Online Aggregate Calculator
Calculate the volume and weight of aggregate material (sand, gravel, topsoil) needed for your project.
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'; resultHTML += 'Total Volume: ' + volumeCubicYards.toFixed(2) + ' cubic yards'; resultHTML += 'Estimated Weight: ' + totalWeightTons.toFixed(2) + ' tons (' + totalWeightLbs.toFixed(0) + ' lbs)'; resultHTML += 'It is recommended to order 5-10% extra material to account for compaction and waste.'; resultDiv.innerHTML = resultHTML; resultDiv.style.display = 'block'; }How to Calculate Aggregate for Your Project
Whether you're laying a new driveway, creating a garden path, or filling a sandbox, accurately calculating the amount of aggregate you need is crucial. Ordering too little can delay your project, while ordering too much leads to wasted material and money. This guide and calculator will help you determine the precise volume and weight of aggregate required.
Step 1: Measure Your Area
The first step is to measure the space you need to fill. For a rectangular or square area, you'll need two measurements:
- Length: Measure the longest side of the area in feet.
- Width: Measure the shorter side of the area in feet.
For irregularly shaped areas, try to break them down into smaller, regular shapes (rectangles, circles) and calculate each one separately.
Step 2: Determine the Depth
Next, decide how deep you want the layer of aggregate to be. This measurement is typically taken in inches. The required depth depends on the project's purpose. For example, a simple garden path might only need 2-3 inches of gravel, while a driveway that needs to support vehicles will require a much thicker base of 4-8 inches or more.
Step 3: Calculate the Volume in Cubic Yards
Aggregate is almost always sold by volume, specifically in cubic yards. To calculate this, you first find the volume in cubic feet and then convert it.
- Convert the depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12 (since there are 12 inches in a foot).
- Calculate the volume in cubic feet: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft).
- Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard).
Worked Example
Let's say you are building a gravel base for a shed. The area is 12 feet long by 10 feet wide, and you need a 4-inch deep layer of gravel.
- Depth in feet: 4 inches / 12 = 0.333 feet
- Volume in cubic feet: 12 ft × 10 ft × 0.333 ft = 40 cubic feet
- Volume in cubic yards: 40 cubic feet / 27 = 1.48 cubic yards
You would need to order approximately 1.5 cubic yards of gravel.
Step 4: Estimate the Weight
While aggregate is sold by volume, its weight is important for transportation and delivery. Different materials have different densities. Our calculator uses typical densities to estimate the total weight in tons.
Common Aggregate Densities
The weight of aggregate can vary based on its source and moisture content. However, here are some common approximations (in pounds per cubic yard):
- Gravel: ~2,700 lbs / cubic yard
- Sand (dry): ~2,600 lbs / cubic yard
- Crushed Stone: ~2,500 lbs / cubic yard
- Topsoil (screened): ~2,000 lbs / cubic yard
- Limestone: ~2,400 lbs / cubic yard
Tips for Ordering Aggregate
- Add a buffer: It's a standard practice to order 5-10% more material than you calculated. This covers any measurement errors, uneven ground, and natural compaction of the material.
- Check with your supplier: Always confirm the density and price per cubic yard with your local supplier before placing an order.
- Plan for delivery: Know the weight of your order to ensure your delivery vehicle can handle it and that the delivery location is accessible.