Calculate cubic yards, tons, compaction factor, and 2026 material cost for gravel, crushed stone, sand, and base aggregate across all US regions.
Volume (CY) · Weight (Tons) · Compaction Factor · Material Cost — 2026 USA Rates
An aggregate calculator converts project dimensions (length, width, depth) into the volume and weight of aggregate 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. 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.
Aggregate suppliers in the USA price and deliver by the ton because 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 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.
The calculator converts your area dimensions and depth into cubic feet, then cubic yards, applies the correct tons-per-cubic-yard conversion factor, adds a compaction/waste allowance if selected, and multiplies by your price per ton for 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:
| Aggregate Type | ASTM / AASHTO Size | Tons/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 |
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 budget:
| Application | Recommended Material | Min Depth | Typical | Heavy-Duty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Driveway | Crusher Run + #57 top | 4 in | 4–6 in | 6–8 in |
| Commercial Driveway | Road Base + Crusher Run | 6 in | 8–10 in | 12 in |
| Foundation / Footing Base | Crushed Stone #57 | 4 in | 6 in | 8 in |
| French / Drainage Trench | Washed #57 or Pea Gravel | 6 in | 12 in | 18 in |
| Landscape / Garden Bed | Pea Gravel / River Rock | 2 in | 2–3 in | 4 in |
| Pathway / Walkway | Pea Gravel / #8 | 2 in | 3–4 in | 4 in |
| Pavement Sub-Base | Road Base / 304 / DGA | 4 in | 6–8 in | 12 in |
Crushed stone and gravel prices average $22–$50 per ton in 2026, up approximately 8–12% since 2023 due to diesel fuel, equipment costs, and infrastructure demand. Decorative gravel and river rock remain the most expensive at $35–$80/ton. The lowest-cost options remain bank-run fill gravel ($10–$22/ton) and crusher run ($18–$38/ton).
Most suppliers deliver in 10–15 ton tandem-axle trucks. Delivery fees range from $55–$120 per load within a 15-mile radius. For projects under 5 tons, buying bagged aggregate ($4–$8/50 lb bag) is far more expensive than bulk delivery.
When aggregate arrives, it's in a loose, uncompacted state. Base materials like crusher run compact by approximately 10–20%, meaning you must order 15% more than the final compacted depth requires. This calculator's built-in 15% compaction/waste factor is consistent with industry standard practice.
Most contractors order 5–10% more aggregate than calculated to account for uneven subgrade, material variation, spillage, and unexpected low spots. The cost of an extra ton ($25–$50) is far less than an additional delivery ($75–$120). Consider adding a further 5–10% buffer on large projects with rough terrain.
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.
Visit ASTMAASHTO 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.
Visit AASHTOThe 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.
Visit USGS