Gravel Calculator
Makes work easier
Calculate how much gravel you need in cubic yards, tons, and number of bags. Enter your project dimensions below to get an instant volume, weight, and cost estimate for driveways, patios, walkways, shed foundations, and drainage projects.
Gravel Estimator
Volume, weight & coverage
📐 Estimated Material Needed
⚒️ Estimates are approximate. Confirm final quantities with your material supplier before ordering. Standard density: ~1.4 tons/yd³.
How to Calculate How Much Gravel You Need
Volume (cubic yards) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27. Converting volume to weight requires multiplying by the density of your specific gravel type, then dividing by 2,000 to convert pounds to US tons.
Five measurements determine your gravel order: length, width, depth, gravel type (which sets density), and overage percentage for compaction and waste.
Step 1 – Measure Your Area
Use a tape measure to record the length and width of your project area in feet. Measure at ground level across the longest and widest points. For irregular shapes, divide the area into separate rectangles, circles, or triangles — measure each section individually and add the results together.
Record measurements to the nearest half-foot for residential projects. Commercial and structural projects require measurements to the nearest inch.
Step 2 – Determine the Right Depth
Gravel depth depends on project type and expected traffic load. Most residential landscaping projects require 2-4 inches of gravel. Driveways and parking areas require 4-8 inches applied in compacted layers. Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12.
| Conversion | Formula |
|---|---|
| Inches to feet | Inches ÷ 12 |
| 2 inches | 0.167 ft |
| 3 inches | 0.25 ft |
| 4 inches | 0.33 ft |
| 6 inches | 0.5 ft |
Step 3 – Calculate Volume in Cubic Yards
Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet. Divide the result by 27 to convert to cubic yards.
1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet — a space measuring 3 feet long × 3 feet wide × 3 feet deep. This conversion constant applies to all gravel volume calculations regardless of material type.
For metric calculations: Length (m) × Width (m) × Depth (m) = cubic meters. No conversion divisor is needed because the metric system is base-10.
Step 4 – Convert Volume to Weight in Tons
Multiply cubic yards by the material density in pounds per cubic yard, then divide by 2,000 to get US tons.
Density varies significantly by gravel type. Lightweight lava rock weighs 1,391 lb/yd³ while dense graded aggregate (DGA) weighs 3,374 lb/yd³. Using the wrong density produces errors exceeding 50% — always select the specific gravel type you plan to purchase.
Step 5 – Add Extra for Compaction and Waste
Add 5-10% to your calculated volume for spillage, transport loss, uneven subgrade, and minor measurement errors. If the gravel will be mechanically compacted, add an additional 10-30% depending on the gravel type.
Gravel Calculation Example
A homeowner needs pea gravel for a patio measuring 20 feet long × 10 feet wide at 3 inches deep:
- Area: 20 ft × 10 ft = 200 sq ft
- Depth conversion: 3 inches ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft
- Volume: 200 × 0.25 = 50 cu ft → 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cu yd
- Weight: 1.85 × 2,565 lb/yd³ = 4,745 lbs → 2.37 US tons
- With 10% overage: 2.37 × 1.10 = 2.61 tons
- Cost at $45/ton: 2.61 × $45 = $117.45
👉 Order 2.75 tons — suppliers rarely sell exact fractions, and rounding up to the nearest quarter-ton prevents shortage.
How Many Tons in a Yard of Gravel
Most gravel weighs between 1.1 and 1.7 tons per cubic yard. The exact weight depends on stone type, particle size, and moisture.
| Material | Pounds per Cubic Yard | US Tons per Cubic Yard | kg per Cubic Meter | Metric Tonnes per Cubic Meter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 2,565 | 1.28 | 1,522 | 1.52 |
| Crushed Stone #57 | 2,431 | 1.22 | 1,442 | 1.44 |
| Crushed Stone #411 | 2,835 | 1.42 | 1,682 | 1.68 |
| River Rock | 2,835 | 1.42 | 1,682 | 1.68 |
| Dense Graded Aggregate (DGA) | 3,374 | 1.69 | 2,002 | 2.00 |
| Bank Run Gravel | 3,240 | 1.62 | 1,922 | 1.92 |
| Decomposed Granite | 2,781 | 1.39 | 1,650 | 1.65 |
| Lava Rock | 1,391 | 0.70 | 825 | 0.83 |
| Marble Chips | 2,565 | 1.28 | 1,522 | 1.52 |
| Riprap | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1,602 | 1.60 |
| Class 5 Gravel | 2,900 | 1.45 | 1,720 | 1.72 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1,602 | 1.60 |
| Sand (wet) | 3,240 | 1.62 | 1,922 | 1.92 |
| Topsoil (dry) | 2,160 | 1.08 | 1,282 | 1.28 |
| Topsoil (wet) | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1,602 | 1.60 |
How Many Yards in a Ton of Gravel
1 ton of gravel equals 0.59 to 1.44 cubic yards depending on material type.
