Gravel Calculator Estimate How Much Gravel You Need Instantly

Need gravel? Our free Gravel Calculator helps you find out exactly how much you need. Just enter your area’s size, depth, and gravel type, and get a quick estimate in tons, cubic yards, and cost. It’s simple, fast, and accurate for driveways, patios, walkways, and more!

What Is a Gravel Calculator?

A gravel calculator is a free online tool that helps you figure out how much gravel you need for your project. By entering the size of your area length, width, and depth and choosing the gravel type, the calculator tells you how much gravel you need in cubic yards or tons. It can also show you the cost based on your location and gravel type.

This tool is helpful for homeowners, contractors, and DIYers. It helps you plan your project, so you don’t buy too much or too little gravel. Whether you’re adding gravel to a driveway, making a patio, or setting up a drainage system, a gravel calculator ensures you get the right amount of gravel, saving you time and money.

How Does This Gravel Calculator Work?

Our Gravel Calculator quickly calculates the right amount of gravel by entering your area’s length, width, and depth. It then calculates volume, weight, and cost, helping you buy exactly what you need for your project.Our Gravel Calculator simplifies this process with a user-friendly interface that provides accurate results in just a few steps.

1. Enter Your Area’s Dimensions

The first step involves inputting the dimensions of the area where you plan to spread the gravel. You will need to enter the length and width of the space in your preferred measurement units whether in feet, meters, or inches.

the depth of gravel must be specified. Depth recommendations are provided, ensuring that the gravel layer is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. With this data, the calculator can determine the volume of gravel required for your project.

2. Select Your Gravel Type

Gravel types vary in density, so the next step is selecting the type of gravel you are using. Different gravel materials, such as crushed stone, pea gravel, or river rock, have varying densities. This selection ensures the calculator considers the specific weight per volume of your chosen gravel, leading to a precise weight calculation in tons or kilograms.

3. The Calculator Does the Rest

Once you’ve provided the necessary details, the calculator automatically calculates the volume of the space and multiplies it by the density of the gravel type you’ve selected. This process generates an accurate weight measurement of the gravel required for your project. By factoring in both volume and density, the Gravel Calculator ensures you only purchase the amount of material you need, avoiding unnecessary waste or shortages.

4. What the Calculator Provides

After processing your inputs, the calculator will provide several key pieces of information. This includes the total volume of gravel needed, which can be displayed in cubic feet, cubic yards, or cubic meters, depending on your preference. The weight of the gravel required will also be shown, either in tons or kilograms.

If you want to know how many bags of gravel you’ll need, the calculator can provide this estimate based on standard bag sizes. Lastly, if you’ve entered the price per ton of gravel, it will give you a cost estimate, helping you budget effectively for your project.

Example of How the Gravel Calculator Works

For instance, if you are covering a 10’ x 10’ area with 3 inches of gravel, the calculator will give you a detailed breakdown. It will calculate the volume of gravel in cubic feet or cubic yards, determine the weight in tons or kilograms, and estimate how many bags of gravel you need based on the chosen size of bags.

Additionally, the cost estimate will be provided if a price per ton is entered, helping you get a complete picture of the material cost for your project.

How to Calculate Gravel Manually (Step-by-Step)

If you want to calculate the gravel needed by hand, follow these steps:

Step 1: Measure the area Use a tape measure to get the length and width in feet (or meters).

Step 2: Decide the depth Typical depths:

• 2 inches for walkways
• 4-6 inches for driveways
• 6+ inches for drainage areas

Convert depth into feet (e.g., 2 inches = 0.167 ft).

Step 3: Calculate volume Use this formula: Volume = Length × Width × Depth

Example: Area: 20 ft × 10 ft, Depth: 2 inches = 0.167 ft Volume = 20 × 10 × 0.167 = 33.4 cubic feet

Step 4: Convert volume to cubic yards Divide cubic feet by 27: 33.4 / 27 = 1.24 cubic yards

Step 5: Multiply by gravel density Average gravel density: 1.4 tons per cubic yard 1.24 × 1.4 = 1.74 tons of gravel needed

How Much Gravel Do I Need for My Project?

Calculating the right amount of gravel for your project ensures you avoid waste or shortage. Whether you’re building a driveway, garden bed, pathway, or drainage system, knowing how much gravel to order is crucial. Here’s how to estimate it:

1. For driveways, you typically need gravel that’s about 4 inches deep. For example, a 500 sq ft driveway at 4 inches deep will require roughly 6.2 tons of gravel.

2. For garden beds, a 2-inch gravel layer is usually sufficient. If your garden covers 100 sq ft, you’ll need around 0.6 tons of gravel.

3. When working on pathways or patios, you generally use 2 to 3 inches of gravel depth. The exact amount depends on the total area you’re covering.

4. For drainage projects, gravel depths range from 6 to 12 inches. The amount of gravel needed will vary based on the drainage system’s size and depth.

