MyYardCalc
Landscaping · Material planning

Road Base Calculator

Estimate road base volume from area and specified depth. Add supplier density for tons and keep loose and compacted material assumptions separate.

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Your project

US & metric

Example values are filled in. Replace them with your measurements.

ft
ft
sq ft

Add other measured sections without counting overlaps twice.

sq ft
in
%

An editable purchasing margin, not a measured compaction rate.

cu ft

Use the labeled volume of the product you plan to buy.

lb / cu yd

Optional. Enter the density of this product to estimate weight.

$
$ / cu yd
$

Enter 0 if included. Bulk cost remains blank until delivery is specified.

Enter your measurements

—

The calculation

Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

  • Enter your supplier’s bulk density to show weight. Volume alone cannot determine tons.
  • 10% extra is included once. Confirm supplier minimums and delivery increments.

Saved on this device

Only estimates you choose to save are stored here.

    Measure with a little context

    How to use this road base calculator

    Measure the base layer separately from the surface finish. The required thickness depends on ground conditions, loading and project specifications.

    The extra percentage is a purchasing margin, not a tested compaction factor. Confirm how the supplier converts finished volume to loose deliveries.

    Volume = net area × depth × (1 + extra ÷ 100). Weight = volume × supplier density.

    A worked example

    With the example values shown below, the calculated result is 1.956 cu yd. These are demonstration inputs, not installation specifications.

    View the example measurements
    • Length / circle diameter: 12 ft
    • Width: 8 ft
    • Material depth: 6 in
    • Extra allowance: 10 %
    • Volume per bag: 0.5 cu ft

    From estimate to order

    Whole packages and pieces round up; measured lengths, areas and volumes keep full precision during calculation. Match the product dimensions and units to your quote, and check cuts, minimum orders and delivery before purchasing.

    Read our formulas, rounding rules and limitations →

    Road base planning questions

    Does the road base calculator choose the required depth?

    No. The example depth is editable. Soil conditions, drainage, traffic and the pavement system determine the specification. Enter the depth from your project requirements and calculate separate layers independently.

    How should I allow for road base compaction?

    A geometric estimate of finished dimensions is not automatically the delivered loose volume. Get the appropriate material conversion from the supplier or specification. The allowance input adds a purchasing margin but does not model compaction or prove bearing capacity.

    Calculation notes updated . Formulas, sources and limitations.

    Keep your project moving.

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