| Material | Cubic Yards per US Ton |
|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 0.78 |
| Crushed Stone #57 | 0.82 |
| Crushed Stone #411 | 0.71 |
| River Rock | 0.71 |
| DGA | 0.59 |
| Bank Run Gravel | 0.62 |
| Decomposed Granite | 0.72 |
| Lava Rock | 1.44 |
| Marble Chips | 0.78 |
| Riprap | 0.74 |
| Class 5 Gravel | 0.69 |
How Much Area Does a Yard of Gravel Cover
1 cubic yard of gravel covers 108 square feet at 3 inches deep or 162 square feet at 2 inches deep.
| Depth | Area Covered by 1 Cubic Yard | Area Covered by 1 Ton (avg 1.4 t/yd³) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 324 sq ft | 231 sq ft |
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | 116 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | 77 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | 58 sq ft |
| 5 inches | 65 sq ft | 46 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | 39 sq ft |
| 8 inches | 40.5 sq ft | 29 sq ft |
| 12 inches | 27 sq ft | 19 sq ft |
What Does a Cubic Yard of Gravel Look Like
1 cubic yard occupies a space of 3 × 3 × 3 feet — roughly the volume of a standard kitchen dishwasher. A full-size pickup truck bed holds approximately 1 cubic yard (limited by weight).
| Quantity | Visual Reference | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | Pickup truck bed (level) | Small garden border |
| 5 cubic yards | Half a standard dump truck | Single-car driveway surface |
| 10 cubic yards | One standard dump truck | Full double driveway |
| 20 cubic yards | Two dump truck loads | Long rural driveway |
Recommended Gravel Depth by Project Type
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Recommended Gravel Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway (residential) | 4-6 in | #57 / DGA base | 2-3 compacted layers |
| Driveway (heavy vehicles) | 6-8 in | DGA base, #57 surface | Compact each layer |
| Patio | 3-4 in | Pea gravel, DG | Landscape fabric beneath |
| Walkway / Garden path | 2-3 in | Pea gravel | Use edging |
| Shed foundation | 4-6 in | #57 stone | Level and compact |
| French drain | 12-18 in | Coarse gravel, #57 | Surrounds pipe |
| Drainage swale | 4-6 in | River rock | Size to water flow |
| Parking area | 6-8 in | DGA base + #57 | Geotextile fabric |
| Playground | 9-12 in | Pea gravel | CPSC 9-inch minimum |
| Under concrete slab | 4-6 in | Crushed stone, DGA | Drainage & frost heave |
Types of Gravel
Pea Gravel: ⅛–⅜ in, 2,565 lb/yd³, best for walkways, patios, playgrounds.
Crushed Stone #57: ½–¾ in, 2,431 lb/yd³, best for driveways, drainage.
Crushed Stone #411: 0–¾ in, 2,835 lb/yd³, includes fines for compaction.
River Rock: 1–6 in, 2,835 lb/yd³, decorative, dry creek beds.
DGA / Quarry Process: 0–¾ in, 3,374 lb/yd³, road base, heavy compaction.
Decomposed Granite: 0–¼ in, 2,781 lb/yd³, pathways, xeriscaping.
Bank Run Gravel: 0–3 in, 3,240 lb/yd³, fill, subgrade.
Lava Rock: ½–3 in, 1,391 lb/yd³, lightweight decorative.
Marble Chips: ⅜–¾ in, 2,565 lb/yd³, decorative accents.
Riprap: 6–24 in, 2,700 lb/yd³, erosion control.
Class 5 Gravel: 0–1 in, 2,900 lb/yd³, road base.
Summary Table: All Gravel Types
| Gravel Type | Size (in) | Density (lb/yd³) | Compaction Rate | Cost Range ($/ton) | Primary Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | ⅛–⅜ | 2,565 | 5-10% | $30-60 | Walkways, patios |
| Crushed Stone #57 | ½–¾ | 2,431 | 10-15% | $25-50 | Driveways, drainage |
| Crushed Stone #411 | 0–¾ | 2,835 | 20-25% | $25-50 | Base layer |
| River Rock | 1–6 | 2,835 | <5% | $50-150 | Landscaping |
| DGA / Quarry Process | 0–¾ | 3,374 | 25-30% | $20-40 | Road base |
| Decomposed Granite | 0–¼ | 2,781 | 15-20% | $35-50 | Pathways |
| Bank Run Gravel | 0–3 | 3,240 | 20-25% | $15-30 | Fill |
| Lava Rock | ½–3 | 1,391 | <5% | $50-100 | Decorative |
| Marble Chips | ⅜–¾ | 2,565 | 5-10% | $75-150 | Accents |
| Riprap | 6–24 | 2,700 | <5% | $35-60 | Erosion control |
| Class 5 | 0–1 | 2,900 | 20-25% | $20-40 | Base |
How to Account for Compaction and Overage
Compaction reduces volume 10-30% depending on gravel type. Add 5-10% waste on top. Final order = Base volume × (1 + compaction% + waste%).
