Estimate the volume and weight of crushed stone, gravel, or ballast needed for your project with the CalcGami Aggregate Calculator. Calculate tonnage accurately, save your project details, and share material orders directly via WhatsApp.
Required Material
Estimated Weight
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Tons(Metric Tons)
Cubic Yards
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yd³
Cubic Feet
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ft³
History
Related Calculators
Table of Contents
What is an Aggregate Calculator?
An Aggregate Calculator is a construction material tool designed to determine the quantity of crushed stone, gravel, or ballast required for a project. Aggregate is the fundamental “filler” material used in construction whether it’s the base layer for a driveway, the drainage rock behind a retaining wall, or the bulk component of a concrete mix.
Because stone comes in various densities (limestone vs. granite) and sizes (pea gravel vs. large ballast), estimating the weight required to fill a specific volume is difficult. This Aggregate Calculator bridges the gap between dimensions (Cubic Feet/Yards) and logistics (Tons). It includes features like History to track different material options, Save Calculation to organize multiple projects, and WhatsApp Share to send immediate delivery requests to quarry suppliers.
Benefits of Using an Aggregate Calculator
Ordering aggregate is expensive, and delivery mistakes are costly to fix. Using this Aggregate Calculator tool provides clarity and efficiency:
- Weight Accuracy: A “cubic yard” of lightweight lava rock weighs far less than a “cubic yard” of dense granite. This Aggregate Calculator tool calculates the specific tonnage based on the material density.
- Driveway & Patio Planning: It ensures you order enough base material to achieve the required compacted depth, preventing your driveway from sinking or cracking later.
- Supplier Communication: Suppliers speak in “Tons.” This Aggregate Calculator converts your measurements into their language. Use WhatsApp Share to text them: “I need 12 tons of 3/4-inch crushed stone.”
- Project Organization: Use Save Calculation to keep your “French Drain” estimate separate from your “Driveway Base” estimate.
- Cost Estimation: By knowing the exact weight, you can multiply by the price-per-ton to get a precise budget before the dump truck arrives.
Formula Used in Aggregate Calculator
The calculation follows a Volume-to-Weight conversion logic based on material density.
The Plain Text Formulas:
Step 1: Calculate Volume
Volume (Cubic Feet) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)
(Divide depth in inches by 12 to get feet).
Step 2: Convert to Cubic Yards
Volume (Cubic Yards) = Volume (Cubic Feet) / 27
Step 3: Calculate Weight
Weight (Tons) = Volume (Cubic Yards) x Density (Tons per Cubic Yard)
Standard Densities:
- Gravel (Loose/Dry): approx 1.3 to 1.4 Tons/Yard
- Crushed Stone: approx 1.4 to 1.5 Tons/Yard
- Sand/Gravel Mix: approx 1.6 Tons/Yard
How to Use the Aggregate Calculator
Follow these steps to order your stone:
- Select Material Type: Choose the specific aggregate (e.g., Pea Gravel, Crushed Stone #57, Quarry Dust). This sets the density.
- Enter Dimensions: Input Length and Width of the coverage area.
- Enter Depth: Input the desired thickness of the layer (e.g., 4 inches).
- Calculate: Click the button to process the tonnage.
- Review Results: View the required Volume (Yards) and Weight (Tons).
- Use Productivity Features:
- History: Compare the weight difference between using Pea Gravel vs. Crushed Stone.
- Save Calculation: Store the result as “Front Walkway Base.”
- Share on WhatsApp: Send the order quantity to your delivery driver or supplier.
Real-Life Example
Scenario:
“Steve” is re-doing his driveway. He needs to lay a base of Crushed Stone that is 40 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches deep. He needs to know how many tons to order.
The Calculation:
Step 1: Convert Depth
4 inches / 12 = 0.33 feet.
Step 2: Calculate Volume
Formula: 40 ft x 10 ft x 0.33 ft
Calculation: 400 x 0.33 = 132 Cubic Feet.
Step 3: Convert to Yards
Formula: 132 / 27
Calculation: 4.89 Cubic Yards.
Step 4: Calculate Tonnage
Density of Crushed Stone is approx 1.5 Tons per Yard.
Formula: 4.89 x 1.5
Calculation: 7.335 Tons.
The Result:
Steve needs to order 7.5 Tons of crushed stone.
- Action: Steve saves this as “Driveway Project” and uses WhatsApp Share to send the message “Quote needed for 7.5 Tons of Crushed Stone” to the local quarry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between “Washed” and “Unwashed” aggregate?
Washed (Clean): Dust and fines are removed. Used for drainage (French drains) because water flows through it easily.
Unwashed (Base/ABC): Contains stone dust. This dust helps the stones lock together when compacted, making it ideal for driveway bases and paver foundations.
How much does gravel settle?
Like sand, aggregate compacts. If you use a mechanical plate compactor on a base material, you can expect it to compress by about 15-20%. Always order extra to account for this if you need a precise finished height.
Can I save multiple calculations?
Yes. The Save Calculation feature allows you to save distinct entries. You can have one saved item for “Gravel” and another for “Sand” and access them anytime from your saved list.
What size aggregate do I need?
#57 Stone (3/4 inch): Standard for driveways and drainage.
Pea Gravel (3/8 inch): Decorative, walkways, playgrounds.
Quarry Process (QP) / Crusher Run: Mix of stone and dust for compactable bases.
Rip Rap (3-6 inch): Erosion control, ditches.
How do I share the results?
Click the WhatsApp Share button. It will open WhatsApp on your phone (or web) with a pre-typed message containing the Material Type, Dimensions, and Total Tons. You can edit the text to add your address before sending.
Is a “Ton” always 2,000 lbs?
Yes, in the US (Short Ton). In the UK/Metric system, a “Tonne” is 1,000 kg (approx 2,204 lbs). Most construction calculators use the US Short Ton (2,000 lbs) or specify Metric Tonnes clearly. Check your supplier’s unit of measure.