Aggregate Calculator
Calculate how much gravel, sand, crushed stone, or other aggregate materials you need. Get volume in cubic yards and weight in tons with cost estimates.
Quick Reference: 1 Ton of Gravel Covers...
200 sq ft @ 1" depth | 100 sq ft @ 2" depth | 67 sq ft @ 3" depth | 50 sq ft @ 4" depth
📐 Project Dimensions
📊 Material Needed
Area
200.0 sq ft
Volume
1.85
cubic yards
50.0
cubic feet
Weight (Gravel (Standard) @ 1.5 tons/yd³)
Exact Amount
2.78
tons
Recommended (+10%)
3.06
tons
💡 Tip: We've added 10% extra to account for settling, spillage, and uneven ground. For compacted areas (driveways), consider adding up to 30% more.
📏 Coverage Reference: How Much Does 1 Ton Cover?
| Depth | Coverage (sq ft/ton) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | ~200 sq ft | Decorative topping, light coverage |
| 2 inches | ~100 sq ft | Walkways, garden paths |
| 3 inches | ~67 sq ft | Patios, light traffic areas |
| 4 inches | ~50 sq ft | Driveways, parking areas |
| 6 inches | ~33 sq ft | Heavy traffic, base layer |
*Coverage based on standard gravel density of 1.5 tons/cubic yard. Actual coverage may vary by material type.
⚖️ Material Density Reference
| Material | Tons/Cubic Yard | Lbs/Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| 🪨Gravel (Standard) | 1.5 | 3,000 |
| ⚪Pea Gravel | 1.5 | 3,000 |
| 🔶Crushed Stone | 1.4 | 2,800 |
| ⬜Limestone | 1.5 | 3,000 |
| 🏖️Sand | 1.4 | 2,800 |
| 🌱Topsoil | 1.15 | 2,300 |
| 🍂Mulch | 0.5 | 1,000 |
| 💎River Rock | 1.55 | 3,100 |
| 🟤Decomposed Granite | 1.4 | 2,800 |
🪨 Understanding Aggregate Materials
Aggregate refers to granular materials like gravel, sand, and crushed stone used in construction and landscaping. These materials are essential for driveways, walkways, patios, drainage systems, and as base materials for concrete and asphalt.
Common Types of Aggregate
Gravel: Loose rock fragments, typically 2-40mm. Great for driveways and drainage.
Pea Gravel: Small, rounded stones about the size of peas. Popular for walkways and decorative use.
Crushed Stone: Angular rock fragments with sharp edges. Excellent for compacting and base layers.
Sand: Fine granular material. Used for bedding pavers, mixing concrete, and leveling.
How to Calculate Aggregate Needed
- Measure your area (length × width for rectangles)
- Determine the depth needed (2-4" for most projects)
- Calculate volume: Area × Depth
- Convert to cubic yards (divide cubic feet by 27)
- Multiply by material density to get tons
- Add 10% extra for waste and settling
📐 Recommended Depths
🚶 Walkways: 2-3"
🏠 Patios: 3-4"
🚗 Driveways: 4-6"
🌿 Garden beds: 2-3"
💧 Drainage: 4-6"
🚚 Delivery Guide
Pickup truck: 1 cubic yard
Small dump: 5-10 tons
Full dump: 13-25 tons
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Frequently Asked Questions
To calculate how much gravel you need: 1) Measure your area's length and width in feet, 2) Determine the depth you want (typically 2-4 inches for driveways, 1-2 inches for walkways), 3) Calculate volume: Length × Width × Depth (in feet), 4) Convert to cubic yards by dividing by 27, 5) Multiply by 1.5 (average gravel density) to get tons. Our calculator does all this automatically—just enter your dimensions!
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 1.4 to 1.7 tons, depending on the type and moisture content. Standard gravel averages about 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is similar at 1.5 tons/yd³, while crushed stone is slightly lighter at 1.4 tons/yd³. Sand typically weighs 1.3-1.5 tons per cubic yard. Always check with your supplier for exact densities.
The coverage depends on the depth: At 1" depth, 1 ton covers about 200 sq ft. At 2" depth, 1 ton covers about 100 sq ft. At 3" depth, 1 ton covers about 67 sq ft. At 4" depth, 1 ton covers about 50 sq ft. For driveways, a 2-4" depth is recommended, while pathways typically need 1-2" depth.
The formula is: Volume (cubic yards) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27, where all measurements are in feet. To convert to tons: Weight (tons) = Volume (cubic yards) × Density (tons/yd³). For example: A 10ft × 20ft area at 3" (0.25ft) depth = (10 × 20 × 0.25) ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards. At 1.5 tons/yd³ density = 2.78 tons of gravel needed.
Yes! We recommend ordering 5-10% extra material to account for: settling and compaction (can reduce volume by up to 30%), spillage during delivery, uneven ground that requires more fill, future maintenance needs. Our calculator automatically adds a 10% buffer to help ensure you have enough material.
For driveways, the recommended total depth is 4-6 inches, typically applied in layers: Base layer of larger crushed stone (3-4"), top layer of smaller gravel (2-3"). For walkways and pathways, 2-3 inches is usually sufficient. For decorative purposes only, 1-2 inches may be enough. Heavier traffic areas need deeper coverage.
🪨 Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on standard material densities. Actual amounts may vary based on material type, moisture content, and compaction requirements. Always confirm quantities with your supplier before ordering. Add extra material for waste, settling, and uneven surfaces.