Aggregate Calculator Tons

Estimate the amount of aggregate material (like gravel, sand, or topsoil) you need for your project in tons and cubic yards. Accurately calculating your material needs helps you avoid over-ordering and saves money. Simply enter the dimensions of your area and select your material type to get an instant estimate.

function calculateAggregate() { var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('length').value); var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('width').value); var depth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('depth').value); var materialDensity = parseFloat(document.getElementById('materialType').value); var materialSelect = document.getElementById('materialType'); var materialName = materialSelect.options[materialSelect.selectedIndex].text; var resultDiv = document.getElementById('result'); if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(depth) || length <= 0 || width <= 0 || depth <= 0) { resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid, positive numbers for all dimensions.'; return; } // Calculations var depthInFeet = depth / 12; var volumeCubicFeet = length * width * depthInFeet; var volumeCubicYards = volumeCubicFeet / 27; var weightInPounds = volumeCubicYards * materialDensity; var weightInTons = weightInPounds / 2000; // Displaying the result resultDiv.innerHTML = '

Your Project Requires:

' + 'Total Weight: ' + weightInTons.toFixed(2) + ' tons' + 'Total Volume: ' + volumeCubicYards.toFixed(2) + ' cubic yards' + 'Based on ' + materialName + ' with a density of ' + materialDensity + ' lbs/cubic yard.'; }

How to Calculate Aggregate Tonnage

Calculating the required tonnage for materials like gravel, sand, or stone is a straightforward process that involves determining the volume of your space and then converting that volume to weight based on the material's density. Following these steps ensures you order the correct amount for your landscaping or construction project.

1. Measure Your Area: Use a tape measure to find the length and width of the area you need to fill. For this calculation, these measurements should be in feet.
2. Determine the Depth: Decide how deep you want the material to be. This measurement is typically in inches. For example, a shallow gravel path might be 2 inches deep, while a driveway base could be 4-6 inches deep.
3. Calculate the Volume: The formula for volume is Length × Width × Depth. Since length and width are in feet and depth is in inches, you must first convert the depth to feet by dividing it by 12. The resulting volume will be in cubic feet.
4. Convert to Cubic Yards: Aggregate suppliers almost always sell material by the cubic yard. To convert your volume from cubic feet to cubic yards, divide the total cubic feet by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard).
5. Calculate the Weight: Multiply your volume in cubic yards by the density of your chosen material (typically measured in pounds per cubic yard). This gives you the total weight in pounds.
6. Convert to Tons: To get the final tonnage, divide the total weight in pounds by 2000 (as there are 2000 pounds in one US ton).

Aggregate Calculation Example

Let's say you are building a gravel base for a new patio. Your planned area is 15 feet long by 10 feet wide, and you need a gravel depth of 4 inches.

• Convert Depth to Feet: 4 inches / 12 = 0.333 feet
• Calculate Volume (Cubic Feet): 15 ft × 10 ft × 0.333 ft = 49.95 cubic feet
• Convert to Cubic Yards: 49.95 / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
• Calculate Weight (Pounds): Standard gravel has a density of approximately 2700 lbs per cubic yard. So, 1.85 cubic yards × 2700 lbs/yard = 4995 lbs.
• Convert to Tons: 4995 lbs / 2000 = 2.50 tons

For this project, you would need to order approximately 2.5 tons or 1.85 cubic yards of gravel.

Common Aggregate Material Densities

The weight of aggregate can vary significantly based on the type of rock, its moisture content, and how compacted it is. The values below are common estimates used in the industry for dry, loose material. Always confirm the density with your specific supplier if precision is critical.

Material	Approximate Density (lbs per cubic yard)
Gravel	2700
Crushed Stone / Road Base	2835
Sand (Dry)	2600
Topsoil (Screened)	2000
Asphalt (Milled/Recycled)	2400
Limestone (Crushed)	2970
Clay	2900

Why is Calculating Aggregate Weight Important?

While it might seem like a minor detail, accurately calculating the required tonnage of aggregate is crucial for several reasons:

• Cost Efficiency: Aggregate is sold by weight or volume. Ordering too much leads to wasted material and money, while ordering too little can cause project delays and additional delivery fees.
• Project Logistics: Knowing the total weight is essential for planning delivery. It determines the size of the truck needed and ensures that your site can handle the delivery vehicle's weight and size.
• Structural Integrity: For projects like driveways or building foundations, having the correct depth and volume of base material is critical for long-term stability and performance. An accurate calculation ensures you meet these structural requirements.