Calculate gravel, crushed stone, sand, topsoil and riprap by cubic yards, tons or truckloads. Covers 13 aggregate types with compaction factors, shape-based volume, delivery planning and cost estimate.
- 13 Aggregate Types
- 4 Bed Shapes
- Cubic Yards & Tons
- Compaction Buffer
- Truckloads
- Full Cost BOM
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Order summary
What Is Aggregate?
Aggregate is any granular material used in construction — crushed stone, gravel, sand, recycled concrete, decomposed granite or riprap. It is the most consumed raw material on earth after water, and it appears in almost every construction project in one form or another: as a base under roads and driveways, as drainage behind retaining walls, as a decorative surface around landscaping, or as a component of concrete and asphalt.
Base aggregate
Crushed stone with fines that compacts hard. Includes #21A, crusher run, DGA and ABC stone. Used under driveways, roads and slabs.
Clean aggregate
Single-size washed stone with no fines. Includes #57, #67 and #3. Drains freely but does not compact.
Decorative aggregate
Pea gravel, river rock, lava rock and crushed granite. Used as a visual surface in landscaping, walkways and dry creek beds.
Sand and fine material
Washed sand, mason sand, fill dirt and topsoil. Measured by volume but sold by the yard or ton depending on the market.
By the ton at the quarry or yard scale, or by the cubic yard for smaller loads and pickup-truck quantities. Density varies by type: pea gravel is about 1.35 tons per cubic yard while crushed granite is about 1.55. The calculator above converts between both so you can order in whatever unit your supplier quotes.
Aggregate Type Reference
2025 densities, coverage rates and price bands for the 13 most common aggregate types. Density determines tonnage; coverage determines volume.
| Type | Size | Density (t/yd³) | Coverage at 3 in (sq ft/yd³) | Price range ($/ton) | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean crushed stone (drains, no compaction) | |||||
| #57 crushed stone | 3/4–1 in | 1.40 | ~108 | $28–$55 | Drainage, concrete mix, driveway surface |
| #67 crushed stone | 3/4 in | 1.40 | ~108 | $28–$55 | Driveway top dress, pipe bedding |
| #3 crushed stone | 1.5–2.5 in | 1.35 | ~112 | $25–$50 | Riprap base, erosion control, large drainage |
| Decorative aggregate | |||||
| Pea gravel | 3/8 in | 1.35 | ~112 | $35–$75 | Walkways, play areas, French drains |
| River rock | 1–3 in | 1.30 | ~118 | $40–$85 | Dry creek beds, decorative beds |
| Decomposed granite | Fine + 1/4 in | 1.50 | ~97 | $30–$60 | Pathways, driveway top dress, patio base |
| Base aggregate (compacts hard) | |||||
| Crushed limestone | 1 in down to dust | 1.45 | ~101 | $20–$45 | Road base, driveway base |
| Crushed granite | 1 in down to dust | 1.55 | ~94 | $25–$50 | High-traffic base, heavy load bearing |
| Recycled concrete (RCA) | 1 in down to dust | 1.35 | ~112 | $6–$25 | Budget driveway base, temporary roads |
| Sand and fine material | |||||
| Washed sand | Fine, clean | 1.40 | ~108 | $22–$45 | Concrete mix, pipe bedding |
| Mason sand | Very fine | 1.40 | ~108 | $28–$50 | Mortar, brickwork, paver bedding |
| Fill dirt | Unscreened | 1.30 | ~118 | $8–$20 | Bulk fill, grading, sub-base |
| Topsoil | Screened | 1.10 | ~140 | $15–$35 | Lawns, garden beds, final grade |
Density matters more than you think. A 10 cubic yard load of pea gravel weighs about 13.5 tons, but the same volume of crushed granite weighs about 15.5 tons. If you order 10 yards and only budget for 13 tons, the second load invoice will surprise you. Always check density before ordering.
