Aggregate Calculator USA | 2026 Gravel, Stone & Sand Tonnage Estimator | Free Tool
🇺🇸 USA Tool✅ 2026 Updated
Aggregate Calculator
USA Gravel, Stone & Sand Volume, Tonnage & Cost Estimator
Calculate the exact cubic yards, tons, and 2026 material cost of gravel, crushed stone, sand, and base aggregate for driveways, drainage, foundations, landscaping, and road base projects across all US regions.
8+
Aggregate Types Covered
1.65
Tons Per CY — Coarse Gravel
15%
Compaction Waste Factor
Free
No Sign-Up Required
🚗 Driveways🏠 Foundations🌿 Landscaping🛣️ Road Base💧 French Drains🏗️ Construction
Aggregate — including gravel, crushed stone, sand, and road base — is one of the most widely used construction materials in the USA, with over 2 billion tons consumed annually. Whether you're planning a driveway, drainage system, landscape bed, or road base project, this free Aggregate Calculator estimates the exact volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, compaction-adjusted quantity, and total 2026 material cost — covering all major aggregate types (AASHTO No. 57, No. 67, No. 8, crusher run, pea gravel, concrete sand, and more) across all five major US regions with current pricing.
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Aggregate Calculator
Volume (CY) · Weight (Tons) · Compaction Factor · Material Cost — 2026 USA Rates
🪨 Gravel🏗️ Crushed Stone🟡 Sand🛣️ Road Base
Typical: driveways 4–6 in · drainage 12 in · landscape 2–3 in
Length of the area to be covered
Width of the area to be covered
Diameter of the circular area
Recommended for all base and subgrade applications
2026 USA avg: crushed stone $22–$50/ton · sand $15–$35/ton
2026 avg: $55–$120 per truckload (typically 10–15 tons)
Total Aggregate Needed (Adjusted)
0.00 tons
Volume · Weight · Cost — 2026 USA
📦 Volume & Weight
💰 Cost Estimate
📊 Aggregate Weight Conversion Factors & 2026 USA Average Prices
🪨 Fine Materials (Sand, Concrete Sand)1.5 tons/CY · $15–$35/ton
🛣️ Base Materials (Crusher Run, 304, DGA)1.75 tons/CY · $18–$40/ton
🌿 Pea / River Gravel — Decorative1.35 tons/CY · $35–$65/ton
🏠 Fill Gravel / Bank Run1.50 tons/CY · $10–$22/ton
27 ft³
Per Cubic Yard
+15%
Compaction Waste Factor
10–15T
Per Delivery Truckload
Sand (1.5 T/CY)
Coarse (1.65 T/CY)
Base (1.75 T/CY)
Decorative (1.35 T/CY)
What Is an Aggregate Calculator?
An aggregate calculator converts project dimensions (length, width, depth) into the volume and weight of aggregate material required to complete a job. Because aggregate is ordered and priced by the ton in the USA — not by cubic yard — accurately converting volume to weight using the correct bulk density factor for each material type is essential to avoid over- or under-ordering. This calculator applies ASTM-standard bulk density conversion factors and real-world compaction allowances to give you an accurate material order quantity with 2026 pricing for every major aggregate type used in US construction and landscaping.
🔑 Why Order by Tons, Not Cubic Yards?
Aggregate suppliers in the USA price and deliver material by the ton because it is a more precise and consistent measure than cubic yards — aggregate bulk density varies significantly by material type, moisture content, and gradation. A cubic yard of dry concrete sand weighs approximately 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons), while a cubic yard of crusher run base weighs approximately 2,800–3,200 lbs (1.4–1.6 tons). Using the wrong conversion factor can result in ordering 15–25% too little or too much material, costing hundreds to thousands of dollars on larger projects.
How the Aggregate Calculator Works
The calculator converts your area dimensions and depth into cubic feet, then to cubic yards, applies the correct tons-per-cubic-yard conversion factor for your chosen aggregate type, adds a compaction/waste allowance if selected, and multiplies by your entered price per ton to deliver a complete cost estimate.
