Gravel Calculator

Calculate gravel, sand, or aggregate volume in cubic meters and weight in tonnes. Select material type for accurate density calculations.

Part of the Landscaping & Site Work calculators — see all tools in this category.

Coverage Area
m²

Total area to be covered

mm

Common depths: 50-150mm

Material
Density: 1.8 t/m³
Adjustments

1.0 = no compaction, 1.2 = typical compaction

%

Typical waste is 5-15% for aggregate

Cost Estimate (Optional)
$

Optional: material cost per cubic meter

$

Optional: material cost per tonne

Enter one or the other (price per m³ takes precedence)

Results

Volume Needed
1.1m³

With compaction & waste

Weight
1.98tonnes

Total weight to order

Base Volume
1m³

Without adjustments

Density
1.8t/m³

Material density

How It Works

This calculator helps you determine the volume and weight of gravel, sand, or other aggregates needed for your landscaping or construction project.

How to Use

  1. Calculate area: Measure the length and width of your space and multiply to get area in square meters (m²).
  2. Choose depth: Determine the desired depth in millimeters. Common depths are 50mm for paths, 100mm for driveways, or 150mm+ for drainage.
  3. Select material: Choose your aggregate type from the dropdown. Each material has a specific density that affects the weight calculation.
  4. Adjust for compaction: If you're compacting the material, use a compaction factor of 1.2 (order 20% more to achieve final depth).
  5. Add waste factor: Include 10-15% waste for typical projects to account for spillage and uneven surfaces.
  6. Get volume and weight: The calculator shows both cubic meters (m³) and tonnes so you can order in either unit.

Material Density Explanation

Different aggregates have different densities, which affects how much weight you'll need for a given volume:

  • Light materials: Scoria (~0.8 t/m³) is lightweight and used for drainage
  • Medium materials: Sand and pea gravel (~1.5-1.6 t/m³) are common for general use
  • Heavy materials: Gravel and crushed stone (~1.8 t/m³) provide stability
  • Very heavy: Road base and compacted materials (~2.0 t/m³) are used for load-bearing applications

Formula

Volume: Area (m²) × Depth (m) × Compaction Factor × (1 + Waste %)
Weight: Volume (m³) × Density (t/m³)

Frequently Asked Questions

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