Example Data
| Shape | Units | Dimensions | Depth | Density | Waste % | Moisture % | Compaction | Truck (t) | Rounded Loads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangle | Imperial | 20 ft × 12 ft | 4 in | 1.4 t/yd³ | 5 | 0 | 1.0 | 15 | Up |
| Circle | Imperial | Diameter 10 ft | 3 in | 1.5 t/yd³ | 7 | 2 | 1.05 | 20 | Nearest |
| Trench | Imperial | 60 ft × 1.5 ft | 6 in | 1.3 t/yd³ | 10 | 0 | 1.0 | 10 | None |
| Slope | Metric | Area 40 m² | 2–5 cm | 1.7 t/m³ | 5 | 0 | 1.0 | 12 | Up |
Formula Used
Core steps:
- Volume: compute geometric volume in yd³ or m³.
- Adjusted volume:
V_adj = V × compaction × (1 + waste/100) × (1 + moisture/100). - Tons:
T = V_adj × density, with density in tons/yd³ or tonnes/m³. - Layers: Sum per-layer tons using each layer’s depth and density.
- Truckloads (optional):
Loads = T / capacity, then apply rounding.
Depth conversions: inches→feet (/ 12) then feet→yards (/ 3) for yd³; centimeters→meters (/ 100) for m³.
How to Use
- Choose the shape and unit system.
- Enter dimensions and compacted depth.
- Set density or choose a quick pick.
- (Optional) Add layers with specific depths and densities.
- Adjust waste, moisture, compaction, and rounding.
- Set cost inputs or bag specifics if required.
- Click Calculate to see tons and logistics.
- Export CSV or PDF, save, or share a URL.
Worked Example: Patio Slab (Imperial)
Goal: Estimate tons for a rectangular patio using typical values.
- Shape: Rectangle / Slab, Unit system: Imperial
- Length = 20 ft, Width = 12 ft, Depth = 4 in
- Material density = 1.4 tons/yd³
- Waste allowance = 5%, Moisture swell = 0%, Compaction = 1.0
- Truck capacity = 15 tons, Round to truckloads = Up
- Raw volume (ft³) = 20 × 12 × (4/12) = 80 ft³.
- Net volume (yd³) = 80 / 27 ≈ 2.963 yd³.
- Adjusted volume = 2.963 × (1 + 0.05) = 3.111 yd³.
- Required material = 3.111 × 1.4 = 4.356 tons.
- Truckloads = 4.356 / 15 = 0.29 ⇒ 1 load (round up).
Enter these values in the form and click Calculate to reproduce the result.
Typical Bulk Densities (Reference)
| Material | Imperial (tons/yd³) | Metric (t/m³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel 3/8" | 1.25–1.35 | 1.55–1.70 | Rounded, higher voids |
| Crushed limestone | 1.35–1.45 | 1.70–1.80 | Angular, compacts well |
| #57 stone | 1.45–1.55 | 1.80–1.90 | Drainage and base |
| Crusher run | 1.55–1.65 | 1.90–2.00 | With fines, dense base |
| Granite aggregate | 1.40–1.50 | 1.75–1.85 | Hard, durable |
| River rock | 1.20–1.30 | 1.50–1.65 | Smooth, less compaction |
Depth-to-Volume Quick Sheet
Approximate compacted volume for common areas and depths.
| Imperial: 100 sq ft area | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | ft | yd³ | Notes |
| 2 in | 0.167 | 0.62 | Top layer dressing |
| 3 in | 0.25 | 0.93 | Light base |
| 4 in | 0.333 | 1.23 | Patio/paths base |
| 6 in | 0.5 | 1.85 | Drive base |
| 8 in | 0.667 | 2.47 | Heavy-duty base |
| Metric: 10 m² area | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth | m | m³ | Notes |
| 3 cm | 0.03 | 0.30 | Top layer dressing |
| 5 cm | 0.05 | 0.50 | Light base |
| 7.5 cm | 0.075 | 0.75 | Patio/paths base |
| 10 cm | 0.10 | 1.00 | Drive base |
| 15 cm | 0.15 | 1.50 | Heavy-duty base |
Typical Truck Capacities & Ordering
| Truck type | Capacity (tons) | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-axle | 5–8 | Small residential | Tight access |
| Tandem | 12–16 | General delivery | Common on sites |
| Tri-axle | 18–22 | Medium projects | Regional limits vary |
| Trailer/end dump | 22–26 | Large projects | Requires space |
- Order slightly more to cover waste and grade adjustments.
- Confirm local weight limits and site access constraints.
Aggregate Sizes & Common Uses
| Gradation | Nominal size | Typical use | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 3/8" | Paths, decorative | Loose surface |
| #8 stone | 3/8"–1/2" | Walkways, bedding | Good drainage |
| #57 stone | 3/4" | Drainage, base | Less fines |
| Crusher run (ABC) | Fines to 3/4" | Bases, driveways | Compacts dense |
| #304/Type 1 | Fines to 1.5" | Road base | Well-graded |
FAQs
How accurate are the results?
Results are planning estimates. Accuracy depends on density and compacted depth. Use supplier values, include a waste margin, and verify on site. Round for truck capacity and minimum order constraints when scheduling deliveries.
What density should I use?
Use the supplier’s bulk density for your specific gradation and moisture. Typical ranges are provided for quick reference only. Moisture content, fines, and gradation significantly change density and, therefore, total tons required.
Should I enter loose or compacted depth?
Enter compacted depth for best estimates. If you only know loose depth, use a compaction factor above 1.0 to convert to compacted thickness before calculating material volume and tonnage.
How do layers affect the calculation?
Each layer applies its own depth and density to the project area. The calculator computes tons per layer and sums them, ideal for base, leveling, and topping courses with different materials or compaction characteristics.
Why do truckloads differ from the ton total?
Truckloads depend on chosen rounding mode, truck capacity, and any minimum order setting. Local roadway limits and supplier policies may also constrain per‑load tonnage, causing total delivered amounts to exceed calculated needs.
Material Density Quick Picks
Values are typical references. Verify with supplier for accuracy.