Base material calculator for artificial turf
Work out tons of crushed base to order, how much soil to excavate and haul, and how many lifts to compact.
On this page
The base under turf is the part you cannot fix later without pulling everything up, so ordering the right amount and compacting it properly matters more than any turf choice. This calculator gives tonnage, excavation volume and a lift plan.
Estimate base rock and excavation
Densities are typical loose-load values. Ask your supplier for the weight per cubic yard of the exact product.
The math, step by step
- Compacted volume (cu yd) = area (sq ft) x depth (in) / 12 / 27.
- Loose volume to order = compacted volume x (1 + compaction allowance). Crushed base typically loses about 20 to 30% of its loose volume when compacted, so 25% is our default.
- Tons = loose volume x material density. We use about 1.40 tons per cu yd for Class II road base, 1.35 for decomposed granite and 1.30 for 3/8 inch minus. Your supplier's figure for the exact product beats ours.
- Excavation = area x (base depth + about 0.5 in) / 12 / 27, x 1.25 because soil fluffs up when dug.
How deep should the base be?
| Situation | Typical compacted depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative areas, sandy well-drained soil | 2 to 3 in |
| Family lawns on average soil | 3 in |
| Dogs, clay soil, heavy traffic | 4 in, often with an open-graded layer |
| Freeze-thaw climates | 4 in or more, well drained |
| Putting greens | 3 to 4 in plus a fine top layer for shaping |
The reasoning behind those depths, and which materials suit which soils, is in base preparation. For clay specifically, read turf on clay soil, and for frost, turf in cold climates.
Compaction is where bases fail
Compact in lifts of no more than about 2 inches, at the right moisture (damp, not wet), with several overlapping passes of a plate compactor. A 4 inch base placed in one lift will look fine on day one and develop dips under traffic. The calculator shows how many lifts your depth implies.
Ordering and delivery tips
- Ask for the product's weight per cubic yard and its gradation (largest stone and how much fine material).
- Many suppliers charge a short-load fee below 5 to 10 tons; combining base and decomposed granite on one truck can help.
- Have the load dumped on a tarp as close to the work area as possible. Every wheelbarrow trip is labor.
- Order about 5% extra for low spots discovered during grading.
Frequently asked questions
Is decomposed granite better than road base?
Neither is better everywhere. Road base (crushed rock with fines) compacts into a firm, stable layer and is the default for most lawns. Decomposed granite gives a very smooth finish and is often used as a thin top layer. Where drainage matters most, such as dog runs, an open-graded crushed rock with fewer fines drains faster.
Can I skip the base and lay turf on dirt?
Turf laid on native soil settles unevenly, drains poorly and lets weeds and burrowing animals through. It might look acceptable for a season. A compacted aggregate base is what keeps the surface flat and draining for a decade. The common installation mistakes guide shows what skipping it looks like.
How much does base rock cost?
Delivered crushed base commonly runs around $35 to $70 per ton in 2026, depending on region and load size. Enter your local price in the calculator for a material total, and remember compactor rental and soil disposal.
Why do I need to add 25%?
Loose rock contains air. Compacting it pushes the stones together and the layer gets thinner. If you order exactly the compacted volume, you will run short by about a quarter.
Do I need the excavation number?
Yes, to plan disposal. Removed soil and sod take a dumpster or several truck trips, and that volume is usually larger than people expect because dug soil fluffs up.