🪨 Gravel & Aggregate Calculator
Calculate tons of gravel, sand, topsoil, crushed stone, and other aggregates needed for your project.
Quick Formula
Volume Method
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic Yards × Weight per Cubic Yard
Area Method (for base/cover)
Cubic Yards = (Area × Depth) ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic Yards × Weight per Cubic Yard
Material Weights (per Cubic Yard)
| Material | Weight (lbs/cy) | Weight (tons/cy) | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | 2,700 | 1.35 | Base, driveways |
| Gravel | 2,400-2,700 | 1.2-1.35 | Driveways, paths |
| Sand | 2,600-3,000 | 1.3-1.5 | Concrete, fill |
| Topsoil | 2,000-2,400 | 1.0-1.2 | Landscaping |
| Fill Dirt | 2,000-2,200 | 1.0-1.1 | Fill, backfill |
| Limestone | 2,400-2,700 | 1.2-1.35 | Base, driveways |
| Decomposed Granite | 2,700 | 1.35 | Paths, patios |
Common Applications
Driveway Base
Typical depth: 4-6 inches
Example: 20' × 12' driveway, 6" base
- Area = 20 × 12 = 240 sq ft
- Depth = 6" = 0.5 feet
- Cubic yards = (240 × 0.5) ÷ 27 = 4.44 cy
- Tons (crushed stone @ 1.35 tons/cy) = 4.44 × 1.35 = 6 tons
Patio Base
Typical depth: 4 inches
Example: 15' × 10' patio, 4" base
- Area = 15 × 10 = 150 sq ft
- Depth = 4" = 0.33 feet
- Cubic yards = (150 × 0.33) ÷ 27 = 1.85 cy
- Tons (gravel @ 1.3 tons/cy) = 1.85 × 1.3 = 2.4 tons
French Drain
Typical: 12" wide × 12" deep trench
Example: 50 linear feet of French drain
- Width = 12" = 1 foot
- Depth = 12" = 1 foot
- Volume = 50 × 1 × 1 = 50 cubic feet
- Cubic yards = 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cy
- Tons (gravel @ 1.3 tons/cy) = 1.85 × 1.3 = 2.4 tons
Landscaping Fill
Topsoil for planting beds:
Example: 200 sq ft bed, 6" topsoil
- Area = 200 sq ft
- Depth = 6" = 0.5 feet
- Cubic yards = (200 × 0.5) ÷ 27 = 3.7 cy
- Tons (topsoil @ 1.1 tons/cy) = 3.7 × 1.1 = 4.1 tons
Material Types
Crushed Stone (#57, #4, #3)
Uses: Base, driveways, drainage Size: 1/2" to 1-1/2" Weight: 1.35 tons/cy
Coverage:
- 1" depth: ~324 sq ft/cy
- 2" depth: ~162 sq ft/cy
- 4" depth: ~81 sq ft/cy
Pea Gravel
Uses: Paths, decorative, drainage Size: 1/4" to 3/8" Weight: 1.3 tons/cy
Coverage:
- 2" depth: ~162 sq ft/cy
- 3" depth: ~108 sq ft/cy
Sand
Uses: Concrete, mortar, fill, leveling Types: Concrete sand, mason sand, fill sand Weight: 1.3-1.5 tons/cy
Coverage:
- 1" depth: ~324 sq ft/cy
- 2" depth: ~162 sq ft/cy
Topsoil
Uses: Landscaping, planting beds, lawns Weight: 1.0-1.2 tons/cy
Coverage:
- 3" depth: ~108 sq ft/cy
- 6" depth: ~54 sq ft/cy
- 12" depth: ~27 sq ft/cy
Depth Guidelines
| Application | Typical Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway base | 4-6" | Under pavement |
| Patio base | 4" | Under pavers/stone |
| Walkway base | 3-4" | Under pavers |
| French drain | 12" | Around pipe |
| Drainage layer | 4-6" | Under drain pipe |
| Landscaping | 3-6" | Topsoil depth |
| Fill | Varies | As needed |
Compaction Factor
Add 10-20% for compaction:
Formula:
Adjusted Tons = Base Tons × (1 + Compaction Factor)
Example: 10 tons base
- With 15% compaction: 10 × 1.15 = 11.5 tons
Waste Factor
Add 5-10% for:
- Spillage
- Uneven subgrade
- Handling loss
Example: 10 tons calculated
- With 10% waste: 10 × 1.10 = 11 tons
Common Calculations
Driveway (Complete)
Driveway: 20' × 12' = 240 sq ft
Base (6" crushed stone):
- Cubic yards = (240 × 0.5) ÷ 27 = 4.44 cy
- Tons = 4.44 × 1.35 = 6 tons
Top layer (2" pea gravel):
- Cubic yards = (240 × 0.17) ÷ 27 = 1.5 cy
- Tons = 1.5 × 1.3 = 2 tons
Total: 6 + 2 = 8 tons
French Drain System
Trench: 100 linear feet × 12" wide × 12" deep
Gravel around pipe:
- Volume = 100 × 1 × 1 = 100 cubic feet
- Cubic yards = 100 ÷ 27 = 3.7 cy
- Tons = 3.7 × 1.3 = 4.8 tons
Delivery Considerations
Truck Sizes
| Truck Size | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small dump | 5-7 tons | Small projects |
| Medium dump | 10-12 tons | Medium projects |
| Large dump | 15-20 tons | Large projects |
| Semi | 20-25 tons | Very large projects |
Access Requirements
- Truck access - Can truck reach site?
- Ground conditions - Will support truck weight?
- Overhead clearance - Any low wires/trees?
- Dump location - Where to dump material?
Best Practices
- Order extra - Better to have too much than too little
- Check depth - Measure actual depth needed
- Consider compaction - Add 10-20% for compaction
- Protect areas - Cover areas you don't want material
- Spread evenly - Use rake or equipment to spread
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Not accounting for compaction | Short on material | Add 10-20% |
| Wrong material weight | Wrong tonnage | Use correct weight |
| Forgetting waste | Short on material | Add 5-10% waste |
| Wrong depth | Too much/little | Measure carefully |
| Not considering access | Can't deliver | Check access first |
Quick Reference Table
Coverage per Cubic Yard
| Depth | Square Feet |
|---|---|
| 1" | 324 |
| 2" | 162 |
| 3" | 108 |
| 4" | 81 |
| 6" | 54 |
| 8" | 40.5 |
| 12" | 27 |
Related Resources
- Concrete Calculator - Calculate concrete needed
- Excavation Calculator - Calculate excavation volumes
- Construction Math Reference - Conversions
It's better to order 10% extra than to run short. Most suppliers will take back unused material, but running short delays the project.