Material Tonnage Calculator: Aggregate Base, Gravel, and Stone
Ordering material by the ton is standard, but converting your project dimensions into a tonnage number is not always easy. You are working from a plan with dimensions but suppliers quote by the ton. Material densities can vary widely.
Enter your length, width, and depth, pick or enter your material, and our calculator converts your dimensions into tons. Density values included are from the Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48, Table 30-6, the same reference used by estimators, equipment specs, and field engineers across the industry. As always, double check your numbers - materials add up quick!
More on how the calculator works below....
How the Calculator Works
The tool calculates volume from your dimensions, then converts to tons using the material density you select or enter. You can enter dimensions on a bank (in-place) or loose basis depending on where you are in the workflow. The Caterpillar PHB table does not list compacted densities. Enter a percent waste/overage if you'd like a little padding on your tonnage.
Keep in mind that bank materials are not the same as compacted in place. Bank is the material density in it's raw state before excavation, loose density is the excavated but uncompacted material and compacted density is the loose material after it is compacted in place. You'll need to enter your own compacted densities if that is the calculation you need. You can get that from your material's proctor, the project engineer, material supplier or your own experience.
Imperial and metric both supported. The depth toggle lets you enter in feet, inches, meters, or centimeters without converting by hand.
The output shows total tons, tons per unit area, and a notes field you can use to record project details. Print or download the report and save it with your bid files.
Material Density Values
All 19 density values in the default list are drawn from the Caterpillar Performance Handbook, Edition 48. The Cat PHB is one of the most widely cited references in heavy civil construction for material weights and equipment productivity. These are published, industry-standard values.
Field conditions will vary. Moisture content, gradation, and compaction state all affect actual density. The tool also includes a custom material option so you can enter your own density if you have a lab report or material spec that gives you a tighter number.
If you need a compaction spec or want to cross-check your tonnage against an earthwork takeoff, our team handles that too.
Need more than a quick calculation?
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