Sand & Gravel Calculator
Estimate bulk material quantities — sand, gravel, topsoil, fill dirt, and more — by area and depth.
Need to calculate asphalt tonnage for road paving? Try our Asphalt & Bitumen Calculator.
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Result
How It Works
Volume = Area × Depth. Weight = Volume × Density. Bag count is calculated by dividing total weight by bag size, rounded up to the next whole bag.
Understanding Sand & Gravel Quantities
Estimating bulk material quantities is essential for landscaping, construction, and drainage projects. Whether you're filling a sandbox, laying a gravel driveway, or spreading topsoil for a garden, knowing the right amount saves money and avoids shortfalls.
Volume & Weight Formulas
The fundamental formula for bulk material calculation is:
For rectangular areas, Area = Length × Width. The density varies by material type and compaction level. Common bulk densities:
- Sand: 1,600 kg/m³ (dry, loose)
- Gravel: 1,800 kg/m³ (loose, 20 mm)
- Topsoil: 1,400 kg/m³ (loose, unscreened)
- Fill Dirt: 1,500 kg/m³ (compacted)
- Pea Gravel: 1,700 kg/m³ (loose, 10 mm)
- Paver Sand: 1,650 kg/m³ (compacted bedding)
How to Calculate Sand & Gravel Quantities
Engineering Applications
- Landscaping: Calculate topsoil volume for garden beds, lawns, and raised planters.
- Drainage: Estimate gravel quantities for French drains, soakaways, and drainage trenches.
- Paving: Determine paver sand and base gravel for patios, walkways, and driveways.
- Foundation fill: Calculate fill dirt and sand volumes for grading and site preparation.
- Concrete mixing: Estimate sand and gravel (coarse aggregate) needed for on-site concrete batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sand do I need for a 10×10 ft area at 2 inches deep?
Area = 10 × 10 = 100 ft². Depth = 2 in = 0.167 ft. Volume = 100 × 0.167 = 16.7 ft³ ≈ 0.62 yd³ ≈ 0.47 m³. At 1,600 kg/m³, that's about 755 kg or roughly 38 bags of 20 kg sand. Add 10% for compaction to get approximately 42 bags.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
A US ton (2,000 lbs) of gravel with a density of 1,800 kg/m³ equals approximately 0.60 yd³ (about 16 ft³). This varies with gravel size and compaction — pea gravel is lighter (about 0.64 yd³/ton), while compacted crushed stone is heavier (about 0.56 yd³/ton).
How do I calculate topsoil for my garden?
Measure the garden area (length × width) and decide the depth — typically 150–200 mm (6–8 in) for new lawns or 100 mm (4 in) for flower beds. Enter these values in the calculator with "Topsoil" selected. Always order 10–15% extra to account for settling and uneven ground.
What is the density difference between sand and gravel?
Loose dry sand has a bulk density of about 1,600 kg/m³, while gravel is around 1,800 kg/m³ — about 12.5% denser. This means a cubic meter of gravel weighs roughly 200 kg more than a cubic meter of sand. Wet sand can reach 1,900–2,000 kg/m³.
How much paver sand do I need for a patio?
For the bedding layer under pavers, a depth of 25–30 mm (1–1.2 in) is standard. For a 200 ft² patio at 1 inch depth, you need about 0.62 ft³ or roughly 3–4 bags of 60 lb paver sand. You'll also need polymeric sand for the joints between pavers, which is a separate calculation.