To make sure you’re getting the right amount of gravel, use our Gravel Calculator to input precise measurements and calculate the volume, weight, and cost of gravel required. This tool ensures you get an accurate gravel estimate for every project, from small garden beds to larger driveways and patios.

How Many Bags of Gravel Do I Need?

To calculate how many bags of gravel you’ll need, divide the total volume (in cubic feet) by 0.5 (since each bag holds 0.5 cubic feet). To figure out how many bags you need:

Step 1: Find the volume (cubic feet)

Step 2: Divide by 0.5 (volume per bag)

Example: 33.4 cubic feet ÷ 0.5 = 66.8 → You’ll need about 67 bags

Use this chart for a quick look:

What Are the Recommended Gravel Depths?

The depth of gravel is important for making sure it stays strong and lasts longer. For walkways and garden beds, about 2 inches of gravel is usually enough. Patios and base layers need 3 to 4 inches, while driveways need 4 to 6 inches.

For drainage or French drains, you’ll need 6 to 12 inches of gravel. Before putting down the gravel, always make sure to compact the ground underneath. This helps keep the gravel from moving or sinking as time goes on.

Gravel Coverage Chart (By Area & Depth)

Use this table to estimate how much gravel you need:

Types of Gravel and Their Densities

Gravel types vary in weight and use. Pea gravel weighs around 1.79 tons per cubic meter, crushed stone #57 is about 1.6 tons/m³, river rock approximately 1.42 tons/m³, decomposed granite around 1.7 tons/m³, and limestone gravel about 2.71 tons/m³.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel consists of small, smooth, rounded stones, typically about 3/8 inch in size. It’s commonly used for pathways, playgrounds, and decorative landscaping due to its smooth texture and aesthetic appeal.​

With a density of approximately 1,788 kg/m³ (1.79 g/cm³), pea gravel is relatively lightweight. Its rounded shape allows for good drainage, making it suitable for areas where water runoff is a concern.​

Crushed Stone #57

Crushed stone #57 is made from crushed limestone or granite and is about ¾ inch in size. It’s widely used for driveways, drainage systems, and as a base material for concrete.​

Crushed stone gravel has a density of around 1,602 kg/m³. Its angular shape provides excellent compaction and stability, making it ideal for load-bearing applications.​

River Rock

River rock features smooth, rounded stones of various sizes and colors, often used in decorative landscaping, water features, and garden beds.​

With a density of about 1,425 kg/m³, river rock is lighter than some other gravels. Its smooth surface and natural appearance make it a popular choice for enhancing aesthetic appeal.​

Decomposed Granite

Decomposed granite is a fine, sandy material formed from the natural weathering of granite. It’s commonly used for pathways, patios, and as a base material.​

This material has a density ranging from approximately 1,600 to 1,700 kg/m³. Its compactable nature provides a stable surface that’s both functional and visually appealing.​

Limestone Gravel

Limestone gravel is composed of crushed limestone and is often used for road bases, driveways, and as a construction aggregate.​With a density of about 2,711 kg/m³, limestone gravel is heavier than many other types. Its durability and strength make it suitable for heavy-duty applications.​

How Much Does Gravel Cost?

Gravel prices vary based on the type of gravel, where you live, and the supplier you choose. On average, you can expect to pay between $10 to $50 per ton, or around $15 to $75 per cubic yard. If you’re buying smaller amounts, most standard gravel bags (0.5 cubic feet) cost between $3 to $8 each at local stores or online.

For example, covering a 500 square foot driveway with 4 inches of gravel would need about 6.25 tons. If gravel costs around $30 per ton, the total gravel cost would be about $187.50. This estimate doesn’t include delivery fees, labor charges, or installation costs, which can vary depending on your area and project type.

FAQs

How many tons of gravel for 1000 sq ft?

For a 2-inch deep layer, you’ll need about 8.3 tons of gravel to cover 1,000 square feet. For 4 inches depth, that doubles to around 16.7 tons. Use a gravel calculator to confirm based on your project.

How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?

To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, simply divide the number of cubic feet by 27. That’s because one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. For example, 81 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 3 cubic yards.

Is gravel sold by weight or volume?

Gravel is sold by both weight and volume depending on the supplier. Bulk orders are often priced per ton or cubic yard, while smaller quantities are sold in bags by volume, usually 0.5 cubic feet per bag.you can also use our (Gravel weight calculator).

Can I use gravel for drainage?

Yes, gravel is widely used for drainage systems. Coarse gravel types like crushed stone or river rock allow water to flow through easily, making them ideal for french drains, driveways, or foundation drainage around buildings.

What’s the difference between crushed stone and gravel?

Crushed stone is made by breaking large rocks with machines, so it has sharp edges. Gravel, on the other hand, is naturally formed in rivers or streams and has a rounded, smooth surface that’s often softer underfoot.