| Gravel Type | Compaction Rate | Extra Material to Order |
|---|---|---|
| DGA | 25-30% | 25-30% more |
| Crushed Stone #411 | 20-25% | 20-25% more |
| Bank Run Gravel | 20-25% | 20-25% more |
| Class 5 Gravel | 20-25% | 20-25% more |
| Decomposed Granite | 15-20% | 15-20% more |
| Crushed Stone #57 | 10-15% | 10-15% more |
| Pea Gravel | 5-10% | 5-10% more |
How Much Does Gravel Cost
Gravel costs $15-150 per ton or $20-200 per cubic yard. Base materials are cheapest; decorative stones cost more.
| Gravel Type | Price per US Ton | Price per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Run Gravel | $15-30 | $20-40 |
| DGA / Quarry Process | $20-40 | $30-55 |
| Class 5 Gravel | $20-40 | $30-55 |
| Crushed Stone #57 | $25-50 | $35-65 |
| Crushed Stone #411 | $25-50 | $40-70 |
| Pea Gravel | $30-60 | $40-80 |
| Decomposed Granite | $35-50 | $45-65 |
| Riprap | $35-60 | $45-80 |
| Lava Rock | $50-100 | $40-80 |
| River Rock | $50-150 | $65-200 |
| Marble Chips | $75-150 | $100-200 |
Bags vs. Bulk Gravel
Projects under 0.5 cubic yards are often more practical with bags; over 1 cubic yard saves 40-60% with bulk.
| Bag Size | Approx Weight per Bag | Bags per Cubic Yard | Bags per Ton (pea gravel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 cubic feet | 40-70 lbs | 54 bags | 40-50 bags |
| 1 cubic foot | 80-130 lbs | 27 bags | 17-25 bags |
| 50-lb bag | Varies | 50-55 bags | 40 bags |
Gravel Delivery: Truck and Wheelbarrow Capacity
| Vehicle Type | Volume Capacity | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Half-ton pickup | 0.5 cu yd | 1,000-1,500 lbs |
| ¾-ton or 1-ton pickup | 1 cu yd | 2,000-3,000 lbs |
| Small dump truck | 5-8 cu yd | 7-14 tons |
| Standard dump truck | 10-14 cu yd | 14-24 tons |
| Large dump truck | 14-18 cu yd | 20-30 tons |
| Container | Capacity | Loads per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Standard wheelbarrow (3 cu ft) | 3 cu ft | 9 loads |
| Large contractor wheelbarrow (6 cu ft) | 6 cu ft | 4.5 loads |
| 5-gallon bucket | 0.67 cu ft | 40 buckets |
How to Calculate Gravel for Irregular Shapes
Circular Areas: Area = π × radius². Volume (cu yd) = Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27.
Triangular Areas: Area = ½ × base × height.
L-Shaped Areas: Divide into two rectangles, calculate each, sum volumes.
Trenches & French Drains: Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27. Subtract pipe volume if needed.
How to Calculate Gravel for a Driveway
Standard 3-layer system: base (4 in #3 or DGA), middle (3 in #411), surface (2-3 in #57). Calculate each layer separately.
| Driveway Description | Dimensions | Total Depth | Volume (cu yd) | Weight (tons at 1.4 t/yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single car (short) | 10 × 20 ft | 4 in | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Single car (standard) | 12 × 25 ft | 5 in | 4.6 | 6.5 |
| Double car (standard) | 20 × 20 ft | 5 in | 6.2 | 8.6 |
| Double car (long) | 20 × 40 ft | 6 in | 14.8 | 20.7 |
| Long rural driveway | 12 × 100 ft | 6 in | 22.2 | 31.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a 10×10 area?
At 3 inches deep: 0.93 cubic yards (approx 1.2-1.3 tons). At 4 inches deep: 1.22 cubic yards.
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A 12×25 ft single-car driveway at 5 inches needs 6-8 tons including compaction.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
2,200-3,400 lbs (1.1-1.7 US tons). Pea gravel ~2,565 lbs; DGA ~3,374 lbs.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
4-6 inches total for residential, applied in compacted layers.
How many yards is 5 tons of gravel?
5 tons of #57 stone ≈ 4.1 cubic yards. Varies by type.
Do I order gravel by the ton or by the yard?
Most bulk suppliers sell by the ton; some smaller suppliers use cubic yards.
How much does a truckload of gravel cost?
A full dump truck load (10-14 cu yd) costs $350-$1,200 depending on type and location.
How much area will 1 ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep: ~100-120 sq ft; at 3 inches: 70-80 sq ft.
How many bags of gravel do I need?
54 standard 0.5 cu ft bags per cubic yard. Bulk saves money beyond 30 bags.
How much pea gravel do I need for a walkway?
A 3×20 ft walkway at 2.5 inches deep: 0.46 cu yd (0.59 tons).
What is the best gravel for a driveway?
Crushed stone #57 surface with DGA or #411 base. Avoid pea gravel and river rock.
How do I calculate gravel for a circular area?
π × radius² × depth (ft) ÷ 27. Example: 10-ft diameter at 3 in = 0.73 cu yd.
How many 5-gallon buckets in a yard of gravel?
About 40 buckets per cubic yard.