How this tonnage calculator works
Every bulk material sold over a quarry scale is the same two-step: volume from your dimensions, then weight from the material's density. Call it a tonnage calculator or an aggregate calculator — it's one formula wearing different densities:
tons = yd³ × density (t/yd³) · + waste, up to the ¼ ton
Worked example: tonnage for a 20 × 10 pad
200 ft² at 3 in is 50 ft³ — 1.85 yd³. In crushed stone at 1.4 t/yd³ that's 2.59 tons exact; with 5% waste the scale order is 2.75 tons, about $124 at $45 a ton. One ton stretches ≈ 77 ft² at this depth.
How many tons per cubic yard of aggregate?
| Material | t/yd³ | Per 100 ft² |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone | 1.4 | 1.3 t |
| River rock / limestone / sand | 1.35 | 1.25 t |
| Pea gravel | 1.3 | 1.2 t |
| Fill dirt | 1.1 | 1.02 t |
| Topsoil | 1.0 | 0.93 t |
| Depth | 1 ton covers |
|---|---|
| 2″ | 116 ft² |
| 3″ | 77 ft² |
| 4″ | 58 ft² |
| 6″ | 39 ft² |
Tonnage FAQ
How do you calculate tonnage of gravel or stone?
Volume first, weight second: length × width × depth (in feet) gives cubic feet; divide by 27 for cubic yards; multiply by the material’s tons per cubic yard. The default 20 × 10 ft at 3 in of crushed stone is 1.85 yd³ × 1.4 = 2.59 tons — order 2.75 with 5% waste.
How many tons of aggregate are in a cubic yard?
Crushed stone about 1.4, river rock, limestone and sand about 1.35, pea gravel 1.3, fill dirt 1.1, topsoil 1.0. The picker applies these estimating densities; your quarry’s ticket may run a little either way with moisture and gradation.
How many square feet does a ton of aggregate cover?
Crushed stone covers about 77 ft² at 3 in deep — 116 ft² at 2 in, 58 at 4 in, 39 at 6 in. The coverage line under the drawing recomputes for whatever depth and material you set.
How accurate are aggregate density figures?
Good to roughly ±10–15%: moisture, stone type and how loose the load sits all move the number. Densities here are the standard estimating averages — the quarry scale ticket is the number you actually pay, so leave the waste factor on for the safety margin.
How much does a ton of aggregate cost?
Commonly $30–60 per ton for crushed stone and sand in 2026, more for decorative rock, plus delivery. The default job prices at about $124 with the editable $45/ton figure — set your local quote and the cost tracks it.
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