Tonnage Calculator

Calculating tonnage involves determining the volume of the area you need to fill and then multiplying that volume by the density of the material you're using. The formula is:

Tonnage = Volume (cubic yards) × Material Density (tons / cubic yard)

The steps are:

1. Calculate Volume in Cubic Feet: Multiply the Length (ft) by the Width (ft) by the Thickness (converted to ft). Remember to convert thickness from inches to feet by dividing by 12.
   Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Thickness (in) / 12)
2. Convert Volume to Cubic Yards: Divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
   Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) / 27
3. Calculate Tonnage: Multiply the volume in cubic yards by the density of your chosen material (in tons per cubic yard).
   Tonnage (tons) = Volume (yd³) × Density (tons/yd³)

• Length (feet): The longest dimension of the area you are filling.
• Width (feet): The shorter dimension of the area you are filling.
• Thickness (inches): The depth of the material layer required.
• Material Type: Select the material you plan to use. This determines the density used in the calculation. Common options include gravel, sand, topsoil, asphalt, and concrete.

Material density is a measure of mass per unit volume. It's crucial for converting the volume of material needed into a weight (tonnage) for ordering purposes. Densities can vary, but this calculator uses common average values (in tons per cubic yard):

• Topsoil: ~1.08 tons/yd³
• Sand: ~1.28 tons/yd³
• Gravel: ~1.40 tons/yd³
• Asphalt: ~1.20 tons/yd³
• Concrete: ~2.00 tons/yd³
• Limestone: ~1.35 tons/yd³
• Clay: ~1.22 tons/yd³

Note: These are estimates. Factors like moisture content and compaction can affect actual density. Always confirm with your supplier if precise quantities are critical.

This calculator is useful for various construction and landscaping projects, including:

• Estimating gravel needed for driveways, pathways, or drainage beds.
• Calculating sand required for paver bases or sandboxes.
• Determining topsoil tonnage for garden beds or lawn leveling.
• Figuring out asphalt tonnage for paving projects.
• Estimating the weight of concrete for slabs or footings (useful for structural considerations, though concrete is usually ordered by volume).