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Gravel Calculator

Calculate compacted aggregate volume, an explicit loose-order allowance, and tons from the exact supplier density without a universal conversion.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Measured placement dimensions, specified compacted depth, an explicit loose-volume allowance, supplier loose bulk density for the exact aggregate, and entered price per ton
Output to expect
Compacted geometric volume, entered loose order volume, supplier-basis tons, and scoped entered material cost
How it works
Calculate the compacted rectangular volume, apply only the entered loose-volume allowance, then multiply by the entered supplier density
  • Obtain aggregate type, gradation, density/order basis and applicable compaction requirements from the design/specification and supplier; one tons-per-yard constant is not universal.
  • Verify subgrade, drainage, lift thickness, moisture, compaction equipment/testing, delivery minimums and vehicle/load constraints outside this quantity cross-check.

Choose your path

Built around the job you need to finish

Cross-check measured compacted volume, an explicit loose-order allowance and supplier-provided bulk density without inventing a universal tons-per-yard conversion or pavement design.

Homeowner pricing a measured path

Convert the designed depth into a supplier-basis quantity.

Measure the area, enter the specified compacted depth, and obtain exact aggregate density from the supplier.

Gets auditable tons/cost without treating the calculator as a section design.

Contractor checking an aggregate quote

Reconcile compacted placement volume with loose order units.

Enter the job-specific allowance and supplier density/order basis.

Can trace compacted cubic yards, loose cubic yards and tons separately.

Driveway owner planning rehabilitation

Keep subgrade, drainage, gradation and compaction requirements visible.

Use the quantity check after obtaining a design/specification, then verify lift and field-control requirements.

Does not accept a generic aggregate type, depth or compaction claim.

Authoritative checks for this tool

Outputs and checklists are planning aids. Review the linked current authorities and the records, terms, instructions, and requirements that apply to your exact situation before a consequential decision.

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Projects using Gravel Calculator

This tool is part of these guided projects. Each project provides step-by-step instructions with checklists and all the tools you need in one place.

Landscape Site Decision Record

Coordinate one authorized landscape change through people, property, utilities, site evidence, approved planting and hardscape sources, bounded quantity scenarios, controlled work, monitoring, and named acceptance.

6 steps4 toolsStart project

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Reference & details

How it works

Compacted geometric volume

This is the measured in-place rectangular volume at the specified compacted depth, not a pavement or drainage section recommendation.

Compacted cubic yards = length × width × depth inches ÷ 12 ÷ 27

Explicit loose order volume

Only the entered project/supplier allowance is applied; no universal compaction or swell factor is embedded.

Loose order cubic yards = compacted cubic yards × (1 + entered allowance% ÷ 100)

Supplier-density conversion

The exact entered density keeps material, gradation, moisture and supplier order basis attached to the ton result.

Order tons = loose order cubic yards × supplier loose tons per cubic yard

Updated: August 2026

Example Scenarios

A homeowner enters the measured area and specified compacted depth, then uses the exact supplier density for the selected material.

A contractor compares compacted cubic yards with an explicit loose-order allowance and the supplier’s ton basis before checking delivery loads.

An owner uses the tool only after a section and aggregate specification address subgrade, drainage, lifts, moisture and compaction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a universal tons-per-yard factor

Use the supplier density for the exact material and order condition.

Treating quantity as section design

Obtain site-specific depth, gradation, drainage and compaction requirements first.

FAQ

No. Enter the compacted depth from the actual design or specification. Traffic, subgrade, drainage, climate and material all affect section design.

There is no single reliable conversion. Obtain loose bulk density for the exact aggregate, gradation, moisture condition and supplier order basis.

It is your explicit conversion from measured compacted volume to loose order volume. Use project/supplier evidence instead of a hidden default.

No. Supplier truck capacity, legal payload, access, minimum orders, split loads, delivery fees and tax must be checked separately.

Verify subgrade preparation, geotextile decision, aggregate specification, lift thickness, moisture, compaction target/testing, drainage, edges and maintenance with responsible sources.

About Gravel Calculator

Measure the placement, obtain the compacted depth from the actual design, enter a deliberate loose-volume allowance, and use the supplier’s density for the exact aggregate, gradation, moisture and order basis.