Each aggregate type has a different bulk density and therefore a different cubic-yards-to-tons conversion factor. Below are standard values with 2026 USA average delivered prices by material type:
Aggregate Type
ASTM / AASHTO Size
Tons per CY
2026 Avg Price ($/ton)
Best Application
Compaction?
Crushed Stone #57
AASHTO No. 57 (¾ in)
1.65
$22–$45
Drainage, concrete base, backfill
Low
Crushed Stone #67
AASHTO No. 67 (¾ in)
1.65
$22–$48
Concrete aggregate, base course
Low
Crushed Stone #8
AASHTO No. 8 (⅜ in)
1.60
$24–$50
Top dressing, fine surface
Low
Crusher Run / #411
ASTM D 2940
1.75
$18–$38
Driveway base, compacted sub-base
High
Pea Gravel
⅜ in rounded
1.35
$35–$65
Drainage, landscaping, playgrounds
None
River / Washed Gravel
¾ in – 2 in rounded
1.35
$38–$68
Decorative, drainage, dry creek beds
None
Concrete Sand (C33)
ASTM C33
1.50
$18–$35
Concrete mix, paver bedding
Medium
Mason / Play Sand
Fine — ASTM C144
1.35
$22–$40
Masonry, sandboxes, leveling
Medium
Fill Gravel / Bank Run
Mixed gradation
1.50
$10–$22
General fill, grade raising
High
Road Base / DGA / 304
ASTM D 2940 / 304
1.75
$18–$40
Pavement sub-base, heavy-duty base
High
🪨 Crushed Stone #57
Size¾ in (AASHTO No. 57)
Tons/CY1.65
2026 Price$22–$45/ton
Best ForDrainage, Concrete Base
🛣️ Crusher Run / #411
SizeMixed — ASTM D 2940
Tons/CY1.75
2026 Price$18–$38/ton
Best ForDriveway Base, Compacted Sub-base
🌿 Pea Gravel
Size⅜ in rounded
Tons/CY1.35
2026 Price$35–$65/ton
Best ForLandscaping, Drainage
🟡 Concrete Sand (C33)
SizeFine — ASTM C33
Tons/CY1.50
2026 Price$18–$35/ton
Best ForConcrete Mix, Paver Bedding
🏗️ Road Base / 304 / DGA
SizeMixed — ASTM D 2940
Tons/CY1.75
2026 Price$18–$40/ton
Best ForPavement Sub-base
Recommended Aggregate Depth by Application — USA 2026
Using the correct depth for each application is just as important as selecting the right material. Too shallow and the aggregate won't perform; too deep wastes material and money:
Application
Recommended Material
Min Depth
Typical Depth
Heavy-Duty Depth
Coverage at 4 in (tons/SF)
Residential Driveway
Crusher Run + #57 top
4 in
4–6 in
6–8 in
0.054
Commercial Driveway
Road Base + Crush. Run
6 in
8–10 in
12 in
0.054
Foundation / Footing Base
Crushed Stone #57
4 in
6 in
8 in
0.054
French / Drainage Trench
Washed #57 or Pea Gravel
6 in
12 in
18 in
0.054
Landscape / Garden Bed
Pea Gravel / River Rock
2 in
2–3 in
4 in
0.028
Pathway / Walkway
Pea Gravel / #8
2 in
3–4 in
4 in
0.028
Pavement Sub-Base
Road Base / 304 / DGA
4 in
6–8 in
12 in
0.054
Concrete Mix Aggregate
Crushed Stone #57 / #67
N/A
Per mix design
Per mix design
N/A
🚗 Residential Driveway
MaterialCrusher Run + #57 Top
Min Depth4 in
Typical Depth4–6 in
Heavy-Duty6–8 in
🏠 Foundation / Footing Base
MaterialCrushed Stone #57
Min Depth4 in
Typical Depth6 in
Heavy-Duty8 in
💧 French / Drainage Trench
MaterialWashed #57 / Pea Gravel
Min Depth6 in
Typical Depth12 in
Heavy-Duty18 in
🌿 Landscape / Garden Bed
MaterialPea Gravel / River Rock
Min Depth2 in
Typical Depth2–3 in
Heavy-Duty4 in
🏷️ 2026 Aggregate Price Trends
Crushed stone and gravel prices in 2026 average $22–$50 per ton for common construction grades, up approximately 8–12% since 2023 due to diesel fuel costs, equipment costs, and increased infrastructure demand driven by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Decorative gravel and river rock remain the most expensive at $35–$80/ton due to additional washing and sorting costs. The lowest-cost aggregate options remain bank-run fill gravel ($10–$22/ton) and crusher run ($18–$38/ton) for high-volume applications.
