Gravel Calculators
Sand and Gravel Mix Calculator
For blended base materials, bedding mixes, and fill: enter the total volume you need and the sand : gravel ratio by volume, and get each material's quantity in yards, feet, and tons.
About this calculator
Accuracy and limitations
Blending shrinks the combined volume slightly as sand fills the voids between gravel pieces; moisture changes both weights.
When this calculator may not be appropriate
This tool is for project planning only. It is not intended for engineering design, official or legal documentation, regulatory filings, or contractor bids without quantities verified with a supplier or qualified professional.
Why trust this tool?
- The formula and the density figure are shown with every result, so you can check the math yourself.
- Built and reviewed by ianwelkins, who maintains every tool on this site.
- The full method is published on the methodology page.
How the blend math works
The split is simple parts-math: total volume ÷ total parts × each material's share. Worked example: 2 cubic yards of a 1:2 (sand : gravel) blend is 3 parts: sand gets ⅓ → 0.67 yd³ ≈ 0.9 tons, gravel gets ⅔ → 1.33 yd³ ≈ 1.9 tons.
One honest footnote: mixed volumes don't add perfectly — sand migrates into the gravel voids, shrinking the blend a few percent versus the sum of its parts. For ordering, that's well inside the usual 5–10% margin.
Related tools & guides
Concrete Mix Ratio Calculator
The blend with cement added — full concrete quantities.
Gravel Types and Sizes Guide
Which grades suit bases, bedding, and drainage.
Crushed Gravel Calculator
Quantities for the gravel side of any blend.
Paver Base Calculator
When the base is pure compacted stone instead.
Gravel Weight Calculator
Convert each blend component to any weight unit.
Gravel Cost Calculator
Price each component at your rates.
Blend FAQ
What is a sand and gravel mix used for?
Blended sand-and-gravel (sometimes sold as "bank run" or "base material") is used for compacted fills, base layers under slabs and pavers, pipe bedding, and as the aggregate portion of site-mixed concrete. The right ratio depends on the job — more gravel for strength and drainage, more sand for smooth compaction.
How do I calculate how much of each I need?
Decide the ratio by volume (for example 1:2 sand to gravel), divide your total needed volume by the number of parts, and multiply each material by its share. The calculator does this split for any ratio and target volume.
Do sand and gravel volumes add up when mixed?
Not exactly — sand fills the voids between gravel pieces, so a mixed pile is slightly smaller than the sum of its parts (typically a few percent). Estimates are usually close enough, but it's one more reason the standard advice is to hold a small margin.