Gravel Compaction Calculator
Estimate loose gravel volume, order tonnage, delivery loads and cost required to achieve a compacted aggregate layer.
Default project preview
14.8 US tons
Finished compacted volume
8.9 yd³
Loose order volume
10.6 yd³
Delivery loads
1
Material allowance
$623.64
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Finished volume = area × compacted depth. Loose volume = finished volume ÷ (1 − compaction reduction). Add grading allowance, then multiply by loose density for order weight.
BuildMeter Guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Use these visible reference guides before changing project inputs or planning allowances.
FAQ
Gravel Compaction Calculator questions
Why order more loose gravel than the finished volume?+
Vibration and rolling reduce voids, so the material occupies less volume after compaction.
Should every gravel type use the same density?+
No. Crushed stone, clean gravel and dense-graded base have different bulk densities and void content.
Does the result include subgrade settlement?+
No. Repair soft subgrade and account for geotextile or stabilization separately.