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
Gravel Needed
Volume 0 cubic ft
Cubic Yards 0
Estimated Weight 0 tons
Bags Needed (0.5 cu ft each) 0
Estimated Material Cost $0 - $0
Based on a rough US average of $45-$65 per ton delivered. Get local quotes for an accurate price.
Gravel Needed at Different Depths
How many tons or yards of gravel for this path or pad?
Same volume math as mulch (area × depth), then convert to tons using a density. Crushed stone is often around 1.2–1.4 tons per cubic yard depending on rock and moisture. The calculator’s ton estimate is for ordering, not a lab density test.
Base vs decorative
- Driveway and paver bases are compacted in lifts — order extra; compaction shrinks volume.
- Pea gravel for a path is usually 2–3 in; it migrates, so edging matters.
- A 10×20 path at 3 in is 50 cu ft ≈ 1.85 yards before compaction.
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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About these results: Figures are for planning only. Confirm anything you will buy, bill, or submit (materials, payroll, medical screening) against the label, a quote, or a professional.