Calculator Gravel

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Gravel Calculator

Welcome to our Gravel Calculator, your go-to tool for quickly and precisely determining the amount of gravel needed for any project. Whether you’re planning a driveway, garden path, landscaping area, or construction base, this free calculator helps you avoid the guesswork.

Just input the area dimensions and desired depth, and instantly get the volume of gravel in cubic yards or meters, the weight in tons or kilograms, and even an estimated cost if you provide a price per unit. No more worrying about ordering too little or too much

our calculator ensures you get exactly what you need, saving you time, money, and hassle.

Gravel is a common aggregate composed of loose rock fragments, often used for driveways, walkways, drainage, and construction fill.

It comes in different sizes and types from fine pea gravel to coarse crushed stone but no matter the type, calculating the right amount is crucial.

Using our gravel estimator will help you plan your project with confidence. You’ll know how many cubic yards or tons of gravel to purchase, which prevents delays from undersupply and reduces waste from oversupply.

Our content below also provides pro tips on gravel usage, coverage, and best practices, so you can carry out your project like a pro.

Free gravel calculator for exact volume, weight, and cost. Enter area, depth, and material to get instant yards tons, and price US/Metric with pro tips.
Gravel Calculator

How to Use the Gravel Calculator

Using our gravel calculator is simple and user-friendly. Just follow these steps:

Measure Your Project Area: Determine the length and width of the area you plan to cover with gravel.

For rectangular or square areas, use a tape measure to get the length and width.

If your project area is circular, measure the diameter the widest distance across the circle.

For triangular or irregular shapes, measure the necessary dimensions base and height for triangles, or break irregular areas into simpler shapes as needed.

Enter Area Dimensions: In the calculator interface, select the shape of your area (e.g., Rectangle, Circle, Triangle) if available.

Then enter the measurements. You can input length and width or diameter, etc. in your preferred units by selecting feet, meters, yards, etc from the dropdown next to each field.

If you already know the total area for example, in square feet or square meters you can directly enter that value instead of individual dimensions.

Enter Gravel Depth: Decide how deep you want the gravel layer to be. A common baseline is about 2 to 4 inches for most purposes,

but it can vary more on recommended depths later.

Input your desired depth in inches or centimeters or feet/meters, depending on unit selection.

For example, 3 inches would be entered as 3 in inches, or as 7.5 in cm.

Welcome to our Gravel Calculator, your go-to tool for quickly and precisely determining the amount of gravel needed for any project. Whether you’re planning a driveway, garden path, landscaping area, or construction base, this free calculator helps you avoid the guesswork.
Use our gravel calculator

Choose Material/Density Select the type of gravel or aggregate if the calculator provides options.

Our calculator may list common materials with default densities e.g Standard Gravel, Gravel + Sand mix, Dry Sand, etc. along with their typical density values.

Choose the one that best matches your material.

If you know a specific density or have a unique material,

you can enter a custom density value in pounds per cubic foot or kg per cubic meter.

The default density for typical gravel is around 105 lb/ft³ (1680 kg/m³), which is used if you don’t change it.

(Optional) Enter Price If you want to estimate cost, enter the price of the gravel.

You can usually choose the pricing unit per ton, per cubic yard, etc

For example if gravel costs $50 per short ton, select per short ton” and enter 50.

The calculator will then compute an estimated total cost for the required gravel.

If you don’t have pricing info or don’t need a cost estimate, you can leave this blank.

Calculate the Results Click the Calculate button or it may auto calculate as you input values . You will immediately see the results update on the page. The output will typically include:

The volume of gravel needed, displayed in cubic yards or cubic feet, cubic meters etc., depending on settings

This tells you how much space the gravel will occupy.

The weight of gravel needed, given in tons US short tons or metric tonnes and sometimes in pounds or kilograms.

This is useful to know how heavy the load will be for example,

if you’re planning to have it delivered by truck or picking it up yourself.

Calculate the Results gravel calculator
Calculate the Results gravel calcualtor

Gravel Calculation

Understanding Gravel Calculation (Formula and Units)

It’s helpful to know what’s happening behind the calculator’s results. The core calculation involves a few simple formulas:

Area Calculation:

First, determine the area that needs gravel coverage.

If you have a rectangular area, area = length × width. For a circular area, area = π × (radius)² where radius is half the diameter.

For a triangular area, area = 0.5 × base × height.

Irregular shapes can be broken into a combination of basic shapes

calculate each area and sum them up for the total

If you already know the total square footage or square meters you can use that directly.

