Gravel Calculator
Calculate exactly how much gravel you need in cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons for any driveway, path, or landscaping project — plus total material cost. Free, instant, and private.
How to Calculate Gravel Quantity
Calculating gravel quantity is a three-step process. First, find the volume in cubic feet by multiplying length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft). Since depth is usually measured in inches, divide by 12 to convert: a 4-inch depth becomes 0.333 ft. Second, convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27 (there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard). Third, convert to tons by multiplying cubic yards by the material's density — standard crushed stone and pea gravel weigh approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles, calculate each separately, then add the results. For circular areas, the formula is: Area = π × radius² (use 3.14159 × r²), then multiply by depth.
Gravel Depth Guide by Project Type
Choosing the right depth is as important as calculating quantity. Too little gravel shifts, settles, and exposes bare soil quickly. Too much wastes money and makes surfaces unstable.
- Garden paths and decorative areas: 2–3 inches
- Patios and sitting areas: 3–4 inches
- Driveways (light vehicle traffic): 4–6 inches
- Driveways (heavy vehicle traffic): 6–8 inches (use a compacted base layer)
- French drains and drainage trenches: Fill completely — no depth limit
- Playground surfaces: 6–12 inches for impact absorption (ASTM F1292 standard)
For driveways, a two-layer approach works best: a 4-inch base of larger #3 crushed stone for drainage and stability, topped with a 2-inch finish layer of #57 stone or pea gravel. Calculate each layer separately using this tool.
Gravel Types and Density Variations
This calculator uses a density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard, which is accurate for the most common gravel types: crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock. Some materials differ:
- Crushed limestone: ~1.5 tons/yd³ (heavier, compacts well)
- Pea gravel: ~1.35 tons/yd³ (slightly lighter)
- Lava rock: ~0.65 tons/yd³ (much lighter — order more cubic yards per coverage area)
- Decomposed granite: ~1.5 tons/yd³ (popular for paths, binds tightly)
When ordering from a landscape supplier, always add 10–15% to your calculated quantity to account for compaction, settling, and spillage during delivery. Gravel compresses 10–20% when tamped or driven over repeatedly. It's better to have a small surplus than to make a second delivery trip. Last updated: April 2026 using industry-standard gravel density of 2,800 lbs/yd³.
How to Order Gravel
Most landscape suppliers sell gravel by the ton or cubic yard. For small projects under 2 cubic yards, bagged gravel from a hardware store is convenient but costs 3–4× more per ton. For anything larger, call a local stone yard or landscape supply company with your cubic yard total. Many suppliers deliver with a dump truck — confirm minimum order quantities (usually 2–5 tons) and delivery radius before calling. Getting at least 2 quotes can save 15–25% on material costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
For a gravel driveway, use a depth of 4–6 inches. Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 for tons. A standard 2-car driveway (20ft × 40ft × 4 inch depth) needs about 5.2 cubic yards or 7.3 tons of gravel.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
Standard gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard (2,800 lbs/yd³). So 1 ton of gravel equals about 0.71 cubic yards. This density applies to typical crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock. Lighter materials like lava rock weigh less; compacted limestone weighs more.
What depth of gravel should I use for a path or patio?
For a decorative garden path or patio, use 2–3 inches of gravel. For a driveway with light traffic, use 4 inches. For heavy vehicle traffic, use 6 inches total (4 inch base layer + 2 inch top layer). Deeper gravel distributes weight better and resists rutting.
How much does a ton of gravel cost?
Gravel prices range from $30 to $75 per ton depending on type and location. Pea gravel is the cheapest at $30–$45/ton. Crushed stone runs $40–$55/ton. Decorative river rock or colored gravel can reach $70–$100/ton or more. Delivery charges typically add $50–$150 per load.
How many bags of gravel do I need?
A standard 0.5 cubic foot bag covers about 2 square feet at 3-inch depth. Divide your total cubic feet by 0.5 to find the number of bags needed. For larger projects, buying gravel by the ton from a landscape supplier is significantly cheaper than bagged gravel from a hardware store.
What type of gravel is best for a driveway?
Crushed stone (3/4 inch or 1.5 inch) is the most popular driveway choice because the angular edges compact and interlock well. For a base layer, use #3 stone (1.5–2 inch). For the top layer, use #57 stone (3/4 inch). Pea gravel looks attractive but rolls underfoot and is harder to maintain on driveways.