Figuring out the right amount of gravel for your project saves money and avoids extra trips to the supplier. Enter your area's length, width, and desired depth into the calculator above to get an instant estimate in cubic yards and tons.
The result is a planning estimate. Material density varies by gravel type, moisture content, and source. Always confirm quantities with your supplier before ordering.
Use Our Gravel Calculator to Calculate Gravel Needed
The calculator works in three steps:
- Enter your dimensions. Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover, in feet.
- Set the gravel depth. Choose how deep you want the gravel, in inches.
- Get your estimate. The calculator returns the volume of gravel in cubic yards and an approximate weight in tons.
You can use this tool for any aggregate, not just gravel. Crushed stone, pea gravel, decomposed granite, river rock, and lava rock all work. Just adjust the density if your material differs significantly from standard gravel (about 1.4 tons per cubic yard).
If your project area is not a simple rectangle, break it into smaller rectangular sections. Calculate each one separately and add the results together.
How Much Gravel Do I Need
The amount of gravel you need depends on three measurements: length, width, and depth. Multiply these together to find the volume, then convert to cubic yards.
Calculate the Volume of Gravel in Cubic Yards
Here is the formula:
- Multiply the length (ft) by the width (ft) to get the area in square feet.
- Convert the depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12.
- Multiply the area by the depth in feet to get total cubic feet.
- Divide total cubic feet by 27 to convert to cubic yards.
Example: A 10 ft by 10 ft area at 2 inches deep.
- Area: 10 × 10 = 100 sq ft
- Depth: 2 ÷ 12 = 0.167 ft
- Volume: 100 × 0.167 = 16.7 cubic feet
- Cubic yards: 16.7 ÷ 27 = 0.62 cubic yards
That is roughly how much gravel you need for a 10x10 area at a 2 inch depth.
Choosing the Right Gravel Depth
The right gravel depth depends on the project.
- Decorative ground cover and garden paths: 2 inches is usually enough.
- Walkways and patio bases: 2 to 3 inches provides a stable surface.
- Driveways: 4 to 6 inches (often in two compacted layers) creates a solid foundation.
- Shed bases and play areas: 4 inches minimum for support and drainage.
Deeper is not always better. Too much loose gravel on a walkway makes footing unsteady. Too little on a driveway leads to ruts and bare spots within a season.
Compaction and How It Affects How Much Gravel You Need
Loose gravel settles when compacted. Depending on the type of gravel and the stone size, compaction can reduce volume by 10% to 20%.
Angular materials like crushed stone compact more than rounded shapes like pea gravel. If you plan to compact your gravel layer (recommended for driveways and bases), order 10% to 15% extra material to account for the loss. The calculator provides loose volume, so factor compaction into your final order.
How Much Gravel Weighs: Converting Cubic Yards to Tons
Most suppliers sell gravel by the ton, so you need to convert from volume to weight.
A general rule: 1 cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs). This varies by material.
| Material | Approx. Tons per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.4 |
| Crushed stone | 1.4 to 1.5 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.5 |
| River rock | 1.3 to 1.5 |
| Lava rock | 0.5 to 0.6 |
Multiply your volume in cubic yards by the density to estimate the weight in tons. If your material is wet, it will weigh more. Dry weight is the standard for ordering.
How Much a Ton of Gravel Covers
One ton of gravel covers different areas depending on the depth:
- At 2 inches deep: about 100 sq ft
- At 3 inches deep: about 70 sq ft
- At 4 inches deep: about 50 sq ft
These numbers assume standard gravel at roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Use them as a quick reference when comparing supplier quotes.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel? At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton equals about 0.71 cubic yards. Your supplier can confirm the exact density for the product you choose.
Type of Gravel, Crushed Stone, and Aggregate
Choosing the right gravel depends on where you are using it. Different types of gravel have different sizes, shapes, and strengths.
Pea Gravel for Landscape and Garden Use
Pea gravel consists of small, naturally rounded stones, typically 3/8 inch in diameter. Its smooth, rounded shape makes it comfortable underfoot and visually clean.
