Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel, crushed stone, or aggregate by volume and weight for driveways, paths, and drainage. Enter the area dimensions and depth to get cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons. Most loose gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard, which the calculator uses to convert volume to delivery weight.
Gravel Area Diagram
How the Formula Works
Convert depth to feet
Depth (ft) = Depth (in) ÷ 12 All dimensions must share the same unit before multiplying
Calculate volume in cubic feet
Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) Convert to cubic yards
Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27 There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard — the standard US gravel order unit
Calculate tons of gravel
Tons = Cubic Yards × Density Tonnage depends on material density, which varies by moisture and exact material type.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a standard gravel driveway, you need 4–6 inches of depth. Enter your driveway length and width above with a 4-inch depth as a starting point. A 100 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep requires approximately 14.8 cubic yards (about 21 tons) of gravel.
Standard gravel weighs approximately 2,800 lbs per cubic yard, which equals 1.4 US short tons. This varies by gravel type: pea gravel is slightly lighter (~1.25 tons/yd³), while crushed stone can be heavier (~1.5 tons/yd³).
Recommended depths: driveways 4–6 inches, walkways and paths 2–4 inches, decorative landscaping 2–3 inches, drainage base layers 6–12 inches. Thicker layers resist displacement and last longer but cost more.
Break the area into rectangles, run this calculator for each section, then add the results together. For circular areas, use π × r² for the area, then multiply by depth. For L-shaped areas, split into two rectangles.
Crushed stone (#57 stone) is the most popular driveway gravel — it packs well and drains effectively. Pea gravel looks attractive but shifts under traffic. Road base (crusher run) provides excellent stability for a base layer. Always use 3 layers: a 6-inch base of road base, 4 inches of #57 stone, and 2 inches of pea gravel or #10 screenings on top.
Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to get US short tons (e.g., 10 yd³ × 1.4 = 14 tons). For metric, multiply cubic meters by 1.52 to get metric tonnes. Gravel suppliers typically sell by the ton, so this conversion is essential when ordering.
Yes — order 5–10% extra to account for compaction, uneven ground, and delivery variation. Gravel compacts roughly 20–30% after installation, so your finished layer will be shallower than the loose depth.
Gravel costs $15–$75 per cubic yard depending on type and location. Pea gravel runs $15–$30/yd³, crushed stone $20–$40/yd³, and specialty decorative gravels up to $75/yd³. Delivery typically adds $50–$150 depending on distance.