Coverage by Depth
One cubic yard covers different square footage depending on how deep you spread it. Multiply coverage by density to get tonnage per square foot.
| Depth | Coverage per yd³ | Coverage per ton (1.4 t/yd³) | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft | ~231 sq ft | Top dress, DG pathways |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | ~116 sq ft | Driveway surface top-up, decorative beds |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | ~77 sq ft | Standard decorative and surface layer |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | ~58 sq ft | Gravel driveway, base course |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | ~39 sq ft | Concrete base, heavy gravel driveway |
| 8 in | 40.5 sq ft | ~29 sq ft | Road base, drainage trench backfill |
| 12 in | 27 sq ft | ~19 sq ft | Structural fill, deep drainage |
The master formula: (Length ft × Width ft × Depth in) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards. Then multiply cubic yards by density (tons per cubic yard) to get tonnage. Add the compaction buffer as a multiplier for anything that compacts hard — base gravel compacts 20–30%, decorative rock compacts 0–10%.
How the Aggregate Calculator Works
Six steps from bed dimensions to the order summary. Every conversion is printed with the result so you can check the arithmetic against the supplier's ticket.
Choose area shape
Rectangle, circle, triangle or enter a known area in square feet.
Area calculation
The calculator computes the area from your dimensions using the correct shape formula.
Volume conversion
Area × depth ÷ 324 gives compacted cubic yards.
Compaction + waste
Add the compaction buffer for the material type, plus a waste allowance for spillage.
Convert to tons
Loose cubic yards × material density (tons per cubic yard) gives the tonnage to order.
Cost and truckloads
Quantity × price + delivery fee gives total cost. Divided by truck size gives load count.
Worked Example — 30 ft × 12 ft driveway at 3 inches of #57 stone
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bed area | 30 × 12 | 360 sq ft |
| Compacted volume | 360 × 3 ÷ 324 | 3.33 yd³ |
| With 20% compaction | 3.33 × 1.20 | 4.00 yd³ loose |
| With 5% waste | 4.00 × 1.05 | 4.20 yd³ |
| Tonnage (1.4 t/yd³) | 4.20 × 1.40 | 5.88 tons |
| Truckloads (14 t tandem) | ceil(5.88 ÷ 14) | 1 load |
| Material cost @ $32/ton | 5.88 × $32 | $188.16 |
| Delivery | — | $120 |
| Total | — | $308.16 |
Installation Notes by Aggregate Type
Base aggregate
Spread in 3–4 inch loose lifts. Water lightly before each pass. Compact with a vibratory plate compactor or roller. Three passes per lift. Aim for 98% of Proctor density.
Clean crushed stone
Do not compact. Clean stone needs free drainage. Spread it loose and screed to grade. Over-compacting clean stone breaks the aggregate and creates fines, defeating the drainage purpose.
Decorative aggregate
Install over a compacted base. Spread with a rake to even thickness. Do not compact river rock or pea gravel — they settle naturally. Add an edge restraint to keep the material in place.
Sand and fill
Washed sand and mason sand screen to grade after spreading. Fill dirt should be compacted in 6–8 inch lifts to prevent future settling. Topsoil should be loosened, not compacted.
Riprap
Place on a geotextile fabric over a compacted subgrade. Use a track hoe or excavator to place large stones with a 30–50% embedment. Never dump riprap from a truck — it damages the fabric and shifts the stones.
Universal rule
Always install a geotextile fabric under aggregate in wet or soft subgrade. It prevents the aggregate from migrating into the soil and doubles the effective lifespan of the layer. Cost is $0.30–$0.80 per square foot.
Common Aggregate Mistakes
Ordering compacted volume
Aggregate is ordered loose and compacts 20–30% for base material. If you order exactly the compacted volume, you will finish short. Add the compaction buffer.
Confusing tons and yards
A ton is weight; a cubic yard is volume. The conversion depends on density. Pea gravel is 1.35 t/yd³ while crushed granite is 1.55. Never assume 1:1.
Using the wrong aggregate
Clean stone does not compact. Base gravel does not drain. Using the wrong type for the job means either a soft surface or a muddy puddle.
No edge restraints
Loose aggregate migrates. Without an edge (plastic, concrete, timber or metal), the material spreads out over time, especially on slopes and where tires cross the edge.
