Aggregate Calculator: Free Online Construction Aggregate Estimator
Use our free aggregate calculator to determine exactly how much construction aggregate you need for base courses, backfill, drainage layers, and landscaping. Designed for site contractors, excavators, and project estimators, this tool calculates aggregate volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and coverage area from your project dimensions and material density. Whether you are building a road base, driveway sub-base, or parking lot foundation, enter your length, width, depth, and density to get instant, accurate results in both imperial and metric units.
How to use this calculator.
- Select your unit system. Choose imperial (feet, inches) or metric (meters, centimeters) using the toggle above. All calculations automatically adapt to your selected unit system.
- Enter your area dimensions. Input the length and width of the area to be covered or filled. For irregular shapes, compute the area separately and treat the result as length times width for this calculator.
- Set the aggregate depth. Enter the compacted depth in inches. For road base, 6-8 inches is typical. For paver base, 4-6 inches. For drainage layers, 12-18 inches. Remember that aggregate compacts approximately 15-20% from the loose state.
- Adjust the material density. The default is 105 lb/ft³ (dense-graded aggregate base). Adjust to 95 lb/ft³ for loose sand, 110 lb/ft³ for compacted crushed stone, or 75 lb/ft³ for lightweight aggregate.
- Review your results. The calculator displays coverage area (square feet), volume (cubic yards), and weight (tons). Weight is critical for ordering: aggregates are sold by the ton at most quarries.
- Order in full truckloads. A standard tandem dump truck hauls 14-16 tons per load. Ordering in full truckloads reduces the per-ton cost significantly compared to partial loads.
How do you calculate aggregate volume, weight, and coverage?
Aggregate quantity is calculated by multiplying the area by the depth, converting to cubic yards, and then multiplying by density to get the weight in tons.
Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Volume (cu yd) = Length × Width × Depth (in) ÷ 324
Weight (tons) = Volume (cu yd) × Density (lb/ft³) × 27 ÷ 2,000
Where:
- 324 is the conversion factor: 12 inches/foot × 27 cubic feet/cubic yard. This converts square-feet-area × inches-depth directly to cubic yards.
- Density varies by material and compaction state. Typical values: crushed stone (compacted) = 105-110 lb/ft³, sand (dry) = 95-100 lb/ft³, gravel (loose) = 90-100 lb/ft³, dense-graded base = 105-115 lb/ft³.
- 2,000 lbs = 1 ton (short ton). For metric tonnes (1,000 kg or 2,204.6 lbs), divide by 2,204.6 instead.
- Compaction factor: Loose aggregate compacts 15-25%. Order 15-25% more loose volume than the calculated compacted volume to achieve the desired finished thickness.
Example calculation.
Let's calculate the aggregate needed for a driveway base course.
Scenario: You are building a gravel base for a 50 ft × 20 ft driveway with 8 inches of compacted dense-graded aggregate base (density: 105 lb/ft³).
- Calculate the area: 50 ft × 20 ft = 1,000 sq ft
- Calculate compacted volume: 1,000 × 8 ÷ 324 = 24.69 cu yd
- Calculate weight: 24.69 × 105 × 27 ÷ 2,000 = 35.0 tons
- Add 20% for compaction (loose to compacted): 24.69 × 1.20 = 29.63 loose cu yd. 35.0 × 1.20 = 42.0 tons to order.
- Determine truckloads: 42 tons ÷ 15 tons per truck = 2.8. Order 3 truckloads (14-15 tons each).
Result: You need approximately 42 tons of dense-graded aggregate base (3 truckloads) for this driveway base course. The material should be placed in two 4-inch lifts, each compacted thoroughly with a vibratory roller or plate compactor before the next lift is placed.
Tips from the field.
- Always order by weight (tons), not volume (cubic yards).Quarries sell by the ton and truck scales provide accurate weight. Volume estimates vary by 20-30% depending on how the material is loaded, moisture content, and compaction. A "cubic yard" from one quarry may weigh significantly different than from another.
- Compact in lifts no thicker than 6 inches. Trying to compact 12 inches of aggregate in one lift leaves the bottom half uncompacted. Place aggregate in 4-6 inch lifts (compacted thickness) and compact each lift with a vibratory plate compactor or roller before placing the next. This is the most common cause of driveway base failure.
- Wet the aggregate before compacting. Dry aggregate does not compact well. Lightly water each lift before running the compactor. The moisture lubricates the particles, allowing them to slide past each other and achieve maximum density. Do not over-wet: standing water indicates you have added too much.
- Geotextile fabric saves aggregate. A layer of non-woven geotextile fabric between the subgrade and the aggregate base prevents the aggregate from mixing with the underlying soil over time. This separation extends the life of the base course significantly and can reduce required aggregate thickness by 20-30%.
