BaseLayerCalc Material calculators

Material Calculator

Calculate volume, cubic yards, tons, weight, bags and cost for gravel, road base, crushed stone, pea gravel or mulch.

4 shapes · Depth presets · Supplier-ready

Calculator workspace

Multi-material calculator

Area method
Driveways and base layers often use 4–6 inches. Decorative and drainage layers often use 2–4 inches.
Choose a material to load its typical use and default density.
Add a bulk price only if you want a delivery estimate.
Advanced options
  • Recommended inputsArea + depth + material density
  • Aggregate presetsGravel, road base, crushed stone
  • Landscape presetsPea gravel and mulch
Material guide

Choose the material before comparing yards, tons, bags and cost.

The same volume can have a very different weight depending on material. Use road base or crushed stone for compacted work, pea gravel for loose decorative cover, and mulch for planting beds; replace presets with your supplier density when available.

How it works

Material calculation formula

  1. Area= shape measurement converted to square feet
  2. Volume (cu ft)= area × depth in feet
  3. Volume (cu yd)= volume (cu ft) ÷ 27
  4. Adjusted order= volume × (1 + compaction + waste)
  5. Weight (lb)= adjusted order (cu yd) × density (lb / cu yd)

Worked example

200 sq ft at 3 in depth
  • Area: 200 sq ft
  • Depth: 3 in = 0.25 ft
  • Volume: 200 × 0.25 = 50 cu ft
  • Cubic yards: 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 yd³
  • Add compaction and waste before ordering
Reference table

Material density presets used by this calculator

Material Density Typical use
General gravel 2,700 lb / cu yd Paths, drainage and general landscaping
Road base / crusher run 3,374 lb / cu yd Compacted driveways, pads and sub-bases
Crushed stone 2,431 lb / cu yd Drainage, bases and angular aggregate layers
Pea gravel 2,565 lb / cu yd Decorative beds, paths and play areas
Shredded hardwood mulch 500 lb / cu yd Garden beds, borders and tree rings
FAQ

Material calculator FAQ

How does the material calculator convert cubic yards to tons?

It multiplies adjusted cubic yards by the selected material density in pounds per cubic yard, then divides by 2,000 for US tons. Supplier density should replace the preset whenever available.

Can I calculate bags and bulk delivery together?

Yes. Results include common bag counts, cubic yards, tons and optional bulk and bagged costs so you can compare ordering methods.

Why are mulch and aggregate weights so different?

Density varies substantially by material, particle size, moisture and compaction. Mulch is much lighter than gravel or road base, so selecting the correct preset matters.

Should I add compaction and waste?

Use compaction for materials installed and compacted in layers, and a smaller waste allowance for grading, spillage and supplier rounding. Confirm structural specifications separately.

How this calculator was prepared

This estimate converts the measurements you enter into volume, applies your selected allowances, and uses the displayed material density to estimate weight. Every input remains editable.

Published 18 July 2026 · Reviewed 18 July 2026 · By BaseLayerCalc editorial team, BaseLayerCalc

Sources and limitations

Material density, moisture, compaction, subgrade conditions, supplier rounding, and delivery minimums vary. Confirm the final quantity and specification with your supplier or contractor.