Volume Calculation:

Once you have the area, multiply it by the desired depth of gravel (make sure all units are consistent)

For example, if area = 100 square feet and depth = 0.25 feet (3 inches), volume = 100 × 0.25 = 25 cubic feet. The calculator will do this for you automatically.

If you entered dimensions in feet and depth in inches, the tool converts the units appropriately it knows 3 inches is 0.25 feet.

The result may be given in cubic feet often it’s then converted to cubic yards because gravel is commonly sold by the cubic yard.

Weight Calculation gravel

Weight Calculation

After calculating volume, the tool multiplies it by the gravel’s density to estimate weight.

The default density is 1680 kg/m³ 1.68 metric tons/m³ or 105 lbs/ft³

For example, 1 cubic yard (~0.76 m³) weighs about 1.3–1.5 short tons.

Different materials have different densities wet sand is heavier than dry gravel.

The calculator adjusts based on material type or a custom density you enter.

Output units (lbs, kg, tons, etc.) are clearly labeled to avoid confusion.

Cost Calculation

Enter a unit price (per ton or yard), and the calculator multiplies it by the total amount needed to estimate material cost.

For example, 1.25 tons at $40/ton equals $50. This excludes delivery or labor. Always confirm prices with local suppliers.

Cost Calculation gravel

It’s often wise to get a little more gravel than exactly calculated. Projects often have slight irregularities, and gravel can settle or compact slightly.

We recommend ordering about 5-10% extra gravel beyond the exact calculated amount. This ensures you won’t run short if the ground is uneven or if you later find a thin spot.

Many professionals suggest adding a bit of a safety margin for example, some suggest +10% for small projects, or +5% for larger volumes.

Our calculator and the results we provide focuses on the precise volume, so consider that you might top up the quantity when placing an order.

It’s usually better to have a little left over than to be caught a half-ton short and have to make a second order!

Now that we understand how the numbers are obtained, let’s talk about practical considerations like how deep your gravel layer should be and how much area a given amount of gravel will cover.

How deep should your gravel layer be?

The ideal depth of gravel depends on the application and the size of the gravel pieces

For a garden path, walkway, or decorative landscape with smaller gravel say 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch pebbles like pea gravel a layer about 2 inches 5 cm deep is usually sufficient.

You may go up to 3 inches for more coverage or if using slightly larger stones  ~1/2 inch
For a driveway or surface that will bear vehicle traffic, you typically need a deeper layer.

Using gravel around 4 inches 10 cm) deep is common for driveways, especially

if using mid-size gravel ~3/4 inch or 20mm stone Coarser gravel can even be 4-6 inches deep for heavy use areas.

Often, driveway construction involves a 2-3 inch layer of coarser base gravel and another 2-3 inch layer of finer gravel on top, for a total depth of around 4-6 inches.

How much area does a certain amount of gravel cover?

One cubic yard of gravel will cover approximately 100 square feet at 3 inches deep.

If spread thinner at 2 inches deep, one yard could cover about 150 sq ft, and if spread thicker at 4 inches deep,

it would cover about 75 sq ft. This is because one cubic yard = 27 cubic feet so if you spread 27 cubic feet over 100 sq ft, that’s 0.27 ft (3.3 inches) thick and at 150 sq ft, it’s 2.16 inches thick.

One ton of gravel (assuming the typical 2000-lb short ton) will cover around 80 to 100 square feet at a 2-inch depth. In practical terms

a ton of gravel spread 2 inches deep covers a bit more than 100 sq ft (about 108 sq ft by one calculation), and at 3 inches deep it covers about 80 sq ft.

If you go thicker to 6 inches (for a deep fill), a ton would only cover roughly 40-50 sq ft. Keep in mind these figures assume the standard gravel density. If you have lighter material or fluffier dry mulch or heavier materials coverage will differ, but for most gravel and crushed stone, these ranges are useful estimates.

Types of Gravel and Material Considerations

Not all gravel is the same Gravel can refer to natural river stone, crushed stone, or other aggregates.

The type of gravel you use can affect both the calculation (due to density) and the performance in your project. Here are some common types and considerations:

Pea Gravel

These are small, rounded pebbles often about 3/8 inch (10mm) in size, resembling peas .

Pea gravel is smooth and comes in earthy colors. It’s great for decorative areas, pathways, and playgrounds because it’s easy on the feet.

Because of its small size, it packs densely however, pea gravel can shift under weight.

