Aggregate Tonnage & Gravel Calculator - buildercalc
Calculation Results
Calculated estimations for your inputs:
📋 Subbase & Aggregate Bill of Materials
Calculated aggregate loads and geotextile installation materials:
| Select | Material Item | Quantity | Typical Sizing Unit |
|---|
💰 Project Cost Estimator
Estimated budget ranges based on standard retail aggregates and installer labor averages:
| Material / Labor Category | Quantity | Estimated Cost Range | Source & Benchmark Info |
|---|
📁 Save My Project
Save this project calculation to your browser's local storage to load or edit later:
📄 Email Me My Results
Get your calculation results sent straight to your inbox:
Sources & Governing Codes
- IRC 2021 Section R403 Concrete Footings & Foundations: IRC 2021 Section R403 Concrete Footings & Foundations View Standard
- IRC 2021 Section R606 Masonry Construction Standard: IRC 2021 Section R606 Masonry Construction Standard View Standard
- ASTM C94 Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete: ASTM C94 Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete View Standard
- ASTM C150 Specification for Portland Cement: ASTM C150 Specification for Portland Cement View Standard
- ASTM A615 Carbon-Steel Reinforcing Bars: ASTM A615 Carbon-Steel Reinforcing Bars View Standard
- ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete: ACI 318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete View Standard
- OSHA Standard 1926.701 Concrete & Masonry Safety: OSHA Standard 1926.701 Concrete & Masonry Safety View Standard
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many tons does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Gravel has a typical bulk density of 105 lb/ft³ (1,680 kg/m³). This converts to approximately 2,835 lbs per cubic yard, or 1.4 short tons per cubic yard.
How does moisture affect aggregate weights?
Moisture fills aggregate voids, increasing weight and density (especially in sand, where water film causes bulking). Standard estimations assume dry-to-damp average density values.
What is the difference between gravel, crushed stone, and crusher run?
Gravel is naturally rounded stone. Crushed stone is mechanically broken with sharp edges. Crusher run (crushed stone with dust) is designed to pack tightly into a solid, unyielding subbase layer.
How many square feet does one ton of gravel cover at 2 inches deep?
At 2 inches deep, one ton of gravel covers approximately 100 to 120 square feet, depending on compaction and material density.
What is the bulk density of wood mulch?
Wood mulch is lightweight, with a typical density of 35 lb/ft³ (560 kg/m³). One cubic yard of wood mulch weighs approximately 945 lbs (0.47 tons).
How is bulk density determined for stone?
Bulk density divides the aggregate dry mass by the total container volume (including voids). It is lower than the density of solid granite (~165 lb/ft³) because voids account for 30% to 40% of the volume.
What size aggregate is used under concrete slabs?
Clean 3/4" crushed stone (AASHTO #57) is standard to prevent capillary water rise and provide stable support without settling.
How much does a cubic yard of sand weigh?
Dry sand weighs approximately 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) per cubic yard. Wet sand can weigh up to 3,200 lbs (1.6 tons) per cubic yard due to absorbed water.
What is aggregate compaction factor?
Compacting gravel reduces voids, increasing the material weight required by 15% to 20%. Estimators multiply net volume by a compaction factor (typically 1.15 to 1.20) for base preparation.
How do you convert cubic meters of gravel to metric tonnes?
Multiply volume in m³ by material density in kg/m³, then divide by 1,000 to find metric tonnes. For standard gravel, multiply m³ by 1.68.