Sand and Gravel Calculator
The volume of sand/gravel for a job.
Tip: 1 m³ of sand ≈ 1.5 tonnes; 1 m³ of gravel ≈ 1.6–1.8 tonnes. Order a little more.
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About this digital tool
The sand and gravel calculator shows how many cubic metres and tonnes of aggregate you need for paving, a foundation, a small road or a garden. Choose the material (sand, gravel or a mix) and calculate by dimensions or directly by volume.
In dimensions mode, the volume is length × width × layer thickness. The tool adds 10% spare and converts it to weight using a density of 1500 kg/m³ for sand, 1700 kg/m³ for gravel and 1600 kg/m³ for the mix. Finally it estimates the number of lorries with a capacity of 5 tonnes each. It is useful for builders, for people landscaping a yard and for anyone ordering aggregate by lorry.
How to use
- Choose the material: sand, gravel or a mix.
- Choose the calculation mode: by dimensions or by volume.
- Enter the length, width and thickness in cm, or the volume directly in m³.
- Read the volume with spare, the weight in tonnes and the number of lorries.
Frequently asked questions
How much does 1 m³ of sand weigh?
Wet sand: ~1,800–2,000 kg/m³. Dry sand: ~1,500–1,600 kg/m³. Gravel: ~1,600–1,800 kg/m³.
How do I convert cubic metres of sand to tonnes?
Multiply the volume by the density: about 1.5 tonnes per m³ of sand and 1.7 tonnes per m³ of gravel in the tool. Real density varies with moisture and grading, so take it as an estimate.
How much material is needed for a layer 20 cm thick?
For 5 × 4 m at 20 cm thick the volume is 4 m³, and with 10% spare 4.4 m³. Enter your own dimensions in the tool for the total in m³ and tonnes.
Can I use the tool when I know the volume?
Yes, choose the calculation by volume mode and enter m³ directly. The tool adds the spare, converts it to tonnes and estimates how many lorries are needed.