Gravel Delivery & Load Estimator
Convert a measured gravel layer into order tons, supplier increments, delivery loads, and a quote estimate.
Set your project details
Match the supplier’s sales unit before calling for delivery. Enter its actual bulk density, minimum order, rounding increment, truck capacity, and quoted price.
See how the quantities change
The labeled view updates when you edit the inputs. It prints with the result.
Swipe the diagram sideways to see every label. The calculated quantities are listed below.
Your estimate appears here
Enter your measurements and calculate to see required and purchase amounts.
The calculation
Worked example (U.S. customary)
A 600 sq ft layer at 3 in has 5.56 finished cubic yards. With 10% loose allowance, 5% handling allowance, and density 1.4, it needs about 8.98 short tons before supplier rounding.
Get the sales unit from the supplier
Ask for the exact aggregate name and whether the quote is by short ton or cubic yard. The density field converts your loose order volume into short tons. A copied density may differ from the product and moisture level the supplier actually delivers.
Round only after the allowances
The measured area and finished depth first determine the geometric layer volume. The loose and handling allowances then produce an order volume. Supplier minimum and increment are applied to the resulting tonnage, so the comparison shows both what the layer needs and what can actually be purchased.
Check delivery details separately
The load count divides quoted tons by the entered truck capacity. Ask whether separate aggregate layers require separate trips, whether the driver can reach the planned drop point, and whether fees are per truck or per order. Enter a per-load delivery amount only when that matches the quote.
What to check before buying
Truck load count assumes the capacity entered can be used for your route and material. Confirm access, legal load limits, drop locations, and whether the quoted tonnage is scale weight.
Common questions
Why does the quoted tonnage exceed the calculated tons?
A supplier minimum or ordering increment can require buying above the computed amount.
Can several gravel products go in one load?
That depends on the supplier and vehicle. Keep different products as separate layers in the full driveway planner.
Read the related Questions to ask before gravel delivery, or use the full gravel driveways planner for a complete material list.