Gravel Calculator

Estimate gravel volume and approximate delivery weight from rectangular sections. Use a supplier density to convert cubic feet into pounds and US short tons.

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How to Use the Gravel Calculator

Enter each section’s length and width in feet and gravel depth in inches. Set a density in pounds per cubic foot and a waste allowance. Optionally select a price per cubic yard or per US short ton and enter that price.

Formula and Explanation

Section volume (cu ft) = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) / 12
Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27
Order volume = total volume × (1 + waste / 100)
Pounds = order volume (cu ft) × density (lb/cu ft)
US short tons = pounds / 2,000

The adjustable density converts waste-adjusted volume into approximate weight. The starting value of 100 lb per cubic foot is illustrative, not a universal gravel density. Yard pricing uses waste-adjusted cubic yards; ton pricing uses US short tons. Displayed quantities are rounded planning estimates and pricing uses the underlying unrounded quantity.

Density varies with aggregate type, grading, moisture and how the supplier measures loose or compacted material. A waste percentage is not a tested compaction factor. Ask the supplier about delivered density, compaction, minimum orders and selling increments. One US short ton is 2,000 lb; it is different from a metric tonne. Delivery, labor and tax are excluded.

Worked Example

A 12 × 9 ft area at 3 inches depth holds 27 cubic feet, exactly one cubic yard before waste. With 10% waste and an illustrative density of 100 lb/cu ft, the order estimate is 29.7 cubic feet, 1.10 cubic yards, 2,970 lb or 1.485 US short tons. At $50 per US short ton, estimated material cost is $74.25.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which density should I use?

Ask your supplier for the density of the aggregate as delivered, in pounds per cubic foot. Moisture, particle sizes and compaction affect it. The default is an illustrative starting value only.

Are the tons metric tonnes?

No. Results use US short tons of 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne is 1,000 kilograms and must not be substituted for a US short ton price or delivery quantity.

Does waste account for compaction?

Not automatically. The entered percentage increases volume but cannot determine the compaction of a particular aggregate or installation. Obtain an appropriate allowance from your supplier or project specification.

Does changing the price unit change the weight estimate?

No. Geometry, waste and density determine volume and weight. The price selector only chooses whether cost is calculated from cubic yards or US short tons.