Sand & Gravel Calculator

How to Estimate Sand & Gravel Materials

Whether you are prepping a base for a concrete slab, laying a new gravel driveway, or filling a sandbox, aggregates (sand, gravel, crushed stone) are typically ordered in bulk. This calculator converts the volume of your project into the standard weights and measures used by aggregate yards.

Cubic Yards vs. Tons

Aggregate suppliers usually sell material in one of two ways: by the Cubic Yard (volume) or by the Ton (weight).

• Cubic Yard: A measure of volume (3 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet). This is how much space the material takes up.
• Ton: A measure of weight (2,000 pounds). The weight of a cubic yard changes drastically depending on the specific material.

Standard Material Weights

To convert your required cubic yards into tons for ordering, you must know the density of the material you are buying. Here are some industry standard estimates:

• Sand (Dry): ~1.35 Tons per Cubic Yard
• Crushed Gravel / Pea Gravel: ~1.40 Tons per Cubic Yard
• Crushed Stone / Crusher Run (with fines): ~1.50 Tons per Cubic Yard
• Topsoil / Dirt: ~1.20 Tons per Cubic Yard

When to Use Sand vs. Gravel

Sand and gravel serve different roles. Sand is used for leveling under pavers, as a bedding layer under concrete slabs, in mortar and concrete mixes, and in sandboxes or drainage applications. Fine sand compacts into a smooth, stable surface. Gravel (pea gravel, crushed stone, or crusher run) is used for driveways, French drains, and structural base layers where drainage and load-bearing capacity matter. Crushed stone with fines (crusher run) compacts into a hard, locked surface ideal for driveways; pea gravel stays more permeable and is better for drainage or decorative paths. Choosing the right aggregate for your project ensures longevity and proper drainage.

Measuring Your Project Area

To use this calculator accurately, you need the volume of material required. For a rectangular area (e.g., a patio base or driveway), measure length and width in feet, then decide your depth. A typical gravel driveway base is 4 to 6 inches deep; under a concrete slab, 4 inches of compacted gravel is common. Convert depth to feet (e.g., 4 inches = 0.33 feet) and multiply: Length × Width × Depth = cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each, and add them together. For circular areas (e.g., around a drain), use the formula for the area of a circle (π × radius²) multiplied by depth, then convert to cubic yards.

Ordering from Quarries and Landscape Suppliers

Most homeowners order sand and gravel from a local quarry, landscape supply yard, or bulk delivery service. Prices are usually quoted per ton or per cubic yard. Minimum delivery loads are common—many suppliers require at least 5 to 10 tons or a minimum fee. If your project is small (e.g., a single sandbox), bagged sand from a home center may be more practical. For driveways, patios, and foundations, bulk delivery is far more cost-effective. Call ahead to confirm material density: the exact weight per cubic yard can vary by source and moisture, so our calculator gives you a solid estimate, but your supplier's ticket weight is final.

Delivery and Placement

Bulk loads are typically delivered by dump truck. Ensure the driver has clear access to the drop location; trucks are large and can damage lawns or soft ground when fully loaded. Spreading and compacting gravel by hand is labor-intensive; for large orders, consider renting a small loader or hiring a crew for a day. Store any leftover material on a tarp or in a pile on high ground so rain does not wash it away. Using our sand and gravel calculator before you order helps you avoid the costly mistake of under-ordering or the hassle of disposing of excess material.

Common Uses and Depth Guidelines

Different projects call for different depths and types of aggregate. A paver base usually requires 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel or crushed stone under 1 inch of leveling sand. A concrete slab base often uses 4 inches of compacted gravel; check local code. Gravel driveways need 4 to 6 inches of compacted crusher run or similar for the base, with optional top dress of pea gravel. French drains use washed gravel (no fines) around the perforated pipe—typically 1 to 2 inches of gravel under and around the pipe, with depth and width depending on the drain design. Sandboxes need several inches of play sand; calculate volume and convert to bags or bulk. Always add a small waste factor (5% to 15%) for spillage, compaction, and uneven subgrade so your project does not stall waiting for another load.

Why Moisture and Density Matter

Our calculator uses standard dry-weight densities. In the real world, sand and gravel from a quarry or pile are often damp or wet. Moisture adds weight without adding usable volume: a cubic yard of wet sand can weigh hundreds of pounds more than the same volume of dry sand. When you order by the ton, the scale at the quarry weighs what you get; if the material is wet, you receive fewer cubic yards per ton than the calculator suggests. That is why we recommend confirming the actual density with your supplier. Some yards publish weight-per-yard for their products; others can give you a range. For critical projects, ordering a bit extra (10% to 15%) covers moisture and compaction so you are not short when the truck leaves.

Use the Sand & Gravel Calculator above to enter your project length, width, and depth. Select your material type to get estimated cubic yards and tons. Adjust for compaction and waste as needed, then call your local supplier to confirm pricing and minimum delivery before you place the order.

Disclaimer: Moisture content drastically changes the weight of aggregate materials. Wet sand weighs significantly more than dry sand. Always consult your local quarry for their specific material densities.