Estimating Tools
Project Planning and Estimating Resources
Aggregate Gradation Chart
Our aggregate gradation chart shows the percent passing range for each sieve size of aggregates. This gives you a clear picture of how the material is graded—from fines to larger stone. Understanding the percent passing range helps you choose the right product for your project by showing how consistently it will compact, how well it will drain, and how reliably it will perform in real-world installations.
Material Calculators
Use these calculators to estimate how much crushed stone, gravel, or topsoil your project may need. These are planning estimates and actual quantities can vary depending on material type, moisture, waste, and site conditions. For other material calculators like mulch, sand or pavers, see our Material Calculators page.
Gravel / Crushed Stone Calculator
Estimate cubic yards and approximate tons for gravel, CR-6, or crushed stone.
Topsoil Calculator
Estimate cubic yards and approximate tons of topsoil needed.
Helpful Notes
- Material weights vary depending on compaction requirements, moisture content and material types.
- Ordering a little extra is often a good idea for waste, compaction, and uneven grades.
- Contact us if you need help choosing the right material for your project.
Calculating Circles
How to Calculate Linear Feet Around a Circle
Formula:
Diameter × 3.1416 = Linear Feet Around Circle
Example:
Length around an 18 foot diameter round Swimming Pool.
- 18 ft × 3.1416 = 56.55 ft (total linear feet around pool)
- To add 2 feet of stone (3 inches deep) around this pool: 56.55 feet × 2 feet = 113.10 feet.
- 113.10 feet × 0.25 (3 inch depth) = 28.28 Cubic Feet.
- 28.28 ÷ 27 = 1.05 Cubic Yards.
How to Calculate the Square Footage Inside a Circle
To Calculate the Square Footage Inside a Circle:
Formula:
Length × Width × 0.7854 = Square Feet
Example:
Square footage inside a 24 foot diameter round Swimming Pool
- 24 feet × 24 feet = 576 feet
- 576 feet × 0.7854 = 452.39 Square Feet (total inside pool)
- To add 4 inches of sand evenly across pool:
452.39 feet × .33 (4 inches depth) = 149.29 Cubic Feet - 149.29 ÷ 27 = 5.53 Cubic Yards
- To be safe, always round up. You would order 6 Cubic Yards of sand.
Driveway/Pad Coverage
How to Calculate Coverage for a Standard Driveway or Pad
Formula:
Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Example:
Standard Driveway or Pad (15 ft. × 25 ft.) to be covered with Stone, 6 inches deep.
- 15 feet × 25 feet = 375 Square Feet
- 375 feet × 0.50 (6 inch depth) = 187.5 Cubic Feet
- 187.5 ÷ 27 = 6.94 Cubic Yards (round up to 7 yards)
Depth Estimating
Depth Chart
- 1 inch = 0.08 feet
- 2 inches = 0.17 feet
- 3 inches = 0.25 feet
- 4 inches = 0.33 feet
- 5 inches = 0.42 feet
- 6 inches = 0.50 feet
- 7 inches = 0.58 feet
- 8 inches = 0.67 feet
- 9 inches = 0.75 feet
- 10 inches = 0.83 feet
- 11 inches = 0.92 feet
- 12 inches = 1.00 feet
- 13 inches = 1.08 feet
- 14 inches = 1.17 feet
- 15 inches = 1.25 feet
- 16 inches = 1.33 feet
- 17 inches = 1.42 feet
- 18 inches = 1.50 feet
General Quantity Formulas
Length × Width = Square Feet
Square Feet × Depth = Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Important
When figuring quantities, remember to:
- Double-check your measurements.
- Allow for compaction (equals higher yield per CY).
- Allow for a waste factor.
- Always round up.
