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.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Project length
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 60 ft.
Project width
Enter this project assumption in ft. The current imperial default is 12 ft.
Finished compacted depth
Enter this project assumption in in. The current imperial default is 4 in.
Volume reduction during compaction
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 12 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Grading allowance
Enter this project assumption in %. The current imperial default is 5 %. Minimum: 0. Maximum: 50.
Loose aggregate density
Enter this project assumption in US tons/yd³. The current imperial default is 1.4 US tons/yd³.
Usable delivery weight
Enter this project assumption in US tons. The current imperial default is 18 US tons.
Price per weight unit
Enter this project assumption in per US ton. The current imperial default is 42 per US ton. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Finished compacted volume
target aggregate layer. Default preview: 8.9 yd³.
Loose order volume
compaction and grading included. Default preview: 10.6 yd³.
Delivery loads
18 US tons usable each. Default preview: 1.
Material allowance
order weight × entered price. Default preview: $623.64.
Compaction reduction
editable aggregate assumption. Default preview: 12%.
Grading allowance
trimming and handling. Default preview: 5%.
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.