Aggregate planning · Updated 2026
Choose slab size, mix ratio, aggregate type, and waste factor. The calculator returns fine and coarse aggregate volume, weight, cost, ASTM C33 checks, and the right coarse size for your slab.
For a 1:2:3 mix, the usual balance is about 40% fine aggregate and 60% coarse aggregate by aggregate volume.
Planning values include 10% waste and match the same 1:2:3 family used by the mix ratio calculator.
| Mix Ratio | Fine Agg. | Coarse Agg. | Total Agg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:2:3 (M20) | 0.55 yd3 | 0.83 yd3 | 1 : 1.5 |
| 1:1.5:3 (M25) | 0.45 yd3 | 0.89 yd3 | 1 : 2.0 |
| 1:2:4 (M15) | 0.48 yd3 | 0.96 yd3 | 1 : 2.0 |
| 1:3:6 (M10) | 0.51 yd3 | 1.02 yd3 | 1 : 2.0 |
| 1:1:2 (M30) | 0.41 yd3 | 0.81 yd3 | 1 : 2.0 |
Results
Sand
2.72 yd33.67 tons · 7,333 lb
Gravel
4.07 yd35.5 tons · 11,000 lb
Recommendation
Buy bulkBags $2,305 vs bulk $388
| Measure | Sand | Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Volume (yd3) | 2.72 | 4.07 |
| Volume (ft3) | 73.3 | 110.0 |
| Weight (lb) | 7,333 | 11,000 |
| Weight (tons) | 3.67 | 5.50 |
| Dry sand adjusted | 2.64 yd3 · 7,120 lb | - |
PASS · 3/4 in crushed stone is appropriate.
Bagged aggregate
$2,305Sand $879 · gravel $1,426
Bulk + delivery
$388Materials $278 · delivery $110
Buy bulk: estimated savings $1,916. Prices are planning estimates and vary by store and city.
Home Depot / Lowe's; Quikrete lists ASTM C33 compliance.
Good small-batch option for custom concrete mixes.
Bagged coarse aggregate for small batches.
Use for thin sections or small repairs, not thick slabs.
Click any project row to load the finished concrete volume into the calculator above.
| Project | Volume | Sand (yd3) | Gravel (yd3) | Sand (tons) | Gravel (tons) | Bulk Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.62 yd3 | 0.34 | 0.51 | 0.46 | 0.69 | $35 | |
| 2.47 yd3 | 1.36 | 2.04 | 1.83 | 2.75 | $139 | |
| 5.56 yd3 | 3.06 | 4.59 | 4.13 | 6.19 | $313 | |
| 0.89 yd3 | 0.49 | 0.73 | 0.66 | 0.99 | $50 | |
| 3.95 yd3 | 2.17 | 3.26 | 2.93 | 4.40 | $223 | |
| 3.56 yd3 | 1.96 | 2.94 | 2.64 | 3.96 | $201 | |
| 0.98 yd3 | 0.54 | 0.81 | 0.73 | 1.09 | $55 | |
| 0.49 yd3 | 0.27 | 0.40 | 0.36 | 0.55 | $28 | |
| 1.23 yd3 | 0.68 | 1.01 | 0.91 | 1.37 | $69 | |
| 0.49 yd3 | 0.27 | 0.40 | 0.36 | 0.55 | $28 | |
| 0.89 yd3 | 0.49 | 0.73 | 0.66 | 0.99 | $50 | |
| 2.47 yd3 | 1.36 | 2.04 | 1.83 | 2.75 | $139 | |
| 0.74 yd3 | 0.41 | 0.61 | 0.55 | 0.82 | $42 | |
| 0.34 yd3 | 0.19 | 0.28 | 0.25 | 0.38 | $19 | |
| 29.60 yd3 | 16.28 | 24.42 | 21.98 | 32.97 | $1,669 |
| Size No. | Nom. Max | Size Range | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | 3 1/2" | 3 1/2" - 1 1/2" | Mass concrete |
| No. 2 | 2 1/2" | 2 1/2" - 3/4" | Large footings |
| No. 3 | 2" | 2" - 1" | Heavy walls |
| No. 4 | 1 1/2" | 1 1/2" - 3/4" | Thick slabs |
| No. 467 | 1 1/2" | 1 1/2" - No.4 | General structural |
| No. 57 | 1" | 1" - No.4 | Most common |
| No. 67 | 3/4" | 3/4" - No.4 | Driveways |
| No. 7 | 1/2" | 1/2" - No.4 | Thin slabs |
| No. 8 | 3/8" | 3/8" - No.8 | Countertops |
| No. 89 | 3/8" | 1/2" - No.16 | Thin overlays |
| FM Range | Classification | Workability | Strength | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| < 2.0 | Very fine | Poor (sticky) | Low | Not recommended for concrete |
| 2.0-2.3 | Fine | Fair | Medium | Masonry, plaster |
| 2.3-2.6 | Medium-fine | Good | Good | Most residential concrete |
