Gravel Calculator

Enter the length, width and depth of the area to get the volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, and the weight in tons. Gravel is sold both ways — by the yard at bulk yards and by the ton at quarries — so you can order in whichever unit your supplier uses.

Weight uses a density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard by default, the middle of the typical 1.3–1.5 tons-per-yard range for crushed stone and pea gravel. Denser angular stone runs toward 1.5 and lighter rounded river rock toward 1.3 — adjust the density input if your supplier quotes a specific figure.

The formula

Volume (cu yd) = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27; Tons = Cu yd × density (default 1.4 t/yd)

Worked example

A 10 × 10 ft area at 3 inches deep needs 25 cu ft = 0.93 cu yd of gravel, weighing about 1.30 tons at 1.4 tons per yard.

The example is pre-loaded in the result panel — press Calculate with your own numbers to replace it.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should gravel be?

2–3 inches for paths and landscaping over fabric, 4 inches or more for a driveway base layer (compacted in lifts), and 3–4 inches around drainage pipe. Enter the finished, compacted depth.

Why does the tonnage vary between suppliers?

Because density varies with stone type, size and moisture. The 1.3–1.5 tons per cubic yard range is normal; if a supplier quotes weight, order by this calculator's tonnage and keep the density they state for your stone.

Should I order extra?

Add roughly 10% for compaction and edges settling, especially on driveways — gravel compresses under traffic and the first top-up is usually needed within a season.

Category: Construction & Home calculators