Tonnage Calculator

Calculate tonnage for gravel, stone, asphalt, and dirt. Enter length, width, and depth to get instant volume (cubic yards) and weight estimates. Supports custom density for accurate construction planning.

Select Material:

Material Density:

Area Coverage:

Depth / Thickness:

Estimated Tonnage:

0.00

Volume / Yardage:

0.00

How to Calculate Material Tonnage

Choose Calculator Mode: Use Basic for quick estimates (Area + Depth) or Advanced to enter Length, Width, and Depth for construction projects.

Select Material Type: Pick from our preset list including "Gravel", "Asphalt", "Sand", and "Stone". This automatically loads the correct density unit weight.

Enter Dimensions: Input the area coverage (sq ft) or specific dimensions. This calculates the cubic yardage needed for the project.

Adjust Density (Optional): If you have a custom material like specific topsoil or wet sand, you can manually adjust the Unit Weight for better accuracy.

View Total Load: The calculator displays the total Tonnage (weight) required for ordering and the Volume (cubic yards) for truck estimation.

Tonnage Calculation Formula

Understanding how tonnage is calculated prevents ordering shortages or waste. The process involves calculating the volume of the area and multiplying it by the material's density.

The Weight Formula

Tonnage = ( Volume × Density )

1 Volume: The cubic yardage of the space (Length × Width × Depth).
2 Density: The unit weight of the material (e.g., 1.4 tons per cubic yard for gravel).

Common Material Densities

Different materials pack differently. Here are standard conversion factors used to calculate tonnage of soil, rock, and asphalt:

Material	Approx. Density
Gravel / Crushed Stone	~1.35 tons / yd³
Asphalt (Hot Mix)	~2.0 tons / yd³
Sand (Wet)	~1.6 tons / yd³

*Note: These are averages. Moisture content can significantly increase weight.

Calculation Example (Gravel Driveway)

For example, if you need to cover a 20 ft × 10 ft driveway with 3 inches of gravel:

1. Calculate Volume (ft³): 20 × 10 × 0.25 (3 inches in feet) = 50 ft³.
2. Convert to Cubic Yards: 50 / 27 = 1.85 yd³.
3. Calculate Tonnage: 1.85 yd³ × 1.35 (density) = 2.5 tons.
You should order approx 2.5 - 3 tons of gravel to account for compaction.

Material Density Reference Sheet

Use this reference table to find standard weights for common materials like asphalt, gravel, and concrete. Helpful for estimating tonnage calculation excel sheet data manually.

Material Type	Density (Unit Weight)	Conversion Factor
Asphalt (Hot Mix)	145 lb/ft³ 2,320 kg/m³	1.96 tons/yd³ 2.32 t/m³
Gravel (Loose)	105 lb/ft³ 1,680 kg/m³	1.42 tons/yd³ 1.68 t/m³
Gravel (Compacted)	125 lb/ft³ 2,000 kg/m³	1.69 tons/yd³ 2.00 t/m³
Sand (Dry)	100 lb/ft³ 1,600 kg/m³	1.35 tons/yd³ 1.60 t/m³
Sand (Wet)	120 lb/ft³ 1,920 kg/m³	1.62 tons/yd³ 1.92 t/m³
Crushed Stone	100 lb/ft³ 1,600 kg/m³	1.35 tons/yd³ 1.60 t/m³
Concrete (Solid)	150 lb/ft³ 2,400 kg/m³	2.03 tons/yd³ 2.40 t/m³
Topsoil (Loose)	75 lb/ft³ 1,200 kg/m³	1.01 tons/yd³ 1.20 t/m³
Topsoil (Compacted)	90 lb/ft³ 1,440 kg/m³	1.21 tons/yd³ 1.44 t/m³

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How is tonnage calculated for materials like gravel and asphalt?

Understanding "how tonnage is calculated" is straightforward. The tool first determines the volume (Length × Width × Depth) and then applies the "tonnage calculator formula". Whether you are using it as a "tonnage calculator for gravel", "asphalt", or "dirt", it multiplies the volume by the material's density to find the total load.

How do I calculate AC tonnage per square foot?

For cooling, use the "tonnage calculator hvac" mode. A common rule of thumb used by our "ac tonnage calculator per square foot" is 1 ton of cooling for every 400-600 sq ft, though factors like ceiling height and insulation affect the exact "ac tonnage calculator btu" requirement.

How is press brake tonnage calculated?

For metal fabrication, our "tonnage calculator press brake" estimates the force required to bend metal. It considers material thickness, tensile strength, and die width. This section also supports specific calculations like "tonnage calculator for punching steel" and "tonnage calculator for bending steel".

Can I convert cubic yards to tons?

Yes. This tool works as a "tonnage yardage calculator" (or "tonnage to cubic yard calculator"). By inputting the cubic volume and the specific density of the material (e.g., topsoil or rock), the "ton volume calculator" instantly converts volume into weight.

Why are the results for stone and soil just estimates?

Material density varies. A "tonnage calculator for stone" or "rock" depends on how loose the aggregate is. Similarly, a "tonnage calculator for sand" or "topsoil" fluctuates heavily with moisture content. This "tonnage weight calculator" uses industry averages to provide a reliable baseline.

What is 'unit weight' in the context of tonnage?

Unit weight is the density factor used to "calculate tonnage of soil", "asphalt", or concrete. It represents how much a specific cubic foot or meter weighs, allowing the "tonnage calculator" to accurately convert yardage (volume) into mass (tons).

Does this calculator support Metric Tons?

Yes. Our tool functions as both a US and "tonnage calculator metric". A US 'short ton' is 2,000 lbs, while a metric 'tonne' is 1,000 kg. Always check which "unit tonnage calculator" standard your supplier uses before ordering "gravel" or "aggregate".

How do I calculate tonnage for injection molding?

Use the "tonnage calculator injection molding" feature. This estimates the clamping force required based on the projected surface area of the part and the material pressure, ensuring your machine has the necessary "tonnage limitation calculator" parameters.

Does this calculator work for shipping vessels?

Yes, for logistics, we provide a "gross tonnage calculator vessel" mode. This helps determine the internal volume of a ship, which is distinct from the "vehicle tonnage calculator" used for road transport.