Methodology and sources

Every calculator runs on tested formulas with exact unit conversions. Each one is checked against worked examples calculated by hand before it is published, and every default value lists where it comes from. Each typical published value is approved by a person before the site goes live, based on the sources listed beside it; values marked as our default are starting points you can change.

Results are estimates for planning and ordering, not professional, engineering or legal advice. Confirm quantities, sizes and local building requirements with your supplier or contractor before you buy or build.

Gravel calculator

ValueDefaultTypeSources
Density of crushed stone / gravel (1/4"–2", loose)1.4 tons/cu yd (published range 1.4–1.7 tons/cu yd)Typical published valueBilldr PROInch Calculator
Density of crusher run / road base1.5 tons/cu ydTypical published valueSelect Sand & GravelJ1S Contracting
Compaction and waste margin10 %Our default (editable)—

Asphalt calculator

ValueDefaultTypeSources
Density of compacted hot mix asphalt145 lb/cu ft (published range 144–160 lb/cu ft)Typical published valuePennsylvania Asphalt Pavement AssociationR.J. Valente
Compaction and waste margin10 %Our default (editable)—

Sod calculator

ValueDefaultTypeSources
Area of a 16 × 24 in sod piece2.667 sq ftExact arithmeticSod Solutions
Waste margin for sod5 %Our default (editable)—
Sod coverage per pallet450 sq ft (published range 400–700 sq ft)Typical published valueSod Solutions

Deck calculator

ValueDefaultTypeSources
Actual width of a 5/4 × 6 deck board5.5 inTypical published valueTrue ValueWestern Forest ProductsNIST
Gap between boards0.1875 inOur default (editable)—
Typical maximum joist spacing, boards perpendicular to joists16 inTypical published valueSimpson Strong-Tie (Structural Engineering Blog)American Wood Council
Fasteners per board at each joist2Typical published valueDeckoratorsTrexTrex
Saw kerf (width of each cut)0.125 inOur default (editable)—
Spare boards on top of the cut plan10 %Our default (editable)—