Plan paths, patios, and beds with confidence. Enter area and depth then adjust waste compaction. See cubic yards, tons, and bag counts instantly right.
Results appear here after you calculate.
Use the grid fields below. The layout adapts by screen size.
| Project | Area | Depth | Compaction | Waste | Estimated order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walkway base | 18 ft × 3 ft | 2.5 in | 1.10 | 5% | ~0.51 yd³ |
| Small patio base | 12 ft × 12 ft | 3.0 in | 1.12 | 7% | ~1.48 yd³ |
| Round seating pad | Radius 5 ft | 2.0 in | 1.08 | 5% | ~0.32 yd³ |
Examples are illustrative. Use your supplier’s density for best accuracy.
Stone dust is commonly used as a bedding and leveling layer under pavers, flagstone, and edging. Typical compacted thickness is 2–4 inches for walkways, and 3–6 inches for light patio bases. The calculator lets you switch between inches and centimeters, so you can match local site specs.
Installed thickness is usually less than loose thickness because particles settle during wetting and plate compaction. A compaction factor of 1.05–1.15 fits many garden projects, while uneven subgrades may need higher. Waste settings of 5–10% cover grading loss, edge feathering, and minor overfills.
Bulk density varies by quarry gradation and moisture. Many suppliers quote stone fines around 1.4–1.8 tonnes per cubic meter. Using density, the calculator converts order volume into tonnes, short tons, kilograms, and pounds. This helps compare delivery limits and bagged versus bulk options.
Bagged material is often sold in 25 kg or 50 lb bags; divide total weight to estimate counts and pallet needs. For example, 1 short ton equals about 40 bags of 50 lb. Keep slopes: 1–2% fall for drainage; avoid trapping water under pavers. In freeze zones, aim for uniform thickness to reduce heave. Confirm local compaction requirements before ordering for inspection and delivery.
For consistency, the calculator converts inputs to metric internally, then reports common ordering units. It outputs cubic meters, cubic yards, and cubic feet, plus weight in tonnes and short tons. This dual reporting reduces rounding errors when your plan is in feet but the supplier sells by yard or ton.
A 12 ft × 12 ft patio at 3 inches depth produces about 1.3–1.5 cubic yards after compaction and waste, depending on settings. If density is 1.6 t/m³, that is roughly 1.6–1.9 short tons. Use the example table to sanity-check your entries.
Most walkways use 2–4 inches compacted, depending on soil and traffic. Set your target depth, then apply compaction and waste allowances to avoid shortages. For soft subgrade, consider thicker base and better edge restraint.
If you compact with a plate compactor and wet the fines, 1.05–1.15 is common. Use higher values for very loose placement, deep lifts, or irregular subgrade. When unsure, start at 1.10 and compare with supplier guidance.
Suppliers often price and deliver aggregates by weight. Density converts your order volume to tonnes or tons, helping you match truck limits and avoid overweight deliveries. Use your supplier’s stated bulk density for the best estimate.
Yes. Choose the custom area option and enter square feet or square meters, then add depth and allowances. This is useful when your area comes from a plan, GIS measurement, or a separate area calculator.
Five percent works for straight edges and simple rectangles. Use 7–10% for curves, heavy grading, or feathered transitions. Increase further if you expect rework, uneven excavation, or you plan to keep extra on site.
Bag counts help for small projects or spot leveling, but bulk delivery is usually cheaper for larger volumes. Compare total weight and your handling limits. Always confirm packaging weight and product type, since fines and screenings can differ.
Compaction factor (C) adds material for settling. Waste (W%) covers grading losses and small overfills.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.