How Much Gravel, Rock, or Sand Do You Need?
Enter your dimensions. The calculator handles density, compaction, and overage — gives you the exact order quantity in yards and tonnes.
Enter your dimensions above to calculate.
Results update automatically as you type.
How the Calculation Works
The core formula is length × width × depth = volume. But raw volume isn't enough to place an order. Three factors change the real number you should buy:
Material density
A cubic yard of bark mulch weighs 600 lb. A cubic yard of road base weighs 2,900 lb. If you're ordering by weight (tonnes), the material type changes your order dramatically. The calculator applies the correct density for each product.
Compaction factor
Driveways, parking pads, and road base get compacted after placement. Loose material compresses roughly 30%. If you need 4 inches of finished compacted base, you start with about 5.2 inches of loose material. The calculator applies a 1.3× compaction factor for project types that require it.
Overage
Material gets lost to spillage, uneven subgrade, and settling. Running short means another delivery charge and a crew standing idle. We add 5–10% depending on the project type. Cheaper to have half a yard left over than to pay for a second truck.
Worked Example: Gravel Driveway
A driveway 60 ft long, 12 ft wide, with 4 inches of compacted crusher run:
- 1. Raw volume: 60 × 12 × (4 ÷ 12) = 240 ft³ = 8.89 yd³
- 2. Compaction (1.3×): 8.89 × 1.3 = 11.56 yd³
- 3. Overage (10%): 11.56 × 1.10 = 12.7 yd³
- 4. Weight: 12.7 × 2,800 lb/yd³ ÷ 2,205 = 16.1 tonnes
Order 13 yards of 3/4" minus / crusher run. That's one tandem-axle load.
Common Questions
How many cubic yards of gravel fit in a dump truck?
Single-axle: 5–8 yd³. Tandem-axle: 10–14 yd³. Tri-axle or transfer: 16–20 yd³. Heavier products like road base may hit the truck's weight limit before the box is full.
How do I convert cubic yards to tonnes?
Multiply cubic yards by the material's density (lb/yd³), then divide by 2,205 to get metric tonnes. Example: 10 yd³ of 3/4" crushed gravel at 2,700 lb/yd³ = 10 × 2,700 ÷ 2,205 = 12.2 tonnes. The calculator handles this for every material.
Should I order extra?
Always. At least 10% more to cover spillage, uneven subgrade, and settling. For compacted applications (driveways, road base), order 30% more — loose aggregate packs down substantially. A few hundred dollars in extra material is cheaper than a second delivery fee and idle crew time.
Crushed gravel vs. crusher run — what's the difference?
"Clear" crushed gravel is screened to a uniform size with fines removed. It drains freely and won't compact — use it for French drains and drainage applications. Crusher run (3/4" minus) keeps the fines. Those small particles fill gaps and lock together under compaction, making it the standard for driveways and structural base.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
4–6 inches of compacted material for residential use. 6–8 inches for heavier traffic or soft subgrade. In BC, where freeze-thaw cycles shift material, 6 inches is a reliable starting point. The calculator's Driveway mode defaults to these standards.
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