Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel in cubic yards and tons for driveways, paths, drainage, and landscaping. Enter your area dimensions and depth in inches to get volume, coverage, tonnage, and a waste-adjusted order quantity.
Quick Presets
Estimated Required
Base Estimate
With 10% Waste
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the length and width of your project area in feet, then enter the depth in inches. Choose your material type — different gravels have different densities, which changes the weight in tons. Select a waste factor to account for compaction and spillage, then press Copy Summary to get a ready-to-share estimate you can bring to your supplier.
Formula & Methodology
This calculator estimates gravel quantity by converting your project dimensions into cubic volume, then applying the selected material density and waste factor.
Volume (yd³) = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Volume (yd³) × Density Factor
With waste = Weight (tons) × (1 + Waste %)
Density values vary by material type and supplier. See Sources & Assumptions below.
Sources & Assumptions
Formula: Standard volumetric calculation — length × width × depth converted to cubic yards (÷ 27 cu ft/yd³).
Density values: Typical dry bulk density ranges used by aggregate suppliers and construction estimators. Crushed stone ≈ 1.40 t/yd³; pea gravel ≈ 1.35 t/yd³; bank run / dense grade ≈ 1.50 t/yd³. Actual density varies by stone type, moisture content, and source.
Waste recommendation: 10% is standard for driveways and pathways; increase to 15% for slopes, irregular shapes, or compactable materials.
Confirmation: Always verify final quantities and density with your bulk material supplier before placing an order.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Recommended Depths & Coverage
Use these common depth ranges for planning. Actual depth may vary based on base conditions, compaction, drainage, and supplier recommendations.
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Approx. Coverage per 1 yd³ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 2 in | ~162 sq ft | Decorative paths and light foot traffic |
| Standard driveway | 4 in | ~81 sq ft | Common residential driveway depth |
| Heavy driveway / RV area | 6 in | ~54 sq ft | Better for heavier loads |
| Drainage trench / deep base | 12 in | ~27 sq ft | Used for drainage or sub-base work |
Coverage values assume 1 cubic yard of material before waste. Add the selected waste factor for ordering quantities.
Project Examples
Typical residential and commercial gravel projects with estimated quantities. All figures use 10% waste — adjust in the calculator above for your conditions.
| Project | Dimensions | Depth | Est. Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential driveway | 50 × 16 ft | 4 in | ~11 yd³ / ~15 tons |
| Garden path | 20 × 3 ft | 2 in | ~0.4 yd³ |
| Parking pad | 30 × 20 ft | 6 in | ~12 yd³ / ~17 tons |
Common Ordering Mistakes
- !Ordering in cubic yards when the supplier quotes in tons: Confirm which unit your supplier uses before finalizing the quantity. Most gravel suppliers price by the ton, not by volume.
- !Skipping the waste factor for driveways: Gravel compacts 10–15% after traffic. Ordering the exact calculated volume leaves you short by the time the first vehicle drives over it.
- !Choosing pea gravel for a structural base: Pea gravel rolls and shifts under vehicle weight. Use crushed stone or dense-grade aggregate for driveways and parking areas where load-bearing is required.
- !Entering depth in feet instead of inches: 4 inches is 0.33 ft — not 4 ft. Entering the depth in the wrong unit multiplies the estimate by 12× and produces a wildly incorrect quantity.
- !Not asking about delivery minimums: Many suppliers require a 1 yd³ or 1-ton minimum. Plan your project quantity to avoid paying a premium for a partial load.
Gravel Cubic Yards, Coverage, and Tonnage
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton — knowing how these units relate is essential for accurate ordering and comparing supplier quotes.
How cubic yards are calculated: Volume (yd³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12, then ÷ 27. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet — the standard unit for bulk aggregate orders.
How depth changes coverage: Doubling depth halves coverage. At 2 inches, one yard covers ~162 sq ft. At 4 inches, that same yard covers ~81 sq ft. Depth is the single biggest driver of how many cubic yards you need, which is why the calculator uses inches as the input unit.
Converting cubic yards to tons: Multiply cubic yards by the material density. Standard crushed stone ≈ 1.40 t/yd³; pea gravel ≈ 1.35 t/yd³; dense grade / bank run ≈ 1.50 t/yd³. Most suppliers price gravel by the ton, so knowing the conversion prevents underordering when your quote is in tons and your estimate is in cubic yards.
For a full driveway planning guide with size examples and material comparisons, see How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators & Guides
For a concrete slab or footing on the same project, try the Concrete Calculator. Planning to pave the surface? Use the Asphalt Calculator.
Planning a gravel driveway? See the How Much Gravel for a Driveway? guide.
Not sure how deep to go? How Deep Should Gravel Be for a Driveway?
Disclaimer
Results are estimates only. Actual quantities vary with compaction rate, moisture content, irregular shapes, and supplier-specific density. Always confirm with your supplier before ordering.