How to use this calculator
Enter the area and layer depth, then ask your supplier for the bulk density appropriate to the material and state you are ordering. Add an explicit volume allowance only if your project requires it. Use the unit selector to view metric quantities.
The formula
A worked example
A 20 × 10 ft area at 6 inches deep is 100 cubic feet, or 3.7037 cubic yards. At an entered 100 lb per cubic foot and no extra allowance, it weighs 10,000 lb: 5 U.S. short tons.
Assumptions & limitations
Density varies with aggregate type, size distribution, moisture, and compaction. The default is an example. Loose and compacted volumes are not interchangeable; this tool does not choose a compaction factor or pavement design.
Common questions
Are short tons and metric tonnes the same?
No. A U.S. short ton is 2,000 lb; a metric tonne is 1,000 kg. The selected output explicitly names the unit.
Does changing density change volume?
No. The geometric volume depends on dimensions. Density changes the estimated mass of that volume.
Supporting reference
The method above states this calculator’s assumptions. This reference provides related definitions and technical context.
Vulcan Materials: construction aggregate estimator ↗Formula and worked example checked against automated test cases. About our methodology.