🚛 Aggregate Delivery: How Much Per Load?
Most aggregate suppliers in the USA deliver in 10–15 ton tandem-axle trucks or 20–25 ton tri-axle trucks. Delivery fees typically range from $55–$120 per load within a 15-mile radius, with additional charges of $3–$8 per mile for longer hauls. Ordering full truckloads (vs. partial loads) saves significantly on per-ton delivery cost. For projects requiring less than 5 tons, purchasing bagged aggregate from a home improvement store (typically $4–$8 per 50 lb bag = $160–$320/ton) is far more expensive than bulk delivery.
📐 Compaction Factor Explained
When aggregate is delivered, it arrives in a loose, uncompacted state — occupying more volume than it will after compaction. Base materials like crusher run and road base compact by approximately 10–20% of their loose volume, meaning you need to order 15% more than the final compacted depth requires. Coarse open-graded aggregates like #57 stone have minimal compaction. Sand compacts moderately (8–12%). This calculator's built-in 15% compaction/waste factor accounts for all material types conservatively and is consistent with industry standard practice.
⚠️ Always Order Extra — The 10% Rule
Most experienced contractors and landscapers order 5–10% more aggregate than calculated to account for uneven subgrade, material variation, spillage during spreading, and unexpected low spots. Running out of aggregate mid-project means a second delivery charge plus project delays. For large projects over 50 tons, discuss ordering a slightly oversize load with your supplier — the cost of an extra ton of crushed stone ($25–$50) is far less than an additional delivery charge ($75–$120). This calculator adds a 15% compaction factor when selected, but consider adding a further 5–10% buffer on your actual order quantity for projects with rough or uneven terrain.
Aggregate Calculator — Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
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The amount of gravel for a driveway depends on dimensions and depth. Here's the standard calculation for a typical residential driveway:
Example: 60 ft long × 12 ft wide driveway at 4-inch depth
Crusher Run (1.75 tons/CY): 10.2 × 1.75 = 17.9 tons
At $28/ton + $85 delivery = $501 + $85 = ~$590 total
For a complete driveway with a compacted base and #57 stone top layer, plan for 6 inches total depth (4-inch crusher run base + 2-inch #57 top), which roughly doubles the material quantity. A standard residential driveway (60×12 ft) at 6 inches total depth typically requires 20–28 tons and costs $600–$950 for material and delivery in 2026.
What is the difference between #57 stone and crusher run?
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These are two of the most common aggregate types in the USA with very different characteristics:
#57 Stone: Uniformly sized, clean, washed crushed stone (¾ inch) with no fines. Drains freely — water passes through easily. Does NOT compact or bind. Best for: drainage beds, French drains, concrete aggregate, foundation drainage layer under slabs. Cannot be used as a stable driveway surface on its own.
Crusher Run (also called #411, DGA, or Dense-Graded Aggregate): Contains a mixture of crushed stone AND stone dust/fines from ¾ inch down to powder. Compacts very well and creates a stable, locked surface. Best for: driveway base layers, road sub-base, parking areas. Does NOT drain freely.
