Gravel Calculator

Standard 3 inch depth for paths, walkways, and decorative beds. Driveways usually need 4-6 inches total (2-3 inch sub-base plus 2-3 inch top layer). Weight assumes crushed stone at 2,700 lb / cu yard.

For driveways double these numbers (use 6 inch total depth). 1 ton covers about 75 sq ft at 3 inches deep. Compact in 2 inch lifts with a plate compactor for best results.

Gravel math is simple in theory: area × depth ÷ 27 = cubic yards. In practice you also need to know tons because gravel yards usually price by the ton or yard, depending on the stone. Different stone types weigh different amounts. Crushed stone is roughly 2,700 pounds per cubic yard. River rock can be 2,800-2,900. Decomposed granite is lighter at 2,400. Our calculator does all of this for you with accurate density factors per stone type.

Step 1: Calculate area

Rectangle: length × width. Circle: π × radius². For irregular shapes split into rectangles.

Step 2: Convert depth to feet

Depth is usually given in inches. Divide by 12 to get feet. 3 inches = 0.25 ft.

Step 3: Multiply for cubic feet

volume = area × depth. A 20 × 10 ft area at 3 in deep is 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 cu ft.

Step 4: Convert to cubic yards and tons

Divide cu ft by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply cu ft by density (lb/cu ft) and divide by 2000 for tons.

• 1-2 in - Top dressing on existing gravel, decorative paths
• 2-3 in - Garden beds, drainage, around plants
• 3-4 in - Walking paths, dog runs
• 4-6 in - Driveway base (with proper sub-base)
• 6-12 in - Heavy traffic driveways, French drain trenches

• Most yards have a 1 cu yd minimum for delivery. Pickup loose by the half-yard.
• Bagged gravel costs 2-3x more per yard but works for projects under 0.5 cu yd.
• Always lay landscape fabric underneath. Stops weeds and keeps gravel from sinking into soil.
• For driveways: 4 in of #2 stone (bigger) as base, then 2 in of #57 (smaller) on top. Compact between layers.
• Edge gravel beds with stone or metal edging - keeps gravel where you want it.
• Plan for 5-10% loss to settling over the first 6 months.

Use this gravel coverage chart to size any project fast. Coverage assumes a level, compacted surface. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, and gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so a ton covers about 70% of the area a cubic yard does at the same depth.

Deeper layers cover less area. To read it another way: at 4 inches deep, a single ton of gravel spreads across roughly 58 square feet, so a 200 sq ft pad needs about 3.5 tons.

Gravel yards sell by both the cubic yard and the ton, so the most common question is how the two line up. For most gravel, 1 cubic yard weighs about 1.4 tons (roughly 2,800 pounds). To go from cubic yards to tons, multiply by 1.4. To go back, divide tons by 1.4.

Worked example: a driveway that needs 9.9 cu yd × 1.4 = 13.9 tons. Round up to 14 tons when ordering to cover settling and spillage.

A gravel driveway calculation is just area times depth. Take a 2 car driveway at 20 ft × 40 ft finished at 4 inches deep:

• Area: 20 × 40 = 800 sq ft
• Depth: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
• Volume: 800 × 0.333 = 266 cu ft ÷ 27 = 9.9 cu yd
• Weight: 9.9 × 1.4 = about 13.9 tons

Order 10 to 11 cubic yards to allow for compaction and low spots. For a full driveway build, plan the depth by layer:

• 2-3 in - decorative top gravel or a walking path
• 4 in - patio base, shed pad, or light foot traffic
• 8-12 in total - a real driveway that carries vehicle weight (a coarse sub-base plus a #57 top layer, compacted in lifts)

Weight per cubic foot drives the ton conversion. Most landscape gravel lands near 100 pounds per cubic foot, which works out to about 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. The main types:

• Pea gravel - smooth 3/8 in stone for paths and play areas, about 1.4 tons per cubic yard (roughly 105 lb per cubic foot). A pea gravel calculator in tons uses this same factor.
• Crushed stone - angular stone that locks together, about 1.4 tons per cubic yard (2,700 to 2,800 lb). Best for bases and compaction.
• #57 stone - 3/4 in washed crushed stone for driveways, drainage, and French drains, about 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
• River rock - heavier decorative stone, closer to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.

How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?

About 1.4 tons, or roughly 2,800 pounds, for typical crushed stone and pea gravel. Denser river rock can reach 1.5 tons per cubic yard, and lighter decomposed granite sits closer to 1.2.

How much area does a ton of gravel cover?

One ton of gravel covers roughly 115 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 77 sq ft at 3 inches, 58 sq ft at 4 inches, and 38 sq ft at 6 inches. Use the coverage chart above to match your depth.

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

For a 20 ft × 40 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, plan on about 9.9 cubic yards or 14 tons. Double the depth for a proper vehicle base, and round your order up 10% for settling.

How deep should gravel be?

Use 2 to 3 inches for decorative beds and paths, about 4 inches for a patio or shed base, and 8 to 12 inches total for a driveway that carries vehicles. Compact deeper fills in 2 inch lifts.

What is the weight of gravel per cubic foot?

Most gravel weighs about 100 to 105 pounds per cubic foot dry. Multiply your cubic feet by that figure, then divide by 2,000 to get tons.