How much aggregate do I need?
Aggregate is a general term for crushed stone, gravel, and sand used as bases, drainage layers, and concrete ingredients.
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area above. The calculator shows cubic yards, cubic feet, an estimated weight in tons, and the number of bags if you buy bagged aggregate. Add a price per cubic yard and it also estimates the cost.
Cubic yard calculator for aggregate
This cubic yard calculator for aggregate works for any shape. Pick rectangle for most beds and slabs, circle for round areas, or trench for narrow runs. Open the price estimator under the calculator to add your supplier price, delivery fee, and tax. For a full cost breakdown, see the cubic yard price estimator.
Aggregate weight and bags per cubic yard
A planning value for aggregate is 2,800 pounds per cubic yard, which is 1.40 US tons. Moisture, particle size, and compaction move that number, so treat it as a starting point.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Pounds per cubic yard | 2,800 |
| US tons per cubic yard | 1.40 |
| Kilograms per cubic yard | 1,270 |
| Cubic yards per US ton | 0.71 |
| Cubic feet per US ton | 19.29 |
How far does a cubic yard of aggregate go?
Coverage depends only on depth. The deeper the layer, the less area a cubic yard covers. The suggested depth for aggregate is 4 to 8 inches, and 4 inches is a common choice.
| Depth (inches) | Square feet covered | Square yards covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 324 | 36.0 |
| 2 | 162 | 18.0 |
| 3 | 108 | 12.0 |
| 4 | 81 | 9.0 |
| 6 | 54 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 40 | 4.5 |
| 12 | 27 | 3.0 |
Aggregate needed for common areas at 4 inches deep
| Area | Square feet | Cubic yards | US tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 by 5 ft | 25 | 0.31 | 0.43 |
| 8 by 10 ft | 80 | 0.99 | 1.38 |
| 10 by 10 ft | 100 | 1.23 | 1.73 |
| 10 by 20 ft | 200 | 2.47 | 3.46 |
| 12 by 12 ft | 144 | 1.78 | 2.49 |
| 15 by 20 ft | 300 | 3.70 | 5.19 |
| 20 by 20 ft | 400 | 4.94 | 6.91 |
| 20 by 30 ft | 600 | 7.41 | 10.37 |
| 30 by 40 ft | 1,200 | 14.81 | 20.74 |
| 50 by 50 ft | 2,500 | 30.86 | 43.21 |
Worked example: 30 by 12 feet at 4 inches
The area is 30 feet times 12 feet, or 360 square feet. A depth of 4 inches is 0.33 feet. Volume is 360 times 0.33, which is 120.00 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 4.44 cubic yards. At 2,800 pounds per cubic yard that weighs about 6.22 US tons. With 10 percent extra, order 4.89 cubic yards.
Tips for ordering aggregate
- Match the aggregate size and type to the job on your plans.
- Compact each layer so the base does not settle later.
- Ask the supplier for the weight per cubic yard of the exact product.
Aggregate products differ a lot in weight, so the tons per cubic yard figure can change by 10 percent or more.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of aggregate do I need?
Multiply length, width, and depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 30 by 12 foot area at 4 inches deep needs about 4.44 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of aggregate weigh?
About 2,800 pounds, or 1.40 US tons, as a planning value. Ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How deep should aggregate be?
Most projects use 4 to 8 inches. 4 inches is a common choice.
How many square feet does a cubic yard of aggregate cover?
81 square feet at 4 inches deep, and 324 square feet at 1 inch.