Skipping the geotextile
On soft or wet subgrade, aggregate sinks into the soil without a separation fabric. The fabric is cheap insurance and prevents a whole class of failure.
Forgetting delivery minimums
Most aggregate yards have a 5–10 ton minimum for delivery. Below that, plan to pick up in a truck or pay a small-load surcharge. Always confirm before you commit to a delivery order.
Aggregate gradation is specified under ASTM D692 (coarse aggregate for asphalt), ASTM C33 (concrete aggregate), and AASHTO M147 (materials for aggregate and soil-aggregate subbase and base). Compaction is tested by AASHTO T180 (modified Proctor) and field density by ASTM D6938. Riprap gradation follows ASTM D6092. State DOTs publish their own size bands — a #57 in one state may be a #67 in another, so always confirm by gradation, not just by number.
One cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches. A cubic yard of #57 stone weighs about 1.4 tons. A 14-ton tandem truckload is about 10 cubic yards. Base gravel compacts 20–30%; clean stone compacts 0%. A standard two-car driveway (24 × 24 ft) at 4 inches of base needs about 9 cubic yards loose, or about 13 tons. Always add 5% waste for square beds, 10% for irregular edges and slopes.
People Also Ask
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
It depends on the type. Pea gravel weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. #57 crushed stone is about 1.4 tons. Crushed granite is about 1.55 tons. River rock is lighter at about 1.30 tons. A yard of gravel is roughly 2,700 to 3,100 pounds depending on the aggregate. Always confirm density with your supplier before ordering by ton.
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) and divide by 27 for cubic yards. Then add a 20–25% compaction buffer and multiply by density. For a 24 × 24 ft driveway at 4 inches of #57 stone: 576 sq ft × 0.333 ft ÷ 27 = 7.1 yd³ compacted. With 25% compaction buffer, that is 8.9 yd³ loose. At 1.4 tons per yard, order about 12.5 tons.
How many yards of gravel are in a ton?
Divide 1 by the density. For #57 stone at 1.4 t/yd³, one ton equals about 0.71 cubic yards. For pea gravel at 1.35 t/yd³, one ton is about 0.74 cubic yards. For crushed granite at 1.55, one ton is about 0.65 cubic yards. To convert tons to yards: divide by density. To convert yards to tons: multiply by density.
What is the difference between #57 and #67 stone?
Both are clean crushed stone with no fines, but the size bands differ slightly. #57 is roughly 3/4 to 1 inch. #67 is roughly 3/4 inch and slightly smaller on average. #57 is used for concrete mixes, drainage and driveway surfaces. #67 is common for pipe bedding, driveway top dress and playground surfaces. Both drain freely and neither compacts hard.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, one ton of #57 stone covers about 115 sq ft. At 3 inches it covers about 77 sq ft. At 4 inches about 58 sq ft. Pea gravel and river rock cover slightly more per ton because they are less dense. Remember these are loose coverage rates — for compacting base material, multiply the area by 1.2 to account for compaction losses.
Should I use crushed stone or pea gravel for a driveway?
Crushed stone for the base and driving surface. Its angular faces interlock and compact hard. Pea gravel for walkways, play areas and decorative borders only — it rolls under tires and migrates out of driveways quickly. Many gravel driveways use crushed stone base with a #57 or #67 crushed stone surface. Pea gravel should not be used on a surface that sees vehicle traffic.
How thick should gravel be for a driveway?
4 inches of compacted crushed stone for a residential driveway with cars only. 6 inches for heavier vehicles or trailers. 8–12 inches for commercial or heavy-truck driveways. On soft or clay subgrade, increase by 2 inches. Place in 3–4 inch lifts and compact each lift fully. A 6-inch layer placed in one pass will never compact all the way through.
Is recycled concrete as good as crushed stone?
For base applications, yes. Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) compacts nearly as hard as virgin crushed limestone and costs 40–70% less. It does not drain as freely because the crushing process creates more fines. For a driveway base, temporary access road or structural fill, RCA is an excellent budget choice. It should not be used for exposed decorative surfaces or concrete mixes — the residual cement content is unpredictable.