The ideal driveway uses BOTH: 4–6 inches of compacted crusher run as a base, then 1–2 inches of #57 stone or #8 stone as the top wearing course. This provides stability AND good drainage.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons for gravel?
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The conversion from cubic yards to tons depends on the aggregate type — there is no single universal factor. Standard US industry conversion factors are:
Decorative / pea gravel / river rock: CY × 1.35 = tons
Fill gravel / bank run: CY × 1.50 = tons
Example: You need 15 cubic yards of #57 crushed stone: 15 × 1.65 = 24.75 tons to order. Always confirm the specific bulk density with your local supplier, as values can vary slightly by region, moisture content, and specific source quarry.
How much gravel does one ton cover at various depths?
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Coverage per ton of aggregate (using #57 crushed stone at 1.65 tons/CY as an example):
1 ton = 0.606 cubic yards = 16.4 cubic feet
At 2 inches deep: covers approximately 98 square feet
At 3 inches deep: covers approximately 65 square feet
At 4 inches deep: covers approximately 49 square feet
At 6 inches deep: covers approximately 33 square feet
At 12 inches deep: covers approximately 16 square feet
For pea gravel or decorative rock (1.35 tons/CY), coverage is slightly higher — approximately 10–15% more area per ton at the same depth. Use the calculator above for precise coverage based on your specific aggregate type and project dimensions.
How much does a truckload of gravel cost in the USA in 2026?
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A standard aggregate delivery in 2026 consists of a tandem-axle truck (10–15 tons) or tri-axle truck (18–25 tons). Typical all-in costs including delivery within 15 miles:
Crusher Run / Road Base: $300–$600 per tandem load (10 tons at $18–$38 + $85 delivery)
Crushed Stone #57 / #67: $310–$650 per tandem load (10 tons at $22–$45 + $85 delivery)
Concrete Sand: $265–$435 per tandem load (10 tons at $18–$35 + $85 delivery)
Pea Gravel / River Rock: $435–$750 per tandem load (10 tons at $35–$65 + $85 delivery)
Fill Gravel: $185–$305 per tandem load (10 tons at $10–$22 + $85 delivery)
West Coast (CA) and Northeast (NY, MA) rates run 12–20% higher than these national averages. South (TX, FL) is typically 5–8% below average due to lower labor and fuel costs.
What is the best aggregate for a French drain in the USA?
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The best aggregate for French drains and drainage trenches in the USA is clean, washed crushed stone — specifically AASHTO No. 57 (¾ inch) or No. 67 (¾ inch). Key requirements:
Washed (no fines): Unwashed stone contains stone dust that fills voids and blocks drainage flow — always specify "washed" or "clean" stone
#57 or #67 stone: The ¾-inch size provides excellent drainage void space while supporting the perforated pipe
Pea gravel: Also acceptable for residential French drains — very high void ratio and excellent drainage, but more expensive than #57
Never use: Crusher run, road base, or bank run gravel in drainage applications — these compact and block water flow
Typical French drain design: line trench with non-woven geotextile fabric, place 2–3 inches of #57 stone, lay perforated pipe (perforations facing down), cover with 8–10 inches more #57 stone, then wrap fabric over top before backfilling. Plan for 12–18 inches total trench depth.
Industry standards and references used for 2026 USA aggregate material types, gradation, and cost data
🏛️
ASTM C33 — Concrete Aggregates
Material Standard
ASTM C33 is the standard specification for fine and coarse aggregates used in concrete — defining gradation requirements, quality limits, and testing methods for all concrete sand and crushed stone used in US construction.
AASHTO M43 defines the standard sizes of coarse aggregate used in highway and infrastructure construction — the source for aggregate size designations (#57, #67, #8, etc.) used by quarries and suppliers across the USA.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) tracks national aggregate production, pricing trends, and supply data — providing the foundational price benchmarks used in this 2026 aggregate cost estimator for all five US regions.