Gravel Calculator

Please enter length, width and depth greater than 0.
–cubic yards
–cubic feet
–tons
–0.5 cu ft bags

Estimate only. Weight per cubic yard varies by stone type and moisture, so confirm with your supplier.

How to use this calculator

Measure the area length and width in feet, enter the depth you want in inches, choose the type of stone and press Calculate. You get cubic yards, tons for bulk delivery and the number of small 0.5 cubic foot bags.

The formula

Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard (about 1.4 to 1.5)

Example: A 20 ft × 10 ft area at 3 inches deep is 50 cubic feet, or 1.85 cubic yards. With 10% extra you need about 2.04 cubic yards, which is about 2.95 tons of crushed stone.

How to plan your gravel order

The calculator finds the volume of your area in cubic yards, then converts it to tons using the weight of the stone you picked. Most landscape yards and quarries sell gravel by the ton, so the tons figure is usually the number to give the supplier. The bag count is useful only for small jobs, such as a short path or filling around stepping stones.

A worked example

A 20 by 10 foot patio base at 3 inches deep is 50 cubic feet, or about 1.85 cubic yards. Adding the recommended 10% brings it to about 2.04 cubic yards. Crushed stone weighs about 1.45 tons per cubic yard, so the order is about 2.95 tons. Round up to 3 tons when you call. At 4 inches deep, the same area would need about one third more.

What changes how much you need

  • Depth. Small changes add up fast. Every extra inch over 200 square feet adds about 0.6 cubic yards.
  • Stone type. Crusher run packs tightly and weighs more per yard than pea gravel.
  • Compaction. Base materials shrink when compacted, so the 10% allowance matters for driveways and patios.
  • Ground shape. Measure irregular areas as several rectangles and add them up.

Tips and common mistakes

  • Dig out sod and soft soil first, then measure depth from the finished grade you want.
  • Lay landscape fabric under decorative gravel to slow weeds and keep stone from sinking into the soil.
  • Use edging along paths and beds so the gravel stays in place.
  • Do not use round pea gravel as a driveway base. It rolls underfoot and under tires. Angular crushed stone locks together better.
  • Spread and compact in layers of about 2 to 3 inches for a firm base rather than one thick layer.

Buying and cost

Enter a price per ton to see the material cost. Delivery is often charged separately, and many trucks carry a minimum load, so ask before ordering a small amount. Choose the drop spot carefully. A loaded truck can crack a thin driveway or rut a soft lawn. For a driveway or any area carrying vehicles, check local rules on drainage and grading, and consider asking a contractor about the right base depth for your soil.

Frequently asked questions

How much does one cubic yard of gravel cover?
About 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep.
How deep should gravel be?
Use 2 to 3 inches for paths and patios, and 4 to 6 inches for driveways. Use a thicker base layer under heavy traffic.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
Most gravel weighs about 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, depending on the stone type and moisture.
Should I add extra for waste?
Adding 5 to 10 percent covers uneven ground, compaction and spillage.
Is bulk gravel cheaper than bags?
Usually yes. For more than about 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery is typically cheaper than bags.
What size gravel is best for a driveway?
Most gravel driveways use layers. A base of larger crushed stone or crusher run gives strength and drainage. A top layer of smaller crushed stone, often about 3/4 inch, gives a smoother driving surface. Angular stone works better than rounded stone because the edges lock together under traffic. Your local supplier can suggest the products they stock for driveways.
How many wheelbarrow loads are in a ton of gravel?
A typical 6 cubic foot wheelbarrow holds about 0.22 cubic yards. A ton of crushed stone is roughly 0.7 cubic yards, so it fills a little over three wheelbarrows. Most people do not fill a wheelbarrow to the top with stone, because it gets very heavy, so plan on four or five trips per ton.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
It is a good idea for paths, patios and decorative areas. Fabric helps keep the gravel from mixing into the soil and slows weeds from below. It does not stop weeds that sprout in dust and debris on top. For driveways over soft ground, a woven geotextile fabric can help spread loads and keep the base stable.