Planning guide
Road base density and weight chart
Use common road base density and weight ranges to estimate tons and cubic yards, then replace the planning value with supplier data for your material.
Quick answer
A practical planning range for compacted aggregate base is about 110 to 135 lb/ft3, or roughly 1.49 to 1.82 short tons per cubic yard. The actual density depends on gradation, rock type, moisture, and compaction.
Calculate road base weightWhat to check first
- Use compacted density when the calculator is estimating a finished base layer.
- One cubic yard does not have one universal road base weight.
- Supplier scale tickets, product data, or a project specification should replace a generic planning value before ordering.
Example numbers
110 lb/ft3
About 1.49 tons/yd3
Lower-density planning case.
125 lb/ft3
About 1.69 tons/yd3
Useful midpoint for an early estimate.
135 lb/ft3
About 1.82 tons/yd3
Denser compacted planning case.
Road base density and weight conversions
To convert pounds per cubic foot to short tons per cubic yard, multiply by 27 and divide by 2,000. That gives about 1.49 tons/yd3 at 110 lb/ft3, 1.69 tons/yd3 at 125 lb/ft3, and 1.82 tons/yd3 at 135 lb/ft3.
For metric work, 110 to 135 lb/ft3 is approximately 1,760 to 2,160 kg/m3. These are planning ranges, not a material specification.
Why road base density changes
Dense graded aggregate, crushed stone, recycled concrete, and local Class 2 or Type 1 base products can have different particle shapes and gradations. Moisture and the amount of compaction also change the measured unit weight.
The same volume can therefore produce different scale-ticket weights. Ask the quarry or supplier for a compacted density, bulk density, or tons-per-cubic-yard value that matches the material you will receive.
Use density in a road base estimate
First calculate compacted volume from area and finished depth. Multiply cubic feet by density in lb/ft3, then divide by 2,000 for short tons. If you work in cubic yards, multiply yards by the supplier's tons-per-yard figure.
Keep a separate allowance for irregular grade, compaction, and ordering increments. Density converts volume to weight; it does not decide the correct base depth for the site.
FAQ
How much does one cubic yard of road base weigh?
At a planning density of 125 lb/ft3, one cubic yard weighs about 3,375 lb, or 1.69 short tons. Actual supplier material may be lighter or heavier.
What density should I enter in a road base calculator?
Use the supplier or project specification when available. For an early estimate, choose a value within a reasonable planning range and test how the tonnage changes at the low and high ends.
Is compacted density the same as loose density?
No. Compaction reduces voids and increases unit weight. Make sure the density and volume basis both describe either the loose delivery condition or the finished compacted layer.
Does road base density determine the required depth?
No. Density converts volume to weight. Soil, drainage, traffic, pavement type, and local specifications determine the structural depth.
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