Equipment Rate Calc

Cubic Yards, Tons, and Material Calculator

Convert field dimensions into cubic yards, adjusted order volume, estimated tons, and truckloads. Results update automatically as inputs change.

Inputs

Job assumptions

Measure the longest dimension of the material area in feet; split irregular areas into simpler sections.

Use the average width in feet, or calculate tapered sections separately for a better estimate.

Enter the intended finished depth in inches and account for existing grades before ordering.

Use the supplier's density for the exact material, gradation, and moisture condition when available.

Enter the verified allowable payload after subtracting the empty truck or trailer weight.

Profit & protection

Add an allowance supported by material compaction, grading loss, and site handling conditions.

Calculations stay in this browser unless you explicitly save or share.

Estimated Tons 0

How this calculator works

Cubic yards = length × width × depth in feet / 27. Tons = adjusted yards × supplier density.

Read the methodology and editorial policy

Use the result as a cost checkpoint

Estimate bulk aggregate, gravel, soil, or base quantities using your supplier's material density and truck payload.

This tool is best for material ordering and trucking allowances. Use the result to decide how much bulk material to order and haul, then send the supported loose tons and density into the Dump Truck Cycle and Hauling Cost Calculator when fleet production and customer rate matter. Review variable density, compaction, waste, moisture, and payload limits before relying on the result.

Worked example

Supplier density and legal payload should replace generic assumptions whenever available.

Confirm whether the supplier quotes loose, compacted, wet, or dry density.

Input and quote review

  • Measure irregular areas in sections.
  • Confirm delivered quantity units before ordering.
  • Treat density and payload as estimates unless scale tickets are available.

Keep the final scope, assumptions, exclusions, allowances, change triggers, and post-job results with the estimate so future defaults are supported by evidence.

Common questions

Should I order exactly the calculated tons?

No. Treat the result as a planning quantity, then verify field dimensions, supplier density, compaction, load minimums, and a documented waste allowance before ordering.

Where are saved inputs stored?

Only an explicit Save stores inputs in this browser's localStorage. Share places inputs in the URL hash. The calculator does not send them to Equipment Rate Calc.

Which truck payload should I use?

Use the verified allowable payload for the actual truck, trailer, route, and material. Weight can govern before the body reaches its advertised volume.

Keep conversion and production separate

After confirming the quantity and material unit here, use the Equipment Production and Unit Cost Calculator to model capacity, cycle time, output, and internal cost without mixing tons, bank yards, loose yards, or compacted yards.

Important disclaimerPlanning estimate only. Verify current costs, measurements, production, scope, access, customer requirements, contracts, permits, insurance, taxes, and local rules before quoting or committing money.