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- Volume = length × width × depth. Divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards.
- Gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, but it varies by stone type and moisture.
- A 20 ft × 10 ft area 3 inches deep needs 1.85 cubic yards, or about 2.85 tons with 10% extra.
- Add 10% for settling and compaction.
How to use the gravel calculator
Enter the area
Type the length and width in feet.
Enter the depth
Type the depth in inches. A path often uses 2 to 3 inches and a driveway 4 to 6 inches.
Set extra and weight
Leave 10% extra, or change it. In the advanced options set the weight in tons per cubic yard and a price per ton.
Read the result
You get tons to order, cubic yards, cubic feet, weight in pounds and cost if you entered a price.
How much gravel do I need?
Gravel is sold by the ton in many places and by the cubic yard in others, so it helps to know both. Calculate the volume in cubic yards, then multiply by the weight per cubic yard to get tons.
Gravel volume and weight
Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × (1 + extra %) × tons per cubic yard
Typical gravel is about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. This tool uses 1.4 unless you change it.
Worked examples
A 20 ft × 10 ft path, 3 inches deep
200 sq ft × 3 ÷ 12 = 50 cubic feet.
Round up when you order.
A 40 ft × 12 ft driveway, 4 inches deep
480 sq ft × 4 ÷ 12 = 160 cubic feet.
Deeper layers need more compaction allowance.
A 30 ft × 4 ft walkway, 2 inches deep
240 sq ft × 2 ÷ 12 = 40 cubic feet.
Small jobs may be sold by the bag instead.
Gravel depth guide
Typical depths
General guidance, not a rule.
Check the advice for your project and soil.
Where a gravel calculator helps
Driveways and paths
Order the right tons for a new surface.
Patio and slab bases
Plan the base before a pour with the concrete calculator.
Drainage and landscaping
Estimate gravel for French drains and beds. Measure the area with the square footage calculator.
Comparing quotes
Check a supplier quote against your own estimate.
Gravel weight changes with stone type, size and moisture. Pea gravel, crushed stone and sand each weigh differently, so ask your supplier for the figure per cubic yard and enter it in the advanced options. Delivery rules and minimum loads also vary.
Gravel calculator FAQ
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Multiply length, width and depth to get volume, convert to cubic yards, add 10% and multiply by the weight per cubic yard to get tons.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Usually about 1.3 to 1.5 tons, or about 2,600 to 3,000 pounds, depending on the type and moisture.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A 40 ft by 12 ft driveway 4 inches deep needs about 5.9 cubic yards, or 6.5 with 10% extra, which is about 9 tons.
How deep should gravel be?
A path often needs 2 to 3 inches. A driveway usually needs 4 to 6 inches. Follow the advice for your use.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per yard, one ton covers about 231 square feet at 1 inch deep, about 116 at 2 inches and about 77 at 3 inches.
Why add extra?
Gravel settles and compacts, and edges are uneven. About 10% extra helps you avoid running short.