It might need edging to keep it in place, and you may find footprints or tire ruts if used in a driveway regular raking can smooth it back

Pea gravel’s density is usually around the standard 1.4-1.5 tons per cubic yard. Our Pea Gravel Calculator is tailored for projects involving this material, ensuring precise results for finer gravel.

Crushed Stone (Angular Gravel)

This is gravel made by crushing larger rocks in a quarry. Pieces have angular, rough edges. Examples: Crushed limestone, granite, or basalt are common.

Because the pieces lock together when compacted, crushed stone is ideal for load-bearing projects like driveways, road bases, or structural fills.

It provides a stable base and doesn’t shift as much as rounded grave

Crushed stone can be slightly heavier (due to tighter compaction).

If you choose “crushed gravel” in the calculator, it will use an appropriate density. You can also use our Crushed Gravel Calculator for dedicated calculations on this type.

River Rock

Also known as river run or creek stones, these are larger, smooth, naturally eroded rocks, often 1 inch or more in diameter

Mostly decorative in garden beds, along ponds or drainage ditches. They allow good drainage water can flow between the stone

 Larger rocks cover less area per ton because there’s more empty space between pieces.

They are not usually measured for compact coverage like smaller gravel but our calculator can still estimate volume needs if you treat it similarly just remember the surface won’t be completely solid cover there will be gaps

 River rock tends to be heavier per cubic yard if larger size, but on average still around 1.4-1.5 tons/yd³

Sand and Gravel Mixes

Some projects use a mix of sand and gravel for example, as a base layer or for making concrete

Sand is fine and fills voids, increasing density. A sand-gravel mix might weigh more wet sand especially.

If you select a “gravel with sand” option in the calculator, it will adjust density accordingly

For pure sand calculations, you might use a separate tool we have resources like How Much Sand Do I Need to help with sand-specific projects.

Limestone vs Granite vs Slate

Gravel can also be categorized by rock type. Crushed limestone is common for driveways and base layers

it often compacts well and may have some carbonate that can help it bind.

Decomposed granite is a reddish gravel often used for pathways it can pack almost like a firm sand.

Slate chippings are flat shards with decorative color popular in UK gardens

These materials all have slightly different weights and looks, but volume-wise you calculate them similarly.

If you’re using a specialized aggregate, ensure the density is set correctly many suppliers can tell you the weight per cubic yard of their product

Size and Layering

When planning, consider both the aesthetics and functionality Often, projects use multiple sizes of gravel in layers

For example, a driveway might start with a layer of 2-inch crushed stone for a solid base,

then a top layer of 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch gravel for a smoother finish. The calculator can help with each layer if calculated separately (just remember each layer’s depth).

Shape

Rounded gravel like pea gravel or river stones  looks attractive and is friendlier underfoot, but tends to spread out or move under pressure

Angular gravel  like crushed rock  stays put better but can be sharp it’s great for strength and stability.

Choose based on the use-case: e.g., pea gravel in a garden seating area for comfort, but crushed stone for a driveway for stability.

Color

Gravel comes in various colors  brown, gray, white, red, black depending on the stone type. This doesn’t affect calculation, but does affect your project’s look.

Think about matching the surroundings or creating contrast. Keep in mind that dark gravels may get very hot in sun (and could potentially be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot whereas lighter colors reflect heat.

No matter the type you choose, our calculator can handle the quantity computation.

If you’re ever unsure which calculator to use, remember we offer a range of calculators for specific materials. Besides the ones mentioned pea gravel, crushed stone you might also find our Stone Calculator or Rock Calculator useful for other aggregate projects.

They all work on similar principles but may be pre-loaded with different typical densities or project scenarios.

Tips for a Successful Gravel Project

Calculating the amount of gravel is step one step two is using it effectively. Here are some expert tips to ensure your project goes smoothly:

Order a Little Extra

As noted earlier, buy about 5-10% more gravel than calculated.

This covers you in case of compaction, spillage, or minor expansion of the project area.

It’s usually inexpensive to add a bit more, but if you run short, a second delivery can be costly.

For small orders (a few tons or less), you might even consider having 15-20% extra

since estimating errors are magnified on small volumes Unused gravel can be stored or used elsewhere in your landscape

there’s always some use for spare gravel, like filling potholes or as drainage at the bottom of planters

Prepare the Base

If you’re laying gravel on bare earth for a driveway or path, it’s wise to prepare the ground first.

Remove any grass or topsoil to create a firm sub-base.

