Aggregate Calculator
Whether you are building a road base, backfilling a trench, or laying drainage stone, you need to know how much aggregate to order. Enter your area dimensions and depth, pick the aggregate type, and this calculator gives you the volume in cubic yards and weight in tons. Most suppliers sell by the ton, so that is the number to bring to the yard.
Aggregate density varies by type and gradation. Crushed stone (#57) weighs about 100 lb/ft³ (2,700 lb/yd³). Crusher run (road base) is denser at 110 lb/ft³ because the mix of fines and stone compacts tightly. Pea gravel is lighter at 96 lb/ft³ due to round shapes leaving more air voids. Riprap (large stone for erosion control) is the least dense at about 90 lb/ft³ because of large voids between pieces.
Common aggregate sizes by number: #57 (3/4 to 1 inch) for driveways and drainage, #67 (3/4 inch) for concrete mix, #411 (mix of #4 and fines) for road base, and #2 (2-3 inch) for railroad ballast and heavy drainage. Your supplier can recommend the right grade for your project.
When ordering, add 5-10% extra for compaction and waste. Aggregate compacts 10-15% when rolled, so 10 cubic yards loose will settle to about 8.5-9 cubic yards in place. If your supplier quotes loose volume, factor that in.