Gravel & Aggregate Calculator
Estimate crushed stone, gravel, sand, or aggregate base for driveways, slab bases, pads, paths, and drainage projects. The calculator converts area and depth to loose cubic yards, corrects for compaction and waste, converts volume to tons using the material's density, and estimates truckloads and cost. Every formula is documented below.
Project Dimensions
Delivery & cost (optional)
Results
Order quantity
– tons
Densities are typical values for dry material; moisture and gradation change weight. Confirm conversions with your quarry before ordering.
The formulas this calculator uses
Loose volume = Compacted × (1 + Compaction%) × (1 + Waste%)
Tons = Loose yd³ × Density (lb/yd³) ÷ 2,000
Two corrections separate a good gravel estimate from a short order. First, gravel compacts: the 4-inch finished layer you measure will consume roughly 15% more loose material than its geometric volume. Second, suppliers sell most aggregate by the ton, so volume must be converted through density - and density varies by rock type, gradation, and moisture.
Worked example: 50 × 10 ft driveway topping, 3 in deep
- Compacted volume: 50 × 10 × (3 ÷ 12) = 125 ft³ = 4.63 yd³
- Loose volume: 4.63 × 1.15 (compaction) × 1.05 (waste) = 5.59 yd³
- Weight: 5.59 × 2,700 ÷ 2,000 = 7.5 tons
- Delivery: one tandem truckload
Coverage quick-reference (per ton of crushed stone)
| Depth | Coverage per ton | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | ~100 ft² | Path topping, refresh layer |
| 3 in | ~65 ft² | Driveway surface course |
| 4 in | ~50 ft² | Slab base, parking pad |
| 6 in | ~33 ft² | Driveway base course |
| 12 in | ~17 ft² | French drain backfill |
Common mistakes to avoid
Ordering geometric volume. Measuring 4 inches and ordering exactly that volume leaves you 15–20% short after compaction. Order loose volume, install compacted.
Using one density for everything. Pea gravel (2,400 lb/yd³) and dense-graded base (2,900 lb/yd³) differ by 20%. Ask your quarry for the density of the specific product.
Skipping layers on driveways. Dumping 8 inches of one stone size in a single lift will not compact properly. Build in 3–4 inch lifts, compacting each. See Gravel Driveway Layers Explained.
Forgetting geotextile on soft ground. On clay or wet subgrades, fabric separation can halve the stone thickness you need over time by preventing the base from sinking into the soil.
When to call a professional
Aggregate for structural fills, roadway base under trafficked pavements, or engineered drainage layers is specified by gradation and compaction testing. If you
Assumptions used in this calculator
- Dry, loose densities: crushed stone 2,700, bank-run 2,800, base 2,900, limestone 2,700, pea gravel 2,400, sand 2,600 lb/yd³
- Default compaction allowance 15% and waste 5%, both adjustable
- Truckloads = loose yd³ ÷ your capacity, rounded up
- Moisture can add 5-15% to delivered weight
Change the adjustable inputs above where your project differs. Supplier figures and local codes govern; see our methodology.
Built for planning, not blind ordering. Verify dimensions, supplier conversions, local codes, and site conditions before construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
Most crushed stone and gravel weighs 1.2 to 1.45 tons per cubic yard. Dense-graded aggregate base runs closer to 1.45 tons per cubic yard, while lightweight pea gravel is about 1.2 tons. Always confirm your supplier's conversion - they sell by weight.
How deep should driveway gravel be?
A gravel driveway needs 8 to 12 inches of total material placed in layers: 4 inches of large base stone, 3 to 4 inches of medium crusher run, and 2 to 3 inches of surface gravel, each layer compacted separately.
Why does the calculator add compaction?
Gravel is sold loose but installed compacted. Compacting typically reduces loose volume by 10-20%, so you must buy more loose material than the finished compacted dimensions suggest. The default 15% covers most crushed stone.
How much area does one ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, one ton of typical crushed stone covers roughly 100 square feet. At 4 inches deep, coverage drops to about 50 square feet per ton.
How many cubic yards fit in a dump truck?
Single-axle dump trucks haul 5-6 cubic yards, tandem-axle trucks 10-16 cubic yards. By weight, a tandem is usually limited to 13-15 tons, which caps gravel loads at about 10 cubic yards.