Common uses:
- Garden paths and walkways
- Patio base fill between pavers
- Play areas
- Decorative ground cover around plants
Pea gravel drains well, which makes it a good choice around raised garden beds and areas prone to standing water. It does shift underfoot more than angular stone, so edging or borders help keep it in place.
How much pea gravel do I need for a patio? Measure the patio area, choose a depth of 2 to 3 inches, and enter the numbers in the calculator.
Crushed Stone and Aggregate for Driveways
Crushed stone is mechanically broken rock with angular edges. Those edges lock together when compacted, creating a solid foundation. This is why crushed stone is the preferred choice for driveways, parking areas, and structural bases.
Common driveway aggregate sizes:
- #57 stone (3/4 inch to 1 inch): a versatile mid-size for top layers and drainage.
- #411 or crusher run: a blend of stone dust and crushed rock that compacts into a firm surface.
- #2 stone (2 to 3 inches): used as a base layer under finer material.
A typical gravel driveway uses a 4 to 6 inch base of larger crushed stone topped with 2 to 3 inches of finer aggregate. Calculate each layer separately using the tool.
How much gravel do I need to cover a 100 sq ft driveway? At 4 inches deep, you need about 1.23 cubic yards, or roughly 1.7 tons of crushed stone.
Gravel vs. Mulch
Gravel and mulch serve different purposes in a landscape.
| Gravel | Mulch | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Lasts indefinitely | Decomposes in 1 to 3 years |
| Drainage | Excellent | Moderate |
| Heat retention | Absorbs and radiates heat | Insulates soil |
| Weed suppression | Good (better with landscape fabric underneath) | Good when applied thick |
| Cost over time | Higher upfront, lower long term | Lower upfront, requires replacement |
Use gravel for paths, driveways, and drainage areas. Use mulch around plantings where you want moisture retention and soil enrichment.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel? In most cases, yes. Fabric prevents gravel from mixing into the soil below and reduces weed growth. It is especially important for decorative landscape gravel.
Gravel Cost Estimator
Gravel prices vary by region, material type, and delivery distance. Here are typical ranges (US, 2024):
- Pea gravel: $30 to $60 per ton
- Crushed stone: $25 to $50 per ton
- Decomposed granite: $30 to $50 per ton
- River rock: $50 to $150 per ton (decorative grades cost more)
- Delivery: $50 to $150 per truckload, depending on distance
To estimate your gravel cost, multiply the tons from the calculator by the per-ton price your supplier quotes. Add delivery fees separately.
How much is a yard of gravel? Since 1 cubic yard weighs about 1.4 tons, expect to pay roughly $35 to $85 per cubic yard for common types. Decorative stone costs more.
Should I order extra gravel? Yes. Order 5% to 10% more than your calculated amount to cover compaction, uneven ground, and minor measurement errors. It is far cheaper than scheduling a second delivery.
How many bags of gravel do I need? A standard 50 lb bag of gravel covers about 0.5 cubic feet. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, so you would need about 54 bags per cubic yard. Bulk delivery is almost always cheaper for anything over a few cubic yards.
Aggregate Calculator and Volume Calculator for Landscape Projects
This calculator works for more than just gravel. Use it as an aggregate calculator for any bulk landscape material where you need to estimate volume and weight.
It handles:
- Crushed stone and gravel for driveways and paths
- Pea gravel for patios and play areas
- Decomposed granite for walkways
- River rock and cobble for decorative beds
- Topsoil (adjust density to about 1.1 tons per cubic yard)
For each material, the process is the same: enter your length, width, and desired depth. The volume calculator returns cubic yards, and you convert to tons using the material's density.
If your project involves multiple materials or irregular shapes, run the calculator once for each section. Add the totals for your complete order.
This Calculator Helps You Estimate How Much Gravel You Need
Use this free gravel calculator to get a quick estimate of how much gravel or aggregate you need for any project. Enter your measurements, review the result in cubic yards and tons, and share the numbers with your supplier for a price quote.
A few reminders:
- Results are estimates based on standard density values. Actual weight depends on the specific product, moisture, and source.
- Add 5% to 10% extra for compaction and waste.
- This tool is a planning aid. It does not replace a quote from your materials supplier.
Measure twice, order once. The calculator saves you the math so you can focus on the project.