1. What is the Gravel Tonnage Formula?

The gravel tonnage formula calculates the weight of gravel needed for a project based on the area's dimensions and the gravel's density. It's essential for ordering the correct amount of material for driveways, walkways, and other landscaping projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gravel tonnage formula:

Where:

• \( length \) — Length of the area in feet
• \( width \) — Width of the area in feet
• \( depth \) — Depth of gravel in inches
• \( density \) — Gravel density in tons per cubic yard (typically 1.35-1.7)

Explanation: The formula first converts all measurements to yards, calculates volume in cubic yards, then multiplies by density to get weight in tons.

3. Importance of Accurate Gravel Calculation

Details: Accurate gravel calculation ensures you order the right amount - too little means multiple deliveries, too much wastes money and storage space. Proper depth is crucial for driveway durability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your project area carefully. For driveways, typical depth is 4-6 inches. Density varies by gravel type - crushed stone is about 1.4 tons/cu yd while pea gravel is about 1.35 tons/cu yd.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical density for driveway gravel?
A: Most driveway gravel has density between 1.35-1.7 tons per cubic yard. Crushed stone averages 1.4 tons/cu yd.

Q2: How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A: Residential driveways typically need 4-6 inches of compacted gravel, while heavy-use areas may need 8-12 inches.

Q3: Should I order extra gravel?
A: It's wise to order 10-15% extra to account for compaction, spillage, and uneven areas.

Q4: How do I measure an irregularly shaped area?
A: Break it into rectangular sections, calculate each separately, then sum the totals.

Q5: Can I use this for other materials like sand or mulch?
A: Yes, but adjust the density - sand is about 1.1-1.3 tons/cu yd, mulch about 0.4-0.8 tons/cu yd.