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 — 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

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 — verify with your supplier. Structural applications (footings, load-bearing work) should be reviewed by a licensed professional or engineer.