Gravel Volume, Weight & Cost

When to use it

For one material in a rectangular layer, priced by mass. Match the volume state and bulk density before using the estimate. Keep supplier assumptions and the quotation in one editable project; this does not choose a material or layer design.

Inputs

USD

Calculation method

Geometric volume = length × width × depth. Multiply by the loose-to-target volume factor, then apply the separate allowance. Mass = planned loose volume × loose bulk density. Material cost = mass × quoted unit price; add the entered freight. Here 20 × 8 ft at 3 in is 40/27 yd³. A hypothetical 1.1 factor and 5% allowance give 77/45 yd³; an entered 1.35 US tn/yd³ gives 2.31 US tn. At simulated USD 60/US tn plus USD 75 freight, the total is USD 213.60.

20 [Length of the rectangular area ft] × 8 [Width of the rectangular area ft] × 3 [Target layer depth in your chosen state in] → Target geometric volume yd³

Target geometric volume yd³ × 1.1 [Loose reference volume divided by target volume] → Loose reference volume before extra allowance yd³

Loose reference volume before extra allowance yd³ × (1 + 5 [Extra purchase allowance, excluding any allowance already counted]%) → Planned loose purchase volume yd³

Planned loose purchase volume yd³ × 1.35 [Bulk density in the same loose state as the reference volume US tn/yd³] → Estimated mass in US short tons US tn

Estimated mass in US short tons US tn × 60 [Quoted material price per US short ton USD/US tn] → Material amount before freight USD

Material amount before freight USD + 75 [Freight for this example order USD] → Material amount plus entered freight USD

Change one input

Change only layer depth from 3 to 4 in. Planned loose volume becomes 308/135 yd³ and estimated mass becomes 3.08 US tn. Material cost is USD 184.80; with unchanged freight the total is USD 259.80.

Results are displayed to at most two decimal places; later formulas use unrounded values.

Scope and limits

• Match density to the loose volume state.
• Use a supplier factor; add reserve only once.
• US tn = 2,000 lb. Rates and factors are examples.

Dimensions and density must be positive, the volume factor at least 1, and allowance, price and freight nonnegative. Set the factor to 1 when dimensions already describe the same loose state as the density. For a compacted target, obtain the matching loose-volume factor and loose density from a supplier; do not use solid rock density. No factor or density here is a universal material value. Keep any allowance already included in a supplier factor from being counted twice. No whole-truck rounding, minimum order, bag packing, loading capacity, multiple layers, sloping surface or drainage design is calculated. The entered freight stays fixed even when mass changes; verify the actual quotation.

Supplier estimate and density differences: Mulzer.

Download and import into Calvance to edit the numbers. The canvas does not reject every invalid input; check the stated ranges.

Common questions

Does every cubic yard of gravel weigh the same?

No. Material, grading, moisture and packing can change bulk density. Use data matching the material and volume state.

Are US tons the same as metric tonnes?

No. This English example uses US short tons, 2,000 lb each; a metric tonne is 1,000 kg. Calvance keeps the units distinct.

How to import your template

We recommend using the latest version of Calvance.

1. Save the file. Choose Download template and save the .calvx file to Files on your iPhone or iPad. From a computer, you can send it to your device with AirDrop.
2. Open Import. In All Canvases in Calvance, tap the add button to open the template screen, then choose Import.
3. Choose the file. Select the saved .calvx file to create your own canvas. Importing uses one canvas from your allowance.
4. Edit and check. Check the results against the worked example, then add your numbers. Duplicate the canvas to keep different versions.

Download .calvx file