Gravel Calculator
Work out how many cubic yards and tons of gravel or stone to order.
How to use this gravel calculator
Enter the length and width of the area in feet and the depth in inches, then choose your material. You'll get the volume in cubic yards and an estimate of the weight in tons. Quarries and landscape yards sell by one or the other, so it helps to know both.
Weights vary with the stone type, size and how wet it is. The densities here are typical values. Ask your supplier for their number if you're ordering by the ton.
How deep should gravel be?
| Project | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative top layer in beds | 2–3 inches |
| Walkway or garden path | 3–4 inches |
| Patio or shed base | 4–6 inches |
| New driveway (in layers) | 8–12 inches total |
Driveways are usually built in layers: larger crushed stone at the bottom, a middle layer, and a finer top layer. Run the calculator once for each layer.
The math behind it
Cubic yards = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × the material's density in tons per cubic yard.
Example: a 30 × 10 ft path at 4 inches deep is 100 cubic feet, or 3.7 cubic yards. With pea gravel at about 1.4 tons per yard, that's around 5.2 tons.
Tips before you order
- Order about 10% extra. Gravel compacts, and ground is rarely perfectly level.
- Lay landscape fabric first on paths and beds to keep weeds down and stop stone sinking into soil.
- Check the truck's minimum load and delivery fee. Small orders can cost more per ton.
- A 50 lb bag holds roughly 0.5 cubic feet, so bags only make sense for small jobs.
Often used together
Quick answers
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Most gravel and crushed stone weighs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, depending on the stone and its size.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, a ton covers roughly 100–120 square feet. At 4 inches deep, it covers about half that.
What's the best gravel for a driveway?
Most driveways use larger crushed stone at the bottom, then crusher run or road base that packs down hard, with a finer top layer. Round pea gravel rolls around and is better for paths.