What is the cheapest aggregate for a driveway?
Recycled concrete (RCA) at $6–$25 per ton is the cheapest option. Next is fill dirt at $8–$20 per ton, but fill dirt is not a driveway surface — it needs to be capped with something harder. For virgin crushed stone, crushed limestone at $20–$45 per ton is the most economical base. Pea gravel and river rock are the most expensive at $35–$85 per ton because of washing and screening.
How do I calculate gravel for a circular area?
Measure the diameter in feet, divide by 2 to get the radius, then use Area = π × r². For a 10 ft diameter circle, r = 5, so area = 3.14159 × 25 = 78.5 sq ft. Then apply the volume formula: area × depth ÷ 324 for cubic yards. Use the Circle tab in the calculator above for automatic conversion.
How many wheelbarrows are in a yard of gravel?
A standard contractor wheelbarrow holds about 2 cubic feet. Since one cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, there are about 13.5 wheelbarrows per cubic yard. A larger 3 cubic foot wheelbarrow would be 9 loads per yard. If you are moving a yard of gravel by hand, plan for 13–14 trips and about 2 hours of work.
What is the best base for a paver patio?
#21A or DGA (dense-grade aggregate) — a mix of crushed stone down to dust. It compacts into a hard, stable base that will not shift under the pavers. ICPI recommends 4 inches compacted for pedestrian use and 6–8 inches for vehicular. On top of the base, a 1-inch bedding layer of mason sand. Clean stone like #57 does not work as a paver base because it never locks together.
How much does a truckload of gravel cost?
A 14-ton tandem truckload of #57 stone costs about $400–$650 delivered in 2025. A 20-ton tri-axle load runs $550–$900. Prices include delivery within 15–25 miles of the quarry. Beyond that range, add $10–$15 per ton for extended delivery. Peak season (spring and summer) sees 10–15% higher prices than off-season.
Do I need a fabric under gravel?
On soft, wet or clay subgrade, yes — a woven geotextile fabric prevents the aggregate from migrating down into the soil. On firm, well-draining subgrade, the fabric is optional but still recommended as cheap insurance. Cost is $0.30–$0.80 per square foot. Never use plastic sheeting — it traps water and causes the aggregate to float or shift.
How deep should gravel be under a concrete slab?
4 inches of compacted #21A or DGA for a residential slab on grade with firm subgrade. 6 inches for soft or clay subgrade, or for slabs that will carry vehicles. The gravel must be compacted in 3-inch lifts to 95–98% of Proctor density. On top of that, a 6-mil vapour barrier is standard for interior slabs. Do not use clean stone under a slab — it will not compact.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh in pounds?
Multiply tons per cubic yard by 2,000. #57 stone at 1.4 t/yd³ is about 2,800 lbs. Pea gravel at 1.35 is about 2,700 lbs. Crushed granite at 1.55 is about 3,100 lbs. Topsoil at 1.10 is about 2,200 lbs. A standard 1/2-ton pickup truck can safely carry about 1 cubic yard of most aggregates, less for the heavier types.
Is this calculator free and does it store my data?
Yes and no. Every calculation runs entirely in your browser — nothing is sent to a server, nothing is stored. Your inputs are not saved anywhere. The only thing remembered is the rating counter, which uses your browser's local storage and never leaves your device.
Related Calculators
References
- ASTM C33 / C33M — Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates. ASTM International.
- ASTM D692 / D692M — Standard Specification for Coarse Aggregate for Bituminous Paving Mixtures. ASTM International.
- ASTM D6092 — Standard Practice for Specifying Standard Sizes of Stone for Erosion Control. ASTM International.
- AASHTO M147 — Standard Specification for Materials for Aggregate and Soil-Aggregate Subbase, Base, and Surface Courses.
- AASHTO T180 — Standard Method of Test for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 4.54-kg Rammer and a 457-mm Drop.
- ASTM D6938 — Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods.
Confirm gradation, density and compaction requirements with your supplier and local code before ordering. Aggregate quantities from this calculator are estimates for planning only.