How to use the gravel calculator
- 1 Enter the length and width in feet.
- 2 Enter the depth in inches.
- 3 Choose the material and add a price per ton and extra if you like.
- 4 Read the cubic yards, tons, bags and cost.
Worked example
A 20 × 10 foot area, 3 inches deep, with gravel at 1.4 tons per cubic yard. The volume is 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet = 1.85 cubic yards, which weighs about 2.59 tons (5,185 lb). For a small job that is 100 half-cubic-foot bags.
Ordering gravel
- Measure the depth you want after compaction.
- Order 10% extra for settling.
- Ask the supplier's density: it varies by stone.
- Lay a base of larger stone for driveways.
Find the area with the Square Footage Calculator, pour a slab with the Concrete Calculator, and convert tons with the Weight Converter. Re-roofing the shed too? Use the Roofing Calculator.
How it works: Depth in inches is divided by 12 to get feet, multiplied by the length and width to get cubic feet, and divided by 27 for cubic yards. Multiplying by the material's density gives tons. Densities are typical values; ask your supplier for theirs.
Features
Tons and cubic yards
Both units suppliers sell by.
Five materials
Typical densities for gravel, pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock and decomposed granite.
Bags and cost
Bag count for small jobs and cost per ton.
When to use it
Driveways
A typical gravel driveway is 4 to 6 inches deep over a base. Find the area first with the Square Footage Calculator.
Paths and patios
2 to 3 inches of pea gravel for walkways.
Concrete base
Order base gravel, then the slab with the Concrete Calculator.
Unit conversion
Convert tons with the Weight Converter.
Related Construction tasks
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate how much gravel you need?
Multiply length × width × depth in feet to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the material's density in tons per cubic yard.
How many tons of gravel do I need for a 20×10 foot area 3 inches deep?
20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet = 1.85 cubic yards, about 2.6 tons at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Typically about 2,400 to 2,900 pounds (1.2 to 1.45 tons), depending on the stone and how wet it is.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Usually 4 to 6 inches of top gravel over a 4 to 8 inch base of larger crushed stone, more for heavy vehicles or soft ground.
How deep should pea gravel be for a path?
About 2 to 3 inches. For play areas, much deeper, often 9 to 12 inches, for cushioning.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 3 inches deep, about 77 square feet; at 2 inches, about 116 square feet; at 4 inches, about 58 square feet.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes, 5% to 10% for settling, compaction and uneven ground.
Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the bag or in bulk?
Bulk is much cheaper for anything larger than a small bed. A 0.5 cubic foot bag holds about 50 pounds; a ton is about 40 bags.
What is the difference between gravel and crushed stone?
Gravel is usually rounded by water; crushed stone is mechanically broken and angular, so it locks together better for bases and driveways.
Does gravel compact?
Yes. Crushed stone and gravel compact 10% to 15%, so order a little extra for compacted bases.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
About 0.71 cubic yards at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How much does gravel cost?
Prices vary by region and stone. Enter your supplier's price per ton to estimate the cost.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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