🪨Gravel Calculator
Calculate the cubic yards and tons of gravel, crushed stone or sand needed for a driveway, path or base
Last updated: October 22, 2026
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
How to calculate how much gravel you need
- Measure the area. Enter the length and width in feet.
- Choose the depth. Use 2 to 4 inches for walkways and patios, and 4 to 8 inches for driveways or a base layer.
- Pick the material. The calculator uses a typical density for each material to estimate the weight.
- Add an allowance. Crushed stone and road base compact down, so add 10 to 15% for those jobs.
- Estimate the cost (optional). Open Advanced options and enter the price per ton. You can also enter your supplier's density if you know it.
The results show cubic yards (how suppliers measure volume) and tons (how many sell by weight).
Formula & Methodology
Gravel volume formula
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27
Depth is normally measured in inches, so divide it by 12 first.
Converting volume to weight
Gravel is sold by the ton as well as by the cubic yard:
Tons = Cubic yards × Density (tons per cubic yard)
A typical density is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard (roughly 2,800 lb), but it changes with the stone size, moisture content and material.
| Material | Approx. tons per cubic yard | |---|---| | Gravel, pea gravel, crushed stone | 1.4 | | Road base / crusher run | 1.5 | | Sand, river rock | 1.35 |
These are approximate values. Ask your supplier for the exact weight if you are ordering by the ton.
Worked example
A driveway section is 30 ft × 10 ft and needs 4 inches of gravel.
- Depth in feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
- Volume: 30 × 10 × 0.333 = 100 cubic feet
- Cubic yards: 100 ÷ 27 = 3.70 cubic yards
- Weight at 1.4 tons per cubic yard: 3.70 × 1.4 = 5.19 tons
About Gravel Calculator
Our gravel calculator is a free, easy-to-use tool designed to help youcalculate the cubic yards and tons of gravel, crushed stone or sand needed for a driveway, path or base. For professionals or those who need quick calculations, our calculator provides accurate results instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Multiply the length by the width in feet, multiply by the depth in feet (inches divided by 12), and divide by 27 to get cubic yards. A 30 ft by 10 ft area at 4 inches deep needs about 3.7 cubic yards.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (around 2,800 lb), though it ranges from roughly 1.2 to 1.6 tons depending on the stone size and moisture. Road base is usually a little heavier.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A common recommendation is 4 to 8 inches in layers, with larger stone at the bottom and smaller stone on top. Walkways and garden paths usually need only 2 to 4 inches.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is roughly 0.71 cubic yards. That covers about 77 square feet at 3 inches deep, or about 58 square feet at 4 inches deep.
Should I add extra for compaction?
Yes, if the gravel will be compacted. Crushed stone and road base can settle by 10 to 15%, so ordering that much extra avoids coming up short. For loose decorative gravel you usually need less.
Is gravel sold by the ton or by the cubic yard?
Both are used. Many quarries sell by the ton and weigh the truck, while landscape suppliers often sell by the cubic yard. This calculator shows both so you can compare quotes.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
It is often recommended under driveways and paths to stop the gravel sinking into soft soil and to limit weeds. It does not change the amount of gravel you need, so it is not included in this calculation.
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