| 2.6-3.1 | Medium-coarse | Excellent | High | Structural concrete |
| 3.1-3.5 | Coarse | Good | High | High-strength concrete |
| > 3.5 | Very coarse | Poor (harsh) | Variable | Not recommended |
| Type | Size | Density | ASTM | Strength | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete sand | 0-4.75mm | 100 lb/ft³ | C33 Fine | High | $$ | All concrete |
| All-purpose sand | 0-4.75mm | 95 lb/ft³ | C33 Fine | Medium | $$ | General use |
| Masonry sand | 0-2mm | 90 lb/ft³ | C33 Fine | Low | $$ | Mortar, plaster |
| 3/4" crushed stone | 19mm | 100 lb/ft³ | C33 No.57 | High | $$ | Driveways, slabs |
| 1/2" crushed stone | 12.5mm | 98 lb/ft³ | C33 No.7 | High | $$ | Thin slabs |
| 3/8" pea gravel | 9.5mm | 95 lb/ft³ | C33 No.8 | Medium | $$$ | Countertops, posts |
| 1" crushed stone | 25mm | 100 lb/ft³ | C33 No.467 | High | $ | Thick slabs, walls |
| River gravel 3/4" | 19mm | 105 lb/ft³ | C33 No.57 | High | $$$ | Exposed aggregate |
| Recycled concrete | varies | 90 lb/ft³ | varies | Medium | $ | Non-structural |
| Lightweight (LECA) | varies | 45 lb/ft³ | C330 | Low | $$$$ | Lightweight concrete |
| Heavyweight (barite) | varies | 180 lb/ft³ | C637 | High | $$$$$ | Radiation shielding |
| Slag aggregate | varies | 85 lb/ft³ | C989 | High | $$ | Sustainable concrete |
| Moisture Content | Bulking | Volume Correction |
|---|---|---|
| 0% (oven dry) | 0% | x 1.00 |
| 2% (air dry) | 10-15% | x 1.12 |
| 4% (damp) | 20-25% | x 1.22 |
| 6% (wet) | 25-30% | x 1.27 |
| 8% (very wet) | 20-25% | x 1.22 |
| Saturated | 0% | x 1.00 |
Use · Angular particles, ASTM C33 fine aggregate planning standard.
Use for small batches · Acceptable where manufacturer says concrete mixing is supported.
Avoid · Too fine and rounded for dependable structural concrete.
Avoid · May contain salts that corrode reinforcement.
Use · Default coarse aggregate for 4 in residential slabs.
Conditional · Good for thin sections under 3 in or small repairs.
Avoid as coarse aggregate · Too fine; behaves more like sand than gravel.
Home Depot / Lowe's; Quikrete lists ASTM C33 compliance.
Good small-batch option for custom concrete mixes.
Bagged coarse aggregate for small batches.
Use for thin sections or small repairs, not thick slabs.
For a 1:2:3 mix with 10% waste, plan about 0.53 yd3 of sand and 0.80 yd3 of gravel per cubic yard of concrete. A 20 x 20 ft patio at 4 inches thick is about 2.47 yd3, needing about 1.30 yd3 of sand and 1.96 yd3 of gravel.
For a 1:2:3 mix using a 94 lb Portland cement bag, use 2 ft3 of sand per bag because the cement bag is about 1 ft3 and the sand ratio is 2 parts.
For a 1:2:3 mix using a 94 lb bag of cement, use 3 ft3 of gravel per bag. Gravel is the coarse aggregate part of the ratio.
Bulk delivery is usually cheaper once total aggregate is above about 0.3 yd3. Bags are practical for post holes and small repairs; patios, driveways, and garage slabs usually need bulk delivery.
In a 1:2:3 mix, the sand-to-gravel ratio is 2:3, or 1:1.5. In a 1:1.5:3 mix, it is 1.5:3, or 1:2.
No. Use concrete sand, sharp sand, or washed river sand meeting ASTM C33 gradation. Avoid play sand, beach sand, and very fine fill sand for structural concrete.
Wet sand weighs more and can bulk up in volume. For weight batching, dry sand weight is wet weight divided by 1 + moisture percent. For volume batching, damp sand may need a 20-25% volume correction.