/// Answer-first planning notes
How much gravel volume and weight should I plan?
| Planning input | Calculation role | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Area dimensions and depth | Produce the placed volume | Distinguish loose depth from finished depth |
| Supplier density | Converts adjusted cubic feet to short tons | Use the selected aggregate's value |
| Allowance | Adds project-specific extra material | Account for the actual grading and handling plan |
When a density is supplied, ProjectQty converts pounds to U.S. short tons using 2,000 pounds per short ton.
Evidence: National Institute of Standards and Technology/// Formula & field notes
How this gravel estimate works
FormulaVolume = length × width × depth. Estimated tons = adjusted cubic feet × density (lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000.
Worked example
A 40 ft × 10 ft drive at 4 in deep contains about 4.94 yd³ before waste. Tonnage depends on the chosen aggregate and its bulk density.
/// Source trail
Data & assumptions
Every source has a declared scope. A reference can support a conversion or product assumption without turning this estimate into a supplier quote.
Exact international-foot to meter conversion; U.S. survey-foot conversion is explicitly outside this claim.
Effective 2025-08-18 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Independent confirmation that one international foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters; U.S. survey-foot conversion remains distinct.
Effective 2025-06-10 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Exact international avoirdupois-pound conversion; troy and apothecaries pounds are excluded.
Effective 2026-01-06 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Independent statutory confirmation of the exact international avoirdupois-pound definition.
Effective 1985-10-30 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Exact U.S. short-ton definition; long ton and metric tonne are excluded.
Effective 2026-01-06 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15Independent statutory confirmation that the U.S. short ton is 2,000 avoirdupois pounds.
Effective 2026-04-17 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15/// Common questions
Gravel calculator FAQ
How much extra gravel should I order?
Use a project-specific allowance for irregular excavation, compaction, spillage, cuts, and supplier minimums. ProjectQty starts at zero instead of guessing; enter the allowance your plan or supplier supports, then confirm the final tons or cubic yards.
Is the result a supplier quote?
No. ProjectQty calculates quantities from your dimensions and assumptions. Prices are optional user inputs, not live local quotes, and delivery, taxes, minimum loads, and labor are not included unless you add them separately.
Can I use metric measurements?
Yes. Switch to Metric before entering measurements. ProjectQty normalizes the geometry internally and shows the most useful ordering units for the selected material.