MiniCalci

Calculators & Converters
Construction & DIY

Gravel Calculator

Free gravel calculator to estimate cubic yards, tons, and bags of gravel you need for a driveway, path, or garden bed, plus an estimated material cost.

Typical driveway gravel depth is 3-4 inches

What Does This Gravel Calculator Do?

This gravel calculator estimates how much gravel you need for a driveway, path, or garden bed. Enter the area (either as total square footage or as length x width) and your desired depth, and the calculator returns the volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, the estimated weight in tons, the number of bags you'd need for a small job, and a rough material cost estimate.

The Gravel Volume Formula

Gravel volume follows the same rectangular-box formula used for concrete and mulch: area times depth. Since depth is usually specified in inches while area is in square feet, the depth is converted to feet first by dividing by 12.

Cubic Feet = Area (sq ft) x [Depth (in) / 12]
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet / 27
Tons = Cubic Yards x 1.4

Worked Example: 200 Sq Ft at 3 Inches

  • Area = 200 sq ft, Depth = 3 inches
  • Cubic Feet = 200 x (3 / 12) = 50 cubic feet
  • Cubic Yards = 50 / 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
  • Tons = 1.85 x 1.4 = 2.59 tons

Choosing a Gravel Depth

  • Walking paths: 2 inches is usually sufficient
  • Standard driveways: 3-4 inches over a compacted base
  • Heavy-use driveways: 4-6 inches, sometimes applied in two compacted layers

Use the calculator directory to find more construction planning tools, including the concrete calculator and mulch calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravel do I need for my driveway?
Multiply the area (length x width in square feet) by the desired depth (in feet, so divide inches by 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A typical driveway uses 3-4 inches of gravel depth.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons on average, though the exact weight varies by stone type and moisture content (typically between 1.2 and 1.7 tons per cubic yard).
What depth of gravel should I use for a driveway?
Most driveways use 3-4 inches of gravel over a compacted sub-base. Walking paths can use 2 inches, while heavier-duty driveways for trucks or frequent use may need 4-6 inches, sometimes in multiple compacted layers.
How do I calculate gravel for an irregular area?
Break the area into rectangular sections, calculate the volume for each separately using length x width x depth, then add the cubic yardage together. This calculator handles simple rectangular areas directly.
How much does gravel cost per ton?
Gravel typically costs $45-$65 per ton delivered in the US, though prices vary by region, gravel type, and delivery distance. Crushed stone and decorative gravel can cost more than basic fill gravel.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes, it's common to order 10% extra to account for settling, compaction, and uneven sub-grade. If the calculator estimates 5 tons, consider ordering 5.5 tons to be safe.
Can gravel bags be used instead of bulk delivery?
For small projects, bagged gravel (usually sold at 0.5 cubic feet per bag) is convenient, but bulk delivery is far more cost-effective per ton for larger areas like driveways.

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How this is calculated: This tool uses standard, well-established formulas for construction & diy calculations. Results are estimates for informational and planning purposes — always double-check figures for anything with real-world consequences (e.g. ordering materials or submitting grades).