Construction

Gravel Calculator

Calculate cubic yards and tons of gravel needed for driveways, walkways, and landscaping. Includes cost estimator.

Quick Answer

Cubic Yards = (Length x Width x Depth in inches) / 324. Tons = Cubic Yards x 1.4. A 20x10 ft area at 4 inches deep needs 2.5 cubic yards or about 3.5 tons of gravel.

Calculate Gravel Needed

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About This Tool

The Gravel Calculator helps homeowners and contractors estimate the volume and weight of gravel needed for driveways, walkways, patios, drainage projects, and landscaping. Unlike mulch which is sold by volume, gravel is often sold by the ton, making the weight conversion essential for accurate ordering.

Gravel Density Explained

The standard conversion factor is 1.4 tons per cubic yard, which works well for most common gravels. However, this varies: lightweight pea gravel is about 1.35 tons/yd, while dense crushed granite can be 1.5 tons/yd. When ordering, it is better to round up slightly to avoid running short mid-project.

Depth Guidelines by Project

Driveways need 4-6 inches layered in two courses. Walkways require 2-3 inches. Patio bases under pavers should be 4 inches of compacted gravel. French drains need 12-18 inches of washed gravel around the drain pipe. Decorative ground cover typically needs just 2 inches over landscape fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate how much gravel you need?
Multiply the area (length x width in feet) by the depth (in feet) to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. To get tons, multiply cubic yards by 1.4 (average gravel density). For example, a 20x10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep: 200 sq ft x 0.333 ft = 66.6 cu ft = 2.5 cu yd = 3.5 tons.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 2,800 pounds (1.4 tons). This varies by type: pea gravel is about 1.35 tons/yd, crushed stone is 1.4 tons/yd, and river rock can be 1.5 tons/yd. Wet gravel weighs more. Gravel suppliers sell by the ton or cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A gravel driveway typically needs 4-6 inches of depth in multiple layers. The base layer should be 4 inches of larger crushed stone (3/4 inch minus), topped with 2 inches of finer gravel like pea gravel or crusher run for a smooth driving surface. For foot traffic paths, 2-3 inches is sufficient.
How much does gravel cost?
Bulk gravel typically costs $15-75 per cubic yard or $10-50 per ton depending on type. Pea gravel: $25-50/ton. Crushed stone: $20-45/ton. Decomposed granite: $25-50/ton. River rock: $40-80/ton. Delivery fees add $50-150 depending on distance and quantity. Minimum delivery is usually 1-3 tons.
What type of gravel should I use?
For driveways, use crushed stone or crusher run which compacts well. For drainage, use clean gravel without fines. For walkways, pea gravel or decomposed granite provides a smooth surface. For French drains, use washed 3/4-inch gravel. For base under pavers, use 3/4-inch crushed stone or road base.

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