1. What Is This Calculator For?

This calculator helps estimate the volume and weight of sand or gravel needed for your project based on area measurements in square feet. It's useful for landscaping, construction, and DIY projects where you need to calculate material requirements.

2. How The Calculation Works

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( Area \) — The surface area to be covered in square feet
• \( Depth \) — The depth of material needed in feet
• \( Density \) — Weight per cubic foot of material (lb/ft³)

3. Material Density Values

Common Densities:

• Sand: ~100 lb/ft³ (varies by moisture content and type)
• Gravel: ~105 lb/ft³ (varies by size and type)
• Custom: Enter specific density if known

4. Using The Calculator

Steps:

1. Enter the area in square feet
2. Enter the desired depth in feet (convert inches to feet by dividing by 12)
3. Select material type or enter custom density
4. Click Calculate to get volume and weight estimates

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert inches to feet for depth?
A: Divide inches by 12 (e.g., 3 inches = 3/12 = 0.25 feet)

Q2: How accurate are these estimates?
A: Estimates are good for planning but actual amounts may vary based on material compaction and moisture content.

Q3: What if my area isn't square?
A: For irregular shapes, divide into rectangular sections and calculate each separately.

Q4: How many bags will I need?
A: Divide total weight by bag weight (e.g., 50 lb bags: 1000 lb / 50 = 20 bags)

Q5: What about delivery?
A: Bulk materials are often sold by cubic yards (divide ft³ by 27) or tons (divide lb by 2000).