes a price chart by size, bulk discounts for multiple stumps, and a chemical removal comparison.
The math, shown transparently
No black box. Here is exactly what the calculator computes. (Source: HomeAdvisor 2024, ISA pricing surveys)
// Per-stump cost by diameter and access
cost_per_stump = diameter_inches x cost_per_inch x access_multiplier
// Subtotal for all stumps
subtotal = cost_per_stump x number_of_stumps
// Bulk discount: 15% off for 5 or more stumps
bulk_discount = subtotal x 15% (if 5+ stumps)
// Total with $150 minimum fee
total = max(subtotal - bulk_discount, $150)
Worked example
8 stumps, 18-inch diameter, hardwood, easy access:
per_stump = 18 in x $5/in x 1.0 = $90
subtotal = 8 x $90 = $720
bulk_discount = $720 x 0.15 = $108
total = $720 - $108 = $612
// Chemical alternative
chemical = 8 x $15 = $120 (but takes 6 weeks)
Grinding vs chemical removal
Grinding removes the stump in a single visit. The grinder chews through the stump 6-12 inches below grade, and the chips can be used as fill or mulch. You are done the same day.
Chemical removal uses potassium nitrate to accelerate decomposition. It costs $15 per stump versus $75+ for grinding, but it takes 4-6 weeks and does not always work on hardwood. You drill holes in the stump, pour in the chemical, add water, and wait.
If you need the stumps gone before construction starts, grinding is the only real option. If you have time and want to save money on a large number of stumps in a non-construction area, chemical removal works for softwoods. For hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple, grinding is more reliable.
Stump grinding price chart by diameter
Grinding is priced per inch of diameter, so cost scales with stump size. This chart shows the typical grinding range by size before the minimum service fee. Most single-stump jobs still land at the $100 to $200 minimum regardless of size, and grinding several at once lowers the per-stump cost.
| Stump diameter | Softwood ($2–$5/in) | Hardwood ($3–$7/in) |
|---|---|---|
| 6-inch | $12–$30 | $18–$42 |
| 12-inch | $24–$60 | $36–$84 |
| 18-inch | $36–$90 | $54–$126 |
| 24-inch | $48–$120 | $72–$168 |
| 30-inch | $60–$150 | $90–$210 |
| 36-inch | $72–$180 | $108–$252 |
Ranges are grinding-only and assume easy access. Hard-to-reach stumps add 25–50%. Source: HomeAdvisor 2024 and ISA pricing surveys.
Frequently asked questions
How much does stump grinding cost?
Stump grinding typically costs $2-$5 per inch of diameter for softwood and $3-$7 per inch for hardwood. A 24-inch oak stump costs $120-$170 to grind. Most companies charge a minimum service fee of $100-$200 regardless of stump size. Bulk discounts of 10-20% are common when grinding 5 or more stumps.
How much does it cost to grind a stump per inch?
Stump grinding is priced per inch of stump diameter: about $2 to $5 per inch for softwood and $3 to $7 per inch for hardwood. Measure the stump across its widest point at ground level. A 20-inch softwood stump works out to roughly $40 to $100 of grinding, though most companies apply a $100 to $200 minimum on small jobs.
How do you price a stump grinding job?
Contractors price stump grinding by measuring each stump’s diameter in inches, multiplying by a per-inch rate ($2 to $7 depending on wood type), and adjusting for access. Hard-to-reach stumps behind fences or on slopes add 25 to 50 percent because the grinder has to be walked in by hand. Add a minimum service call of $100 to $200, then discount 10 to 20 percent when grinding 5 or more stumps in one visit.
What is the average cost to grind a stump?
The average single stump costs about $150 to $300 to grind, landing most homeowners near the minimum service fee. Small stumps under 12 inches often hit the $100 to $200 minimum, mid-size 18 to 24 inch stumps run $120 to $250, and large stumps over 30 inches can reach $300 to $500 each. Grinding several stumps in one visit lowers the average cost per stump.
Is it better to grind or remove a stump?
Stump grinding is almost always the better choice. It is faster, cheaper, and less destructive to the surrounding landscape. Full stump removal (pulling the root ball) costs 50-100% more, leaves a large hole to fill, and damages nearby roots and landscaping. The only time full removal makes sense is when you need to excavate the area for construction.
How deep does stump grinding go?
Most stump grinders cut 6-12 inches below ground level. This is deep enough to plant grass or a new tree over the spot. If you need deeper removal for construction, specify that upfront. It costs more but some grinders can reach 18-24 inches below grade.
Related free tools
- Land Clearing Cost Calculator, full property clearing estimate.
- Lot Clearing / Site Prep, clearing with stump removal as a line item.
- Forestry Mulching Estimator, full job estimate with stump treatment.