Take total excavation area x depth in feet (inches/12) x compaction coefficient (typically around 25%) / 27 for cu. yds. x Bulk Density (typically 3k to 3300lbs for gravel) / 2000 to get tons.

Example: 100 square foot hole with 6" base would be --> 100*.5 = 50*1.25 = 62.5/27 = 2.3 cu. yds* 3000lbs = 6900lbs/2000 = 3.45 tons.

 

take the total sf divide by 175. Then multiply the desired thickness of base by 1.1 Now multiply the results of each to get your base in tons. Example 500sf / by 175=2.8571428 Compacted base depth 6" x's 1.1=6.6 multipy those #s 18.8 tons

 

I've used a software program Versa-Lok puts out to estimate materials quantities. Pretty easy to use and it's accurate.

 

take the total sf divide by 175. Then multiply the desired thickness of base by 1.1 Now multiply the results of each to get your base in tons. Example 500sf / by 175=2.8571428 Compacted base depth 6" x's 1.1=6.6 multipy those #s 18.8 tons

I use this formula as well, just reminder to account for at least a 6" overdig in your calculations for the base. Also, keeping track of excess base stone will help you fine tune this formula. On bigger jobs a small calculation error might leave you with a few ton of stone to get rid of.

 

John is right. You guys forgot about extending out at least 6" past your pavers. And always estimate more material than needed. You dug too deep in one spot with the mini ex or lost some material in the lawn etc...

 

John is right. You guys forgot about extending out at least 6" past your pavers. And always estimate more material than needed. You dug too deep in one spot with the mini ex or lost some material in the lawn etc...

Yes, we all completely overlooked the 6" overdig. Good thing you were here to catch that. "total sf" and "total excavation area" both account for the extra, which at any rate would have been implied!:hammerhead:

 

we use 33% for compaction, leaves a little extra for soft spots or if you go too deep. i am almost always right on with that number. i prefer to have a extra bucket left over than to have to go get one more.

 

we use 33% for compaction, leaves a little extra for soft spots or if you go too deep. i am almost always right on with that number. i prefer to have a extra bucket left over than to have to go get one more.

Don't you hate it when you're like two wheelbarrows short on stone or mulch and you could kick yourself because you didn't think you'd need that extra yard or yards.

 

Don't you hate it when you're like two wheelbarrows short on stone or mulch and you could kick yourself because you didn't think you'd need that extra yard or yards.

thats my favorite! haha

 

I agree I'd rather have too much than not enough base
material so your not traveling back and forth getting more
and cutting into your profit, but at the same time I hate
throwing the left over back into my dump trailer. Hope to
be right on one of these times. Mulch, no prob to est., but
base material its like Im taking a shot in the dark. Hopefully
everones calculations help.

 

We always have extra, but on bigger jobs we get it by the tri-axle and always I recalculate before the next delivery, so we're not taking back 5+ tons.

 

The formula I came up with and that gives me the more accurate material need it is this
Total are x inches of base /240= yards x 1.5 equals tons

100sqf x 6"=600/240=2.5 yds, x 1.5= 3.75 tons.

 

That's similar to ICPI formula:
100sqft/175 x 6"(deep)x1.1(for tons)=3.77 tons

 

haha a blast from the past here, but taking it a step furthur using the property of communitative multiplication:
100sqft/175x6.6=3.77 for walkways we use 6" base cuz it's PA.

 

the formula i cam up with is my construction master calculator that converts cubic feet into tons. then add 33%

 

http://www.graniteconstruction.com/construction-materials/aggregate-calculator.cfm

 

cubic yards x 2

 

Take total excavation area x depth in feet (inches/12) x compaction coefficient (typically around 25%) / 27 for cu. yds. x Bulk Density (typically 3k to 3300lbs for gravel) / 2000 to get tons.

Example: 100 square foot hole with 6" base would be --> 100*.5 = 50*1.25 = 62.5/27 = 2.3 cu. yds* 3000lbs = 6900lbs/2000 = 3.45 tons.

more advanced than ive used, but well thought out and im sure it helps with big estimates.

A 20x20 patio ive used ~18 ton of base before which is 400sq ft so its a good estimate process.

 

the formula i cam up with is my construction master calculator that converts cubic feet into tons. then add 33%

That is very similar to what i use. here is what my dirt yard shows as specs for conversion from cubic yards to tons.

uncompacted ABC = 1.45 tons
Compacted ABC = 2.00 tons

1.45 tons plus 33% = 1.93 tons.

Mekee, i think you are right on the money. I am guessing my dirt yard is rounding off from 1.93 to 2.0 for simplicity.