Material Estimator
Sand · Gravel · Cement · Bricks · Mortar · Fill dirt
Enter the area and depth you need to cover with sand.
Mortar needed to lay bricks or blocks.
Number of Portland cement bags for a given mix volume.
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Material density reference
| Material | lb/cu ft | kg/m³ | Tons/cu yd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand (dry) | 100 | 1,602 | 1.35 |
| Gravel (3/4") | 105 | 1,682 | 1.42 |
| Crushed stone | 100 | 1,602 | 1.35 |
| Fill dirt | 90 | 1,442 | 1.21 |
| Topsoil | 75 | 1,202 | 1.01 |
| Concrete (cured) | 150 | 2,403 | 2.025 |
Materials FAQ
How much sand do I need?
Calculate sand using: Length × Width × Depth (in feet) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. For a 2-inch sand base under a 10×10 patio: 10 × 10 × (2÷12) ÷ 27 = 0.62 cubic yards. Add 15–25% extra for compaction since sand compresses when packed.
How many bricks do I need per square foot?
Standard bricks require 6.75 bricks per square foot with a 1/2-inch mortar joint. For a 20×6 ft wall (120 sq ft), you need 810 bricks plus 10% waste = approximately 890 bricks. Use our calculator above for exact counts.
How much gravel for a driveway?
A gravel driveway needs a 4-inch compacted base. For a 20×40 ft driveway: 20 × 40 × (4÷12) ÷ 27 × 1.20 compaction = 13.2 cubic yards (about 18 tons). Crushed stone or recycled concrete both work well for base layers.
Construction material calculations
Accurate material estimation saves money and prevents project delays. Under-ordering means costly second deliveries; over-ordering means paying for material you store or waste. All bulk materials — sand, gravel, fill dirt, crushed stone — are sold by the cubic yard or ton depending on the supplier.
Why add a compaction factor?
Sand, gravel, and fill dirt compress significantly when compacted. A standard compaction factor of 15–25% must be added to your calculated volume. Without this, you'll run short after compaction. Our calculator applies the appropriate compaction factor for each material type automatically.