🛣️ Road Base Calculator
Estimate the volume and weight of aggregate base material needed for a road, driveway, or path.
What this calculator does
The road base calculator estimates the amount of aggregate base material needed to build up a compacted base layer for a road, driveway, or path, given the area and target compacted depth.
The formula
Compacted volume in cubic yards equals length × width × compacted depth (converted to feet), divided by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Because loose aggregate settles and loses volume as it’s compacted, the calculator also estimates how much loose material to order by adding a compaction allowance percentage (commonly 15-25% depending on the material). Weight is estimated by multiplying the compacted volume by the material’s typical density in tons per cubic yard.
- Compaction allowance varies by material gradation and moisture content — your supplier or geotechnical spec may recommend a different percentage.
- Always confirm required base depth against local building or road codes for your specific application.
This tool is for general planning purposes only.