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Aggregate Calculator

By · Updated Jul 2026

Estimate crushed stone and aggregate base in tons, cubic yards, and cubic feet.

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How to Use

  1. Enter dimensions - length and width of the area to cover.
  2. Set depth - use presets or enter custom depth. 4–6 inches is standard for most base layers.
  3. Adjust density - 140 lb/ft³ is a planning value for compacted dense-graded base, not a universal crushed-stone density. Use your supplier or project value when available.
  4. Add overage - 10% is a planning cushion for grading, spillage, and uneven edges. It is not a universal loose-to-compacted conversion factor.
  5. Order material - confirm tonnage with your local quarry or landscape supplier.
Quick answer

Aggregate base is ordered by the ton: a 4 inch compacted layer takes about 2.3 tons per 100 square feet of crushed limestone base, and a 6 inch layer about 3.5 tons. One cubic yard of compacted dense-graded base weighs roughly 1.9 tons - noticeably more than the same stone loose in the truck, which is why tonnage should be figured from the compacted volume. Enter your area and depth above for the exact order.

Where the Base Layer Sits

Surface: slab, pavers, or asphaltCompacted aggregate baseGeotextile fabric (optional, on soft soils)Compacted subgrade4-6 in typical
The base layer spreads loads and helps support the surface above it. If your project specifies a compacted base depth, enter that target depth and use a density that describes the same compacted material state. If the supplier sells by loose cubic yard instead of by weight, confirm their loose-to-compacted conversion before ordering.

Aggregate Density by Type

Different aggregate materials and material states have different bulk densities, which changes the tons-per-yard conversion. The rows below are planning values: the dense-graded base default represents a compacted planning basis, while loose decorative materials are identified as loose. Use supplier or project-specific density data when available:

MaterialDensity (lb/ft³)Density (kg/m³)Tons per Cubic Yard
Dense-graded crushed limestone base1402,2431.89
Crushed granite1452,3231.96
Gravel (bank run)1302,0831.76
Recycled concrete1352,1631.82
Slag aggregate1502,4032.03
Pea gravel (loose)961,5381.30
Decomposed granite1252,0021.69

Density values are approximate and vary by moisture content, gradation, and source. Ask your quarry for their specific bulk density.

Choosing the Right Aggregate Size

Aggregate size is described by the mesh number or the nominal maximum particle size. For base courses under concrete slabs and asphalt, 3/4-inch or 1-inch crushed stone (#57 or #67 stone) compacts well and provides excellent drainage. For driveways and parking areas, 3/8-inch crusher run (item 4) or #57 stone is standard.

Finer aggregates like decomposed granite or stone dust (0 to 1/4 inch) are used as leveling layers and top dressings. They compact tightly but drain poorly compared to larger stone. For drainage applications behind retaining walls or around French drains, use clean 3/4-inch or 1-inch washed stone without fines.

Formulas Used in This Calculator

Standard volume-to-weight conversion based on your material's density:

Area = Length × Width
Volume (ft³) = Area × (Depth ÷ 12)
Volume + waste = Volume × (1 + Waste %)
Weight (lb) = Volume × Density (lb/ft³)
Weight (tons) = Weight (lb) ÷ 2,000
Cubic yards = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27

The 140 lb/ft³ default represents a compacted dense-graded base planning value. Loose clean stone can be materially lighter; use a supplier or project-specific density whenever possible.

Aggregate base cost by type (2026 US)

Aggregate typePer tonPer cubic yardCommon application
Crushed stone #57 (3/4 in)$25-$50$35-$75Drainage, driveways, concrete base
Dense-graded base / Item 4$20-$40$30-$60Under asphalt and concrete slabs
Recycled concrete aggregate$12-$25$18-$38Base layers, parking areas
Crusher run (road base)$18-$40$25-$60Compacted driveway and road base
Concrete aggregate (1/2 in)$25-$50$35-$75Ready-mix concrete, mortar

Prices vary most by proximity to quarry. Delivery adds $10-$25/ton or $50-$200/load. Ordering 20+ tons often qualifies for 10-20% contractor pricing. Rural areas near quarries consistently beat urban and remote-area pricing.

Sizing & Material Standards

  • Graded aggregate for base and subbase courses is specified by ASTM D2940, which sets the gradation bands and quality requirements for dense-graded base. Ordering "DGA", "ABC", or your state DOT base class gets you material produced to this kind of spec.ASTM D2940 - Graded Aggregate Material for Bases or Subbases
  • Single-size aggregate numbers like #57 and #8 are defined by ASTM D448 gradations. Open-graded sizes drain freely but do not compact like dense-graded base - do not substitute one for the other under slabs or pavements.ASTM D448 - Standard Sizes of Aggregate

After You Know Your Tonnage

The base course is the first lift of the build-up. From here:

  1. Surface gravel on topIf the finished surface is gravel too, figure the surface course separately by type.
  2. Slab over the baseConcrete volume for the slab that sits on the compacted base.
  3. Pavers over the basePaver count plus bedding sand for a patio or walkway build-up.

Aggregate is the base layer; the concrete sits on top of it. For the full picture of concrete project costs in 2026, see our installed-cost breakdown by slab size and region.

Related Calculators

Sand CalculatorSand for base and mix.Cement CalculatorAggregate in a concrete mix.Retaining Wall CalculatorGravel backfill behind walls.Fill Dirt CalculatorFill dirt below the stone base.

Aggregate is used in concrete mixes and as a sub-base. Browse the construction calculator collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons of aggregate are in a cubic yard?
It depends on material type and whether the quoted volume is loose or compacted. The calculator default is 1.89 tons per cubic yard for a compacted dense-graded crushed-limestone base planning value. Loose clean stone is commonly lighter. Use the density table as a planning reference and confirm the supplier's quoted bulk density for ordering.
How deep should an aggregate base be under a concrete slab?
For residential slabs (patios, sidewalks), 4 inches of compacted aggregate base is standard. Garage floors and driveways need 6 to 8 inches. Commercial slabs may require 12 inches or more depending on soil conditions and loading.
What is the compaction factor for aggregate?
There is no single compaction factor that applies to every aggregate. Gradation, moisture, placement method, and target compaction all matter. This calculator uses the depth and density you enter, plus a separate overage. If your depth and density describe the finished compacted base, do not treat the overage as a universal loose-to-compacted conversion; ask the supplier or project specification how loose delivery volume relates to compacted volume.
What is the difference between aggregate and gravel?
Aggregate is the broad term for any crushed stone, gravel, or sand used in construction. Gravel is naturally occurring and rounded. Crushed stone is mechanically broken and has angular edges that compact and interlock better. For structural concrete and base layers, crushed aggregate is preferred. Pea gravel and river rock are smooth aggregates used for drainage and landscaping.
How much does a cubic yard of aggregate weigh?
A cubic yard of aggregate does not have one reliable universal weight. Loose clean crushed stone, dense-graded base, recycled aggregate, and wet material can differ substantially. Use the density for the exact material and material state you are buying, and confirm the quarry or landscape supplier's weight or volume conversion before ordering.
Updated Jul 2026 · See our Methodology
These results are planning-grade estimates, not engineering measurements. Actual requirements vary by site conditions, mix design, compaction, and local codes. Always verify with your supplier and a licensed contractor. See our Data Sources and Methodology.