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🪨 Gravel Calculator

Enter the length, width and depth of your driveway, path or landscaping area to find exactly how much gravel you need - in cubic yards and tons, with an optional cost estimate.

🪨 Enter Area Dimensions

Gravel Needed
0 tons

Details

0 cu yd
Volume
0 tons
Weight
0 tons
+10% Buffer

How Gravel Volume & Weight Are Calculated

Step 1: Volume in Cubic Feet

Cubic Feet = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)

(Depth in inches ÷ 12 to convert to feet)

Step 2: Convert to Cubic Yards

Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27

Step 3: Convert to Weight

Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons per cubic yard)

Worked Example

30 ft × 10 ft driveway, 4-inch depth, standard gravel (1.4 tons/cu yd):

Cubic Feet = 30 × 10 × (4÷12) = 100 cu ft
Cubic Yards = 100 ÷ 27 ≈ 3.7 cu yd
Tons = 3.7 × 1.4 ≈ 5.2 tons

Frequently Asked Questions

Multiply the driveway's length, width, and depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by the gravel's density (typically around 1.4 tons per cubic yard) to get tons needed. A standard driveway depth is 4-6 inches for a base layer, or 2-3 inches as a top dressing layer over an existing base.
For a driveway base layer that will support vehicle weight, 4-6 inches is standard, sometimes built in multiple compacted layers for depths beyond 6 inches. For a walking path or decorative top layer, 2-3 inches is typically sufficient. Deeper isn't always better - proper compaction matters more than excessive depth for durability.
It depends on the depth you're spreading it. At a typical density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton of gravel covers roughly 108 square feet at a 2-inch depth, or about 80 square feet at 3 inches. This calculator computes exact coverage for your specific dimensions rather than a generic rule of thumb.
Yes - it's standard practice to order 10% extra to account for settling, compaction, uneven ground, and spillage during spreading. This calculator's estimate is based on the volume of the space; actual material needed is often slightly higher once compaction and site irregularities are accounted for.

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Gravel Calculator - Estimate Tons and Cubic Yards for Any Project

Ordering the right amount of gravel avoids two costly mistakes: running short mid-project and needing a second delivery, or over-ordering material that goes to waste. This calculator converts your area's length, width, and depth directly into cubic yards and tons - the units gravel suppliers actually sell by - with density adjustments for different gravel types.

Quick formula: Tons = (Length × Width × Depth ÷ 27) × Density
Quick example: 30×10 ft driveway, 4-inch depth, standard gravel ≈ 5.2 tons

Choosing the Right Depth

  • Driveway base layer: 4-6 inches, sometimes built in compacted layers for greater depth to support vehicle weight.
  • Walking paths: 2-3 inches is typically sufficient for foot traffic.
  • Drainage layer: Often 3-4 inches beneath other materials like pavers or decorative stone.
  • Decorative top dressing: 1-2 inches over an existing compacted base.

Why Gravel Type Changes the Weight

Different gravel materials have different densities because of variations in stone size, shape, and how tightly particles pack together. Crushed stone tends to be slightly denser than rounded pea gravel because angular pieces interlock more tightly. This matters because gravel is typically sold by weight (tons), not volume - the same driveway can require noticeably different tonnage depending on which material is chosen, even at identical dimensions.

How this calculator works, and where the numbers come from

The Gravel Calculator applies the standard formula for this calculation to the values you enter and updates the result as you type. The calculation itself happens in your browser, and the page explains the method so you can check any result by hand.

Please note: Results are estimates. Add allowance for waste and check product labels and local building codes before you buy or build.

Sources and further reading

Learn more

Read our guide: How Much Paint, Flooring and Concrete Do You Actually Need?

Last reviewed: by the CalcQube Editorial Team. See our editorial policy for how we build and check calculators, or report an error.