Trucks, scales and quarry invoices work in tons, but you measure a job in feet and inches. The tonnage calculator bridges the two: it finds the volume of the area you want to fill and converts it to short tons, metric tonnes, pounds and kilograms using the density of the material, from gravel and sand to topsoil and mulch.
How to use the Tonnage Calculator
- Material
- Custom density
- Area shape
- Length (or diameter)
- Width
- Depth
- Extra for waste and compaction
- Priced by
- Price per weight
- Price per volume
- Every result field is editable: type into Volume needed or any other result and Depth plus every other field update to match.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
The calculator finds the area of your rectangle, circle or triangle, multiplies it by the depth and adds the waste allowance to get the volume. Multiplying by the density of the chosen material gives the weight, and the price you enter turns either one into a cost.
Densities used
| Material | kg/m³ | lb/ft³ | US tons per yd³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel, loose, dry | 1,522 | 95.0 | 1.28 |
| Gravel, dry ¼–2 in | 1,682 | 105.0 | 1.42 |
| Gravel, wet ¼–2 in | 2,002 | 125.0 | 1.69 |
| Pea gravel | 1,520 | 94.9 | 1.28 |
| Crushed stone | 1,602 | 100.0 | 1.35 |
| Gravel and sand, dry | 1,650 | 103.0 | 1.39 |
| Gravel and sand, wet | 2,020 | 126.1 | 1.70 |
| Gravel and clay | 1,600 | 99.9 | 1.35 |
| River rock | 1,600 | 99.9 | 1.35 |
| Limestone, crushed | 1,554 | 97.0 | 1.31 |
| Granite, crushed | 1,650 | 103.0 | 1.39 |
| Basalt, crushed | 1,954 | 122.0 | 1.65 |
| Marble chips | 1,570 | 98.0 | 1.32 |
| Road base (aggregate base course) | 2,243 | 140.0 | 1.89 |
| Recycled concrete, crushed | 1,900 | 118.6 | 1.60 |
| Asphalt millings | 1,300 | 81.2 | 1.10 |
| Sand, dry | 1,602 | 100.0 | 1.35 |
| Sand, wet | 1,922 | 120.0 | 1.62 |
| Mason / play sand | 1,550 | 96.8 | 1.31 |
| Concrete sand | 1,650 | 103.0 | 1.39 |
| Sand with gravel, dry | 1,650 | 103.0 | 1.39 |
| Sand with gravel, wet | 2,020 | 126.1 | 1.70 |
| Topsoil, loose | 1,250 | 78.0 | 1.05 |
| Earth, loam, dry | 1,249 | 78.0 | 1.05 |
| Earth, packed | 1,522 | 95.0 | 1.28 |
| Clay, dry | 1,089 | 68.0 | 0.92 |
| Clay, wet | 1,826 | 114.0 | 1.54 |
| Mulch (wood) | 330 | 20.6 | 0.28 |
| Compost | 600 | 37.5 | 0.51 |
Good to know
A U.S. (short) ton is 2,000 lb; a metric tonne is 1,000 kg (2,204.6 lb). Quarries in the U.S. sell by the short ton, so check which one your quote uses.
Tips for an accurate estimate
- Sketch the job and split irregular areas into rectangles, circles and triangles before you measure.
- Add a waste allowance – typically 5–10% for simple layouts and 15–20% for diagonal, curved or heavily cut work.
- Check the coverage or yield printed on the product, because sizes and densities vary between manufacturers.
- Buy all units of a finished material (tile, brick, siding) from the same batch so colours match, and keep a few spares for repairs.
- Confirm local prices – quarry, lumber and steel prices vary widely by region and season.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering exactly the calculated amount with no allowance for breakage, offcuts and settlement.
- Forgetting to subtract doors, windows and other openings – or subtracting small ones that still need cutting around.
- Confusing US short tons (2,000 lb) with metric tonnes (1,000 kg) when comparing quotes.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Material | Choose one: Gravel, loose, dry, Gravel, dry ¼–2 in, Gravel, wet ¼–2 in, Pea gravel … |
| Custom density | Units: kg/m³, lb/ft³, g/cm³, lb/yd³ |
| Area shape | Choose one: Rectangle / square, Circle (length = diameter), Triangle (length = base, width = height) |
| Length (or diameter) | Units: ft, m, in, yd, cm |
| Width | Units: ft, m, in, yd, cm |
| Depth | Units: in, cm, mm, ft, m |
| Extra for waste and compaction | In % |
| Priced by | Choose one: Weight (per ton / tonne), Volume (per yd³ / m³) |
| Price per weight | Units: /US ton, /t, /lb, /kg |
| Price per volume | Units: /yd³, /m³, /ft³ |
Formula
Volume = area × depth × (1 + waste)Weight = volume × densityCost = weight × price per ton (or volume × price per yd³)Worked example
Inputs — Material: Gravel, loose, dry; Custom density: 1,600 kg/m³; Area shape: Rectangle / square; Length (or diameter): 20 ft; Width: 10 ft; Depth: 4 in; Extra for waste and compaction: 10 %; Priced by: Weight (per ton / tonne); Price per weight: $45 /US ton; Price per volume: $60 /yd³.
Results — Area = 200 ft²; Volume needed = 2.716 yd³; Weight needed = 3.484 US ton; Estimated cost = $156.78.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
Multiply the cubic yards by the material's density in tons per cubic yard – about 1.4 for gravel, 1.35 for dry sand and 1.05 for topsoil.
How many tons fit in a dump truck?
A standard 10-wheel dump truck carries 10–15 US tons (about 10–14 yd³ of gravel).
What is the difference between a ton and a tonne?
A short ton is 2,000 lb (907 kg); a metric tonne is 1,000 kg (2,205 lb).
What formula does the Tonnage Calculator use?
Volume = area × depth × (1 + waste).