Aggregate Calculator

About the Aggregate Calculator

The Aggregate Calculator estimates the volume, weight, and cost of construction aggregates — gravel, sand, crushed stone, recycled concrete, and other fill materials — for any project area. Enter the length, width, and desired depth to get tonnage, cubic yards, truck load counts, and material cost estimates.

Construction and landscaping projects require surprisingly large quantities of aggregate. A simple 20×30-foot driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 7.5 cubic yards (roughly 10 tons) of gravel. Underestimating leads to project delays; overestimating wastes money. This calculator eliminates guesswork.

The tool supports rectangular, circular, and irregular areas, multiple aggregate types with their specific densities, and shows both volume (cubic yards/meters) and weight (tons) — critical because aggregate is sold by weight in some regions and by volume in others. Cost estimates adjust for material type and include a waste factor. That makes it easier to compare a delivered quote with the actual project footprint.

When This Page Helps

Use this calculator before ordering gravel, sand, base rock, or fill so you can translate a project footprint into cubic yards, tons, and likely truckloads. It is especially useful when suppliers quote by weight but the job is laid out by depth and area. That helps keep delivery quantities aligned with the actual site plan.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Select the area shape: rectangle, circle, or triangle.
2. Enter the dimensions (length, width, or radius).
3. Enter the desired depth/thickness.
4. Select the aggregate material type.
5. View volume, weight, cost estimate, and truck loads.
6. Adjust the waste factor for irregular fills or compaction.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Always order 5-10% extra — running short on aggregate is more expensive than having a little surplus.
• Compacted gravel is about 20% denser than loose — specify which when ordering by volume.
• Delivery charges are often $50-150 per load; minimize loads by ordering the right quantity upfront.
• Crusher run (a mix of crushed stone and fines) compacts better than uniform-size stone.
• For drainage applications, use clean washed stone (no fines) to maintain permeability.

Types of Construction Aggregate

Crushed stone is quarried rock mechanically broken to size. It has angular edges that interlock well, making it ideal for driveways and foundations. Common types: limestone, granite, trap rock (basalt), and recycled concrete.

Natural gravel is river-rounded stone. Smooth surfaces provide less interlocking but better drainage. Pea gravel (3/8" diameter) is popular for walkways and decorative use. River rock (1-3") is used in landscaping and drainage.

Sand types include concrete sand (sharp, angular), mason sand (fine screening), fill sand (unprocessed), and play sand (washed and screened).

Calculating for Irregular Areas

For L-shaped or complex areas, break the project into rectangles and calculate each section separately. For curved areas like around pools, approximate with a series of rectangles or use the circular area calculator. When in doubt, add 15% to your estimate.

Compaction and Settlement

Loose aggregate settles 15-25% when compacted. If you need 4 inches of compacted gravel, order enough for 5 inches of loose fill. Plate compactors work well for gravel up to 4" lifts. Vibratory rollers handle thicker lifts and larger stone sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

  A typical residential driveway (20×30 ft, 4" deep) needs 7-8 cubic yards (~10 tons). For heavy vehicle traffic, use 6" depth (15 tons). Add 10% for waste and compaction.

• How many tons fit in a dump truck?

  A standard tandem dump truck holds 12-16 tons. A tri-axle holds 18-22 tons. A transfer dump truck can carry 25-30 tons. Volume capacity varies by truck bed size.

• What is the density of different aggregates?

  Common densities: Gravel 2,700 lbs/yd³, Crushed Stone 2,700, Sand 2,800, Pea Gravel 2,600, Crushed Concrete 2,500, Topsoil 2,200, River Rock 2,600, Decomposed Granite 2,500. Use supplier data when possible because moisture and gradation can shift the actual delivered weight.

• Should I order by weight or volume?

  Most suppliers sell by the ton (weight). Volume varies with moisture, compaction, and particle shape. Weight is more precise and consistent. If ordering by cubic yard, confirm whether it's loose or compacted volume.

• What waste factor should I use?

  5-10% for well-defined rectangular areas. 10-15% for irregular shapes. 15-20% if the ground is uneven and will need extra fill in low spots. Compaction reduces loose volume by ~20%.

• What size aggregate is best for driveways?

  Layer 1 (base): #3 stone (1.5-2.5"). Layer 2 (middle): #57 stone (0.75-1"). Layer 3 (surface): #8 stone (3/8-1/2") or crusher run. Total depth: 6-8 inches for heavy traffic.