Custom Material Calculator
Calculate any material — enter your own density and price for a precise estimate
Material Settings
Customize for any material not in our list. Ask your supplier for density and price.
Common material densities for reference
Project Dimensions
Set your material properties and enter dimensions to see results
Tips & Notes
- •Ask your supplier for the material's density in lbs per cubic foot.
- •Get price quotes per cubic yard or per ton from at least 2 suppliers.
- •Always add 10–15% overage to account for waste and uneven surfaces.
- •Delivery fees are typically $50–$150 and not included in material price.
Pro tips for custom material
- ›Ask your supplier for the material's density in lbs per cubic foot.
- ›Get price quotes per cubic yard or per ton from at least 2 suppliers.
- ›Always add 10–15% overage to account for waste and uneven surfaces.
- ›Delivery fees are typically $50–$150 and not included in material price.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the density of a material?▾
Ask your supplier for the bulk density in lbs per cubic foot — they almost always have a spec sheet. Common reference values: sand 100 lbs/cu ft, gravel 95–110 lbs/cu ft, topsoil 75 lbs/cu ft, mulch 20 lbs/cu ft, concrete 150 lbs/cu ft.
Should I order by cubic yard or by ton?▾
Bulk materials sold by weight (asphalt, dense aggregates, flagstone) are best ordered by ton. Lightweight materials (mulch, topsoil) and most gravels are sold by cubic yard. Always confirm the unit before ordering — they're not interchangeable.
How much waste should I add?▾
Standard waste/overage: 5% for clean rectangular areas, 10% for typical projects, 15–20% for irregular shapes or diagonal patterns. Always round up — running short mid-project means extra delivery fees and color mismatches.
How do I convert cubic yards to cubic feet or tons?▾
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. Tons depend on density: 1 cubic yard of standard gravel ≈ 1.4 tons; sand ≈ 1.35 tons; topsoil ≈ 1.1 tons; concrete ≈ 2 tons; mulch ≈ 0.3 tons. Multiply cubic yards × material density × 27 ÷ 2000 to get tons.
What's a typical delivery fee for bulk material?▾
Delivery fees run $50–$150 for under 10 miles, $100–$300 for 10–30 miles. Some yards waive fees over a minimum order (typically 3–5 yards). Always confirm whether the quoted price includes delivery — it often doesn't.