Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel volume, weight & bags needed for your project
📊 Your Gravel Estimate
💡 Tip: Order 5–10% extra to account for compaction and settling.
📐 How to Calculate Gravel Needs
Calculating how much gravel you need is straightforward. Our gravel calculator above does all the math for you, but here's the manual formula:
- Measure the area: Multiply length × width to get the area in square feet.
- Convert depth to feet: Divide inches by 12 (e.g., 3 inches = 0.25 feet).
- Calculate volume: Multiply area × depth to get cubic feet.
- Convert to cubic yards: Divide cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).
- Estimate weight: Multiply cubic yards by the gravel type's density (tons per cubic yard).
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth in feet) ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic Yards × Gravel Density
🪨 Types of Gravel & Their Uses
- Pea Gravel (1.40 tons/cu yd): Small, rounded stones (⅜"–½"). Ideal for pathways, playgrounds, and decorative ground cover. Smooth underfoot.
- Crushed Stone ¼" (1.50 tons/cu yd): Angular, fine gravel. Used for paver bases, drainage, and as a compactable base layer.
- Crushed Stone ¾" (1.40 tons/cu yd): The most common driveway gravel. Excellent for driveways, drainage ditches, and backfill.
- River Rock (1.35 tons/cu yd): Smooth, larger decorative stones. Great for landscaping accents, dry creek beds, and erosion control.
- Decomposed Granite (1.60 tons/cu yd): Fine, compactable material. Popular for patios, walking trails, and rustic pathways.
- Base Gravel (1.50 tons/cu yd): A mix of stone and fines. Used as a stable sub-base under driveways, patios, and retaining walls.
🛒 Ordering Tips
- Always order 5–10% extra — Gravel compacts over time, and some is lost during spreading.
- Bulk vs. Bags: For projects over ½ cubic yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper than buying individual bags.
- Depth matters: Driveways need 4–6 inches of gravel; pathways need 2–3 inches; decorative cover needs 1–2 inches.
- Measure twice: Double-check your measurements before ordering. A small miscalculation can leave you short or with excess.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a 10×20 driveway?
For a 10 ft × 20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, you need approximately 2.5 cubic yards of gravel (about 3.5 tons of ¾" crushed stone). Use the calculator above with your exact measurements for a precise estimate.
How many bags of gravel equal a cubic yard?
One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. With standard 0.5 cubic foot bags, you'd need 54 bags to equal one cubic yard. That's why bulk delivery is more economical for larger projects.
What's the best gravel depth for a driveway?
For a standard driveway, 4–6 inches is recommended. Use 4 inches for light traffic and 6 inches for heavier vehicles. Always include a compacted base layer of larger stone beneath the top dressing.
Does gravel settle over time?
Yes. Gravel can settle and compact by 10–15% over time, especially under vehicle traffic. That's why we recommend ordering 5–10% extra upfront to account for this settling.
Can I use this calculator for sand or mulch?
While this tool is designed for gravel, you can use the Custom Density option for other materials. Sand typically weighs about 1.35 tons/cu yd, and mulch weighs about 0.5–0.8 tons/cu yd. Adjust the density accordingly.
