Gravel Calculator
Estimate the material, weight, and cost for your next landscaping or construction project.
Gravel Calculator
Ordering gravel for a driveway, path, or drainage project? Getting the quantity right prevents multiple deliveries — or worse, a half-finished project. This gravel calculator gives you the volume in cubic yards and the weight in tons so you can order exactly what you need.
What Does This Calculator Do?
Enter the dimensions of your area and the desired depth of gravel, and the calculator returns the volume in cubic yards and the estimated weight in tons (based on gravel type).
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the length and width of the area in feet.
- Enter the desired depth in inches.
- Select the gravel type (pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, etc.).
- Click Calculate to see cubic yards and tons.
Gravel Formula
Volume (ft³) = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12)
Cubic Yards = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic Yards × Density Factor
Average density: gravel ≈ 1.4 tons per cubic yard (varies by type).
Example Calculation
Driveway: 60 ft long × 12 ft wide × 4 inches deep, crushed stone.
- Volume = 60 × 12 × (4/12) = 240 ft³
- Cubic yards = 240 ÷ 27 = 8.89 cu yd
- Tons = 8.89 × 1.4 = 12.4 tons
- Order: 9 cubic yards or ~13 tons (add 10% buffer)
Recommended Gravel Depths
- Driveways: 4–6 inches
- Walkways and paths: 2–3 inches
- Drainage trenches: Fill to the brim
- Landscaping beds: 2–3 inches for decorative gravel
Why Use This Calculator?
Gravel is heavy, expensive to deliver multiple times, and hard to return. Knowing the exact quantity before you order saves delivery costs and the hassle of managing surplus material on your property.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not accounting for compaction — gravel compacts 10–15% after delivery. Order slightly more than calculated.
- Mixing up cubic yards and tons — suppliers sell by both; always clarify which unit your quote is using.
- Using too shallow a depth for driveways — less than 4 inches on a driveway means the gravel will displace quickly.
- Forgetting a weed barrier — for landscaping paths, lay geotextile fabric under the gravel to prevent weed growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need per square foot?
At 4-inch depth, approximately 0.05 tons per square foot. At 6-inch depth, about 0.075 tons per square foot.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
It depends on the type. Pea gravel: ~1.3 tons. Crushed stone: ~1.4 tons. River rock: ~1.35 tons per cubic yard.
What size gravel is best for driveways?
#57 crushed stone (3/4 inch) is the most popular for driveways. Use #21A (dense grade) as a base layer for better compaction.
Can I use this calculator for sand?
Yes, the volume formula is the same. Sand weighs approximately 1.35 tons per cubic yard, slightly different from gravel.
How deep should my gravel driveway base be?
For a proper driveway, lay 4–6 inches of compacted base gravel, then 2–3 inches of surface gravel on top — a total depth of 6–9 inches.
Conclusion
A little planning before your gravel delivery goes a long way. This calculator gives you accurate estimates in cubic yards and tons so you can make one order, get the job done right, and move on to the next project.
Related: Mulch Calculator | Concrete Calculator | Asphalt Calculator
Expert Advice
Always add a 5-10% "buffer" to your order. Gravel will settle and compact over time, and a little extra ensures you don't have thin spots in your coverage.
