Methodology

Every calculator on ProjectYards pulls from the same canonical set of material densities and coverage rates, listed below. These reflect standard, widely-cited construction industry figures. Actual material density can vary by supplier, moisture content, and compaction, so always confirm exact quantities with your supplier before purchasing.

Material densities (tons per cubic yard)

• gravel: 1.4 tons/yd³
• peaGravel: 1.4 tons/yd³
• sand: 1.35 tons/yd³
• paverSand: 1.35 tons/yd³
• topsoil: 1.1 tons/yd³
• crushedStone: 1.35 tons/yd³
• crusherRun: 1.5 tons/yd³
• riverRock: 1.4 tons/yd³
• fillDirt: 1.1 tons/yd³
• stone57: 1.35 tons/yd³
• decomposedGranite: 1.35 tons/yd³
• roadBase: 1.5 tons/yd³
• landscapeRock: 1.4 tons/yd³
• asphaltMillings: 1.35 tons/yd³
• crushedLimestone: 1.35 tons/yd³
• crushedGranite: 1.4 tons/yd³
• crushedConcrete: 1.35 tons/yd³
• stone2: 1.4 tons/yd³
• ballast: 1.4 tons/yd³
• ripRap: 1.5 tons/yd³
• drainRock: 1.4 tons/yd³
• class5Gravel: 1.5 tons/yd³
• playSand: 1.35 tons/yd³
• masonrySand: 1.35 tons/yd³

Weight-based densities

• Asphalt: 145 lbs/ft³
• Concrete: 150 lbs/ft³

Bag yields

• concrete80lb: 0.6 ft³ per bag
• concrete60lb: 0.45 ft³ per bag
• mulch: 2 ft³ per bag
• topsoil40lb: 0.75 ft³ per bag
• compost: 1 ft³ per bag
• gardenSoil: 1.5 ft³ per bag
• rubberMulch: 0.8 ft³ per bag
• peatMoss: 6 ft³ per bag
• pottingSoil: 1.5 ft³ per bag
• coldPatch: 0.45 ft³ per bag
• deckMud60lb: 0.5 ft³ per bag
• deckMud80lb: 0.66 ft³ per bag

Coverage per unit (square feet)

• Drywall sheet (4 × 8 ft): 32 sq ft
• Modular brick face (with mortar joint): 0.15 sq ft
• Standard paver (12 × 12 in): 1 sq ft
• Shingle bundle (3 per roofing square): 33.33 sq ft
• Deck board (5.5 in × 12 ft): 5.50 sq ft
• Sod roll (2 × 5 ft): 10 sq ft
• Grass seed, new lawn (per lb): 250 sq ft
• Driveway sealer, one coat (per gallon): 80 sq ft
• Interior paint, one coat (per gallon): 350 sq ft
• Tile (12 × 12 in): 1 sq ft
• Carpet (per square yard): 9 sq ft
• Laminate/vinyl plank (per box): 20 sq ft
• Insulation batt (15 × 93 in): 9.70 sq ft
• Deck stain, one coat (per gallon): 250 sq ft
• Concrete block face (16 × 8 in): 0.89 sq ft
• Stucco, 3/8 in coat (per 80-lb bag): 25 sq ft
• pineStrawBale: 50 sq ft
• strawBale: 80 sq ft
• landscapeFabricRoll: 300 sq ft
• lime: 20 sq ft
• fertilizer: 200 sq ft
• overseed: 500 sq ft
• mortarBag: 25 sq ft
• tackCoat: 150 sq ft
• brickPaver: 0.22 sq ft
• polymericSand: 60 sq ft
• retainingWallBlock: 0.33 sq ft
• flagstone: 110 sq ft
• metalPanel: 36 sq ft
• underlaymentRoll: 1000 sq ft
• feltRoll: 400 sq ft
• iceWaterRoll: 200 sq ft
• cedarShakeBundle: 25 sq ft
• roofCoating: 100 sq ft
• rolledRoofing: 100 sq ft
• wallpaperRoll: 25 sq ft
• primer: 300 sq ft
• ceilingPaint: 350 sq ft
• hardwoodBox: 20 sq ft
• vinylPlankBox: 24 sq ft
• carpetTile: 4 sq ft
• ceilingTile: 4 sq ft
• epoxyFloor: 250 sq ft
• thinsetBag: 50 sq ft
• groutBag: 150 sq ft
• backerBoard: 15 sq ft
• flooringUnderlaymentRoll: 100 sq ft
• drywallMudGal: 100 sq ft
• wainscotSheet: 32 sq ft
• plywoodSheet: 32 sq ft
• osbSheet: 32 sq ft
• stoneVeneerBox: 10 sq ft
• glassBlock: 0.44 sq ft
• fireBrick: 0.28 sq ft
• coreFillGrout: 107 sq ft
• blownInBag: 40 sq ft
• squareFoot: 1 sq ft
• acre: 43560 sq ft
• vinylSidingBox: 200 sq ft
• houseWrapRoll: 900 sq ft

Sources

These figures follow standard, widely published construction-industry references rather than values invented by this site:

• Concrete density (150 lbs/ft³): the normal-weight concrete figure published by the Portland Cement Association.
• Asphalt density (145 lbs/ft³): the compacted hot-mix figure consistent with National Asphalt Pavement Association guidance.
• Bag yields: manufacturer product data; for example, QUIKRETE publishes 0.60 ft³ yield for an 80-lb concrete mix bag and 0.45 ft³ for a 60-lb bag.
• Aggregate and soil densities: typical values published by aggregate suppliers and state DOT material specifications; actual density varies with moisture, gradation, and compaction, which is why every result should be confirmed with your supplier.
• Coverage rates (paint, stain, sealer, insulation, flooring): manufacturer coverage specifications printed on product datasheets; the constants here reflect common mid-range figures across major brands.

Every calculator also carries a disclaimer: estimates only, so verify with your supplier. Structural applications (footings, load-bearing work) should be reviewed by a licensed professional or engineer.