Landscape aggregate calculator
Pick the aggregate, enter the area and depth. You get the volume with waste, the weight from its bulk density and the 1-ton bulk bags to order.
Purchase quantity
1.05 m³
Net measurement: 1 m³ · Waste 5 %
- Aggregate in 1 t bulk bags2 bulk bag
- Aggregate volume1.05 m³
- Aggregate weight1.68 t
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How it's calculated (visible formula)
volume = area × depth; buy = volume × (1 + waste); tons = volume × density
- Net geometric measurement, no waste.
- Adjustable waste % for cuts and breakage.
- Purchase rounded up to sellable units (boxes, bags, buckets, boards).
How to calculate it, step by step
- Measure the area in plan and work out the square footage; split irregular shapes into rectangles and triangles.
- Pick the finished depth for the use: 2 in for paths, 4–6 in of base under driveways.
- Choose the aggregate so its bulk density is applied (gravel weighs less per yard than road base).
- Add 5–10% waste for compaction, uneven ground and spillage during delivery.
- Convert to tons and round up to bulk bags or the quarry's minimum load.
Bulk density of aggregates (loose)
| Material | kg/m³ (lb/ft³) | Tons per yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1,500 (94) | 1.26 |
| Crushed gravel | 1,600 (100) | 1.35 |
| Dry sand | 1,600 (100) | 1.35 |
| Road base | 1,900 (119) | 1.60 |
| River rock | 1,550 (97) | 1.31 |
Worked example: 215 sq ft path, 2 in of gravel
- 215 sq ft × 2 in ≈ 1.33 yd³ (1 m³)
- +5% waste → 1.4 yd³
- 1.4 yd³ × 1.35 t/yd³ ≈ 1.85 tons
→ Order 2 one-ton bulk bags, with a little spare for top-ups.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons: a yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons.
- Measuring compacted depth and ordering the exact loose volume.
- Skipping landscape fabric under gravel, so it sinks into the soil.
Pro tips
- Ask your supplier for the actual density — it changes with moisture and gradation.
- Lay landscape fabric first so the aggregate doesn't sink into the soil.
- On paths, keep the aggregate ½–1 in below the edging so it stays put.
- If a truck can't get in, a crane-delivered bulk bag saves hours of wheelbarrowing.
From calculation to quote
Add labour, overhead and your margin, and generate the professional PDF.
FAQs
- How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
- About 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) loose; road base is closer to 3,200 lb. See the density table.
- How deep should gravel be?
- 2 in for paths and beds; 4–6 in of compacted road base under driveways.
- How much does a ton of gravel cover?
- At 2 in deep, roughly 120–130 sq ft.
- How do I calculate cubic yards for an irregular area?
- Split it into rectangles and triangles, add their areas, multiply by depth in feet and divide by 27.
- How much road base per square foot?
- At 4 in compacted, about 0.012 yd³ per sq ft plus 10–15% for compaction.
- What's the difference between pea gravel and crushed gravel?
- Pea gravel is small and rounded (comfortable underfoot); crushed gravel is angular and locks together for driveways.
Sources and standards
Maintained by Srikanta M · Formula v1.0.0 · Verified 2026-09-10 · Updated 2026-09-10 · Limits: quantity estimation, not structural design or site supervision.