Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel needed for driveways, paths, and construction projects
Gravel Specifications
Driveways, base material
Total Area
18.6 sq m
Volume Needed
65 cubic feet
Weight
6950 lbs
Truck Loads
12 cubic yard trucks
Cost Calculation
Material Cost
$1.16/sq ft
Total Cost
Including delivery
Total Depth
3.0"
Install Time
2.3 hrs
Bags Needed
130
Coverage/Ton
74 sq ft
Installation Guide
Depth Recommendations
Installation Steps
Consider edging: 60 linear feet needed for this area
How it works
A gravel calculator finds how much gravel fills an area to a chosen depth, by volume, then converts to weight (tons) using the material's density. It's the same volume math as any fill material.
Gravel volume & weight
Cubic yards = (length × width × depth in ft) ÷ 27 Tons ≈ cubic yards × 1.4
- length, width
- area in feet
- depth
- fill depth in feet
- 1.4
- approx tons per cubic yard of gravel
Worked example
- Driveway 20 ft × 10 ft
- 3 inches deep = 0.25 ft
- Cubic yards = (20 × 10 × 0.25) ÷ 27 = 1.85
- Tons ≈ 1.85 × 1.4
≈ 1.85 cubic yards ≈ 2.6 tons of gravel.
Good to know
- Density varies by stone type (1.3–1.5 tons/yd³), so confirm with your supplier.
- Gravel compacts — order a bit extra and account for settling.
- For drainage or a base layer, 2–4 inches is typical; driveways often want more.
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for my project?
Multiply length × width × depth to get volume, then convert to cubic yards (divide cubic feet by 27). A 10×20 ft area at 3 inches deep needs 10×20×0.25 = 50 cubic feet ≈ 1.85 cubic yards. Order a little extra for compaction and settling.
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
Most gravel weighs about 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard, depending on the stone type, size, and moisture. Suppliers sell by the ton or by the yard, so use your material's specific density when converting between the two.
How deep should gravel be?
Walkways typically need 2-3 inches; driveways need 4-8 inches total, built in two or three compacted layers — larger base stone underneath with smaller crushed gravel on top. A single thick layer of one size compacts poorly and ruts faster.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
As a rule of thumb, one ton covers roughly 80-100 square feet at 2 inches deep, or about 55-70 square feet at 3 inches. Halve the coverage when you double the depth.
Should I put anything under the gravel?
A woven landscape fabric (geotextile) between the soil and gravel keeps the stone from sinking into the ground and blocks weeds, significantly extending the life of paths and driveways. Compact each layer of gravel as you build up.