Gravel Base Calculator (Yards & Tons)
Feet and inches to cubic yards and tons by stone type.
Also known as gravel quantity · aggregate base · sub base volume
With the default inputs: Length 20 ft · Width 10 ft · Depth 4 in etc.Gravel to order 2.96 yd³
Use your own dimensions ↓Inputs
Result
| Compacted volume | 66.7ft³ |
| Loose volume to buy | 80.0ft³ |
| Cubic yards | 2.96yd³ |
| Density | 105lb/ft³ |
| Total weight | 8400lb |
| Short tons | 4.20ton |
| Wheelbarrows at 3 ft³ | 27loads |
| Coverage per yard | 81ft² |
How this is worked out
Volume is length x width x depth with depth divided by 12. Loose aggregate settles when compacted: graded crushed stone typically loses 15-25%, and 20% is the common allowance. Pea gravel barely compacts at all, which is why the compaction option really only applies to crushed stone and crusher run. Tonnage is volume times unit weight, and unit weight depends on moisture and grading - wet material runs 10-15% heavier. Order by the cubic yard rather than by the ton, because the yard weighs on its own scale and the two rarely agree.
Next up: Backfill Volume Calculator · Earthwork Calculator
Reverse: known result, work out one input
Enter a target result; the other inputs stay fixed and this one is worked out.
Formula
| Volume (ft³) = L × W × D(in)/12 | |
| Loose = compacted × 1.2 | about 20% settlement for graded stone |
| Cubic yards = ft³ ÷ 27 | 1 yd³ = 27 ft³ |
| Tons = ft³ × density ÷ 2000 | crushed stone ≈ 105 lb/ft³ |
How to work it out
- Measure the area (length x width in feet) and the design compacted depth in inches.
- Volume = length x width x depth/12, which gives the compacted cubic feet.
- Multiply by 1.2 for the loose volume - graded crushed stone settles about 20%, and that is what you buy.
- Divide by 27 for cubic yards, or multiply by unit weight (105 lb/ft³ for crushed stone) and divide by 2000 for short tons.
- Check how the yard quotes - by the yard or by the ton - because delivered quantity can differ by 10% between the two.
Where it goes wrong
- Ordering to the compacted depth - it compacts to 80%, so you come up short of design level and need another load.
- Placing 8 in and compacting once - only the surface densifies, the base stays loose and settles into ruts in one wet season.
- Converting from wet weight - after rain the same yard is 10-15% heavier, so buying by ton short-changes you.
- Ignoring edge spread - material spreads sideways in placement, most visibly in narrow strips like a drainage trench, so add 5%.
Material and cost
Crushed stone sells by the ton at roughly USD 30-60 or by the yard at USD 40-80, depending on how far the quarry is. Haulage is often the biggest line: a 10 yard load runs USD 100-200 short haul and adds per mile beyond about 20 miles. Hauling yourself works out at 1-2 yards per pickup load, so dozens of trips cost more in fuel than delivery would.
On site
- Ask the yard how many yards a load carries before negotiating price - truck weight limits often bind before volume does.
- Compact the subgrade and shape the fall before placing; a good base over soft ground still settles.
- Finish the top lift with crusher run rather than clean stone - it grades and locks up far better.
Basis
- ASTM D448 Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction (gradation numbers)
- AASHTO M 147 Standard Specification for Materials for Aggregate and Soil-Aggregate Subbase, Base and Surface Courses
- IRC International Residential Code, Chapter R403 (footing and ground preparation)
FAQ
How many yards in a ton of gravel?
How deep should the base be?
Why add 20% for compaction?
Cite this page
Use this format in reports, method statements or coursework. The link is permanent.
Building Calculator. Gravel Base Calculator (Yards & Tons). 2026-10-25. https://jianzhujisuan.com/en/gravel-base-yards