Complete Guide: How to Calculate Gravel or Sand for Any Project
A gravel and sand calculator converts your project area and desired depth into the exact tonnage of loose material you need, whether you're building a paver base, filling a sandbox, or leveling a patio subgrade. This free tool applies standard density figures for each material type.
💡 Quick Summary
Volume (cubic yards) = area × depth ÷ 27. Multiply by your material's density (typically 1.0-1.5 tons per cubic yard) to get the total tons needed.
Typical Material Densities
| Material | Approx. Density | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel / Crushed Stone | ~1.4 tons/cu yd | Drainage, driveways, drainage beds |
| Sand | ~1.35 tons/cu yd | Paver leveling, sandboxes, concrete mix |
| Paver Base / Crusher Run | ~1.5 tons/cu yd | Compacted sub-base under pavers or slabs |
| Topsoil | ~1.0 tons/cu yd | Garden beds, lawn leveling |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter your area's length and width in feet.
- Enter your desired depth in inches.
- Select your material type to apply the correct density.
- Click ⚡ Calculate Material Needed.
- Review your total tons needed, then use 📋 Copy Summary to save your results for your supplier.