- Test your subgrade before ordering. If the subgrade is soft, wet, or contains organics, aggregate placed on top will sink and mix with the soil. Undercut and replace bad subgrade material before placing aggregate. A plate compactor test: if the compactor leaves ruts deeper than 1/2 inch in the subgrade, the soil needs improvement or stabilization before aggregate placement.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements vary based on site conditions, compaction effort, moisture content, subgrade preparation, and specific material gradation. For engineered fill, structural base courses, or projects governed by specifications, consult a geotechnical engineer. PavementCalculator.com assumes no liability for material overages or shortages.
Cost, price, and density figures on this page reflect approximate U.S. averages as of August 2026 and vary by region, supplier, and material availability.
Frequently asked questions.
How do I calculate how much aggregate I need?
Multiply the area (sq ft) by the depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For example: a 1,000 sq ft driveway base at 6 inches (0.5 ft) deep = 1,000 × 0.5 = 500 cu ft ÷ 27 = 18.5 cu yd. Add 10-15% for compaction since aggregate compresses when compacted. For loose coverage (landscaping), use 5% waste factor. Use our aggregate calculator above for instant results.
What is the standard density of construction aggregate?
Crushed stone/gravel (compacted): 2,400-2,800 lbs/cu yd (100-110 lbs/cu ft). Sand (dry): 2,500-2,700 lbs/cu yd (95-100 lbs/cu ft). Dense-graded aggregate base: 2,800-3,100 lbs/cu yd (105-115 lbs/cu ft). Lightweight aggregate (expanded shale): 1,600-2,000 lbs/cu yd (60-75 lbs/cu ft). For quick conversion: 1 cubic yard of aggregate ≈ 1.35 tons. Loose aggregate weighs about 15-20% less than compacted.
How much does aggregate cost per ton?
Crushed stone/gravel: $15-$40 per ton bulk. Sand: $15-$35 per ton. Road base (3/4-inch minus): $20-$50 per ton. Decorative stone: $60-$200+ per ton. Delivery fees: $50-$150 per load. Per cubic yard equivalent: $25-$75 for standard aggregate. A standard tandem dump truck (14-16 tons): $210-$640 for materials plus delivery. Buying in bulk (full truckloads) is significantly cheaper per ton than partial loads.
How much aggregate do I need for a driveway base?
For a residential driveway (50 ft × 20 ft = 1,000 sq ft) with a 6-inch aggregate base: 1,000 × 0.5 ÷ 27 = 18.5 cu yd × 1.35 = 25 tons plus 10% for compaction = 27.5 tons. This requires 2 truckloads (standard dump truck = 14-16 tons). For heavy-use driveways, use 8-12 inches of base. The aggregate base is the structural foundation: skimping on base depth is the #1 cause of driveway failure.
What size aggregate should I use for a base course?
For pavement base courses: 3/4-inch minus (also called crusher run, road base, or dense-graded aggregate) is standard. It contains a mix of stone sizes from 3/4 inch down to fine dust, which compacts into a dense, stable layer. For drainage layers: 1-2 inch clean (no fines) washed stone. For concrete sub-base: 3/4-1.5 inch clean stone. For paver base: 3/4-inch minus topped with 1/4-inch chip or coarse sand. The variety of sizes in minus material allows it to interlock and compact tightly.
How much aggregate do I need for a 1,000 sq ft driveway base?
For a 1,000 sq ft driveway with an 8-inch compacted aggregate base: you need approximately 35-42 tons of dense-graded aggregate (crusher run), which is 2-3 truckloads. This includes a 20% compaction allowance for converting loose material to compacted thickness. A shallower 6-inch base requires 26-32 tons (2 truckloads). Use our calculator above for your exact dimensions and desired depth.
What is the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone is mechanically crushed rock with angular, sharp faces that interlock when compacted, making it ideal for base courses. Gravel is naturally rounded by water action and does not interlock as well, making it less stable as a base but better for drainage and decorative applications. Crushed stone is specified for structural base courses; gravel is preferred for French drains, landscaping, and decorative applications where angular stone's sharpness is undesirable.
How much does a ton of aggregate cover?
One ton of aggregate covers approximately 80-100 square feet at 2 inches depth, 40-50 square feet at 4 inches depth, or 20-25 square feet at 8 inches depth. The exact coverage depends on the material density: heavier materials (dense-graded base, 110 lb/ft³) cover less area per ton than lighter materials (loose gravel, 95 lb/ft³). Use our calculator above to determine exact coverage based on your material and depth.
How much does aggregate cost?
Aggregate costs $15-$50 per ton depending on type, location, and quantity. Standard crushed stone base: $15-$25/ton. Washed stone (drainage rock): $25-$40/ton. Decorative stone: $60-$200+/ton. Delivery fees range from $50-$150 per load. Full truckloads (22-25 tons per tandem) qualify for the best per-ton rates. Partial loads cost 30-50% more per ton. For large projects, ask the quarry about volume discounts for multiple truckloads.