How much gravel do I need?

Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet), divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For tons, multiply cubic yards by the material density (1.4 tons/yd³ for standard gravel). A 10×20 area at 4 inches deep needs 2.47 cubic yards = 3.5 tons.

How many tons of gravel per cubic yard?

Standard gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. Crushed limestone is 1.5 tons/yd³. Pea gravel is 1.35 tons/yd³. River rock varies from 1.2-1.5 tons/yd³ depending on size.

How thick should a gravel driveway be?

A gravel driveway needs 4-6 inches of gravel over a compacted subgrade. Use 4 inches for light traffic and 6 inches for heavy traffic. Apply in 2-3 layers, compacting each layer before adding the next.

How much does gravel cost per ton?

Gravel costs $15-$75 per ton depending on type. Crushed stone: $20-$40/ton. Pea gravel: $25-$50/ton. River rock: $40-$75/ton. Delivery adds $50-$150 depending on distance.

How much area does 1 ton of gravel cover?

One ton of gravel covers approximately 100 square feet at 2 inches deep, 80 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 60 square feet at 4 inches deep.

Gravel Calculator

Calculate how much gravel you need in cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost. Select your material type for accurate weight conversion.

Material Type

Length

feet

Width

feet

Depth

inches

Price per Ton (optional)

$15-$75 per ton typical

Delivery Fee (optional)

$50-$150 typical

Results

—cubic yards

Cubic Feet—

Tons—

Pounds—

Coverage Area—

Material Cost—

Total with Delivery—

Formula Used

Volume = L × W × (D÷12) ÷ 27

What Is a Gravel Calculator?

A gravel calculator estimates the amount of gravel, crushed stone, sand, or landscaping material needed to cover an area at a specified depth. It converts your measurements into cubic yards (the standard ordering unit) and tons (the standard delivery unit).

Gravel and aggregate materials are sold by the ton or cubic yard. One cubic yard of standard gravel weighs approximately 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons). The weight varies by material type, moisture content, and particle size.

Gravel Calculator Formula

Volume Formula

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27

Weight Formula

Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Density (tons/yd³)

Gravel Weight by Material

Material	Tons per Cubic Yard	Lbs per Cubic Yard
Crushed Gravel	1.40	2,800
Pea Gravel	1.35	2,700
Crushed Limestone	1.50	3,000
River Rock	1.30	2,600
Crushed Granite	1.45	2,900
Sand	1.35	2,700
Topsoil	1.20	2,400
Mulch	0.40	800

Coverage per Ton of Gravel

Depth	Coverage per Ton	Coverage per Yard
1 inch	240 sq ft	324 sq ft
2 inches	120 sq ft	162 sq ft
3 inches	80 sq ft	108 sq ft
4 inches	60 sq ft	81 sq ft
6 inches	40 sq ft	54 sq ft
12 inches	20 sq ft	27 sq ft

Common Gravel Mistakes

Not compacting layers. Gravel compresses 20-30% when compacted. Order extra or plan for compaction loss.
Using wrong depth. Driveways need 4-6 inches. Paths need 2-3 inches. French drains need 6-12 inches.
Ignoring subgrade. Install landscape fabric under gravel to prevent mixing with soil and weed growth.
Wrong material type. Angular crushed stone locks together for driveways. Rounded pea gravel shifts underfoot and is better for paths and decoration.

Pro Tip: Order 10% more than calculated. Gravel settles, compacts, and spreads beyond the target area. It is cheaper to order slightly more upfront than to pay for a second delivery.

Related Calculations

Sand Calculator — Bedding and fill sand quantities
River Rock Calculator — Decorative stone amounts
Limestone Calculator — Crushed limestone for bases
Concrete Calculator — Concrete over gravel base
Cubic Feet to Pounds — Material weight conversion

Gravel Calculator FAQ

Multiply L × W × D (feet), divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply by density for tons. A 10×20 area at 4" deep = 2.47 yd³ = 3.5 tons.

Standard gravel: 1.4 tons/yd³. Limestone: 1.5. Pea gravel: 1.35. River rock: 1.3. Sand: 1.35.

4-6 inches over compacted subgrade. Use 4" for light traffic, 6" for heavy. Apply in 2-3 layers, compacting each.

$15-$75/ton depending on type. Crushed stone: $20-$40. Pea gravel: $25-$50. River rock: $40-$75. Plus delivery $50-$150.

~100 sq ft at 2" deep, ~80 sq ft at 3" deep, ~60 sq ft at 4" deep.

Gravel Calculator

What Is a Gravel Calculator?

Gravel Calculator Formula

Gravel Weight by Material

Coverage per Ton of Gravel

Common Gravel Mistakes

Related Calculations

Gravel Calculator FAQ

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