Gravel & Aggregate Calculator

Material Densities Explained

Aggregate density varies by material type and whether it's measured loose or compacted. These calculators use loose density (as-delivered from the truck), which is the practical number for ordering:

• Gravel / Pit Run: ~110 lbs/cf (~1,760 kg/m³) — mixed sizes, natural aggregate
• Crushed Stone / 3/4" Clear: ~100 lbs/cf (~1,600 kg/m³) — crushed and screened
• Sand: ~100 lbs/cf (~1,600 kg/m³) — varies with moisture content
• Road Base / Crusher Run: ~120 lbs/cf (~1,920 kg/m³) — dense-graded, compacts tight

Loose vs. Compacted Volume

Material ordered by the ton or yard is measured loose. After compaction, volume decreases by 10–25% depending on material. For structural fills, add 10–20% to your calculated volume to account for compaction and waste.

Typical Application Depths

• Residential driveway surface: 4–6" gravel or crusher run
• Road base course: 6–12" compacted depth (order 8–15" loose)
• Pipe bedding: 6" below pipe, 12" above (varies by spec)
• Parking lot base: 6–8" crusher run + 2–3" asphalt
• Trench backfill: Per engineer's spec — typically 6" lifts

Order Extra

Always order 5–10% extra to account for waste, uneven subgrade, and low spots. Running short mid-job costs more than over-ordering by a load or two.