For driveways and heavy-use areas, consider laying a layer of larger crushed stone first for stability or even a geotextile landscape fabric underneath.

The fabric prevents the gravel from mixing with the soil below and helps reduce weeds pushing through.

A well-prepared base can greatly extend the lifespan of your gravel surface and keep it looking neat.

Layer and Compact

If you’re aiming for a stable surface like a driveway spread the gravel in layers.

For example, spread 2 inches first, then compact it using a tamper or roller then spread the next 2 inches and compact again.

Compaction makes the gravel settle together so it’s less prone to shifting.

Many driveway installations use a 3-layer approach: sub-base coarse stone, base medium gravel top fine gravel, each compacted

For simple garden paths, just one layer of gravel can be fine but even then leveling the ground and lightly compacting the gravel with a rake or tamper will help avoid uneven spots

Consider Edging

Gravel tends to spread out over time if not contained. Installing edging like stone borders metal plastic edging strips, or wood beams along the sides of your gravel area can keep it in place and maintain a clean line.

This is especially useful for paths and driveways it prevents the gravel from “traveling” into lawns or street areas.

Maintenance

Plan for simple maintenance: Occasional raking to redistribute gravel, adding a fresh top-up layer every couple of years if needed, and keeping an eye on any low spots.

If you see weeds, pull them early or apply a weed suppressant.

If the gravel is for a driveway, you might need to fill in wheel ruts periodically by moving material from the edges back to the center.

These minor upkeep tasks will keep your gravel area looking great for the long term.

Frequently Asked Question

How much gravel do I need for my driveway?

Measure the driveway’s length and width, and choose a depth (4 inches is common).

For example, a 16 ft × 40 ft driveway (640 sq ft) at 4 inches deep needs about 7.9 cubic yards or around 11 short tons of gravel.

Use the calculator with your exact dimensions.

For best results, use a mix of coarse base gravel and a finer top layer. Add 5–10% extra for compaction or uneven ground.

What depth of gravel should I use?

The depth of gravel depends on the type of project.

For walkways and patios, 2 to 3 inches is usually enough. Driveways need 4 to 6 inches for durability, often placed in two layers a coarse base and a finer top layer.

If you’re using gravel as a base under concrete or pavers, aim for at least 4 inches of compacted gravel.

Depth also varies by gravel size: 10mm gravel typically needs 1.5 to 2 inches, 20mm gravel requires 2 to 3 inches, and 40mm gravel should be laid at 3 inches or more. A good starting point is 2 to 3 inches, then adjust based on the material and use.

How much gravel for a garden or landscape project?

Measure the area and choose a depth usually 2–3 inches for decorative gravel .

A 100 sq ft garden bed at 2 inches depth needs about 0.62 cubic yards or around 1 ton.

For irregular shapes, break the area into smaller sections or estimate.

Slightly overestimate to ensure full coverage you can use any extra elsewhere.

How much area does one ton of gravel cover?

Coverage depends on how deep you spread the gravel.

At 2 inches deep, 1 ton covers about 100 square feet.

At 3 inches, it covers roughly 80 square feet.

At just 1 inch, a ton could cover up to 240 square feet, though 1 inch is too shallow for most uses.

A common quick estimate is that 1 ton covers 100 square feet at 2 inches deep.

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

On average, a cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.3 to 1.4 short tons.

This can vary slightly depending on the type of gravel and moisture content.

Most suppliers and calculators use 1.3 tons per yard as a standard for estimating.

How much does gravel cost?

Gravel prices vary by type and location. Basic crushed stone typically costs $10 to $50 per ton or $15 to $75 per cubic yard. Decorative gravel can run $100 or more per ton.

Bagged gravel (usually 50 pounds per bag) costs about $4 to $8, which is much more expensive per ton.

Delivery fees are usually $50 to $100 depending on distance and quantity.

Use the calculator with your supplier’s unit price to get a total estimate, keeping in mind that labor and delivery are not included.

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

A single cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 2,800 and 3,000 pounds, or about 1.4 to 1.5 short tons. In metric units, that’s roughly 1,270 to 1,360 kilograms.

Wet gravel can be significantly heavier.

The calculator automatically adjusts the weight based on the selected material density.

What is the best gravel for a driveway?

For a stable and long-lasting driveway, use a layered gravel mix.

Start with a base layer of crusher run or #3 stone (1–2 inch pieces), then add a top layer of #57 crushed stone (around 3/4 inch). This combo locks together well and allows for good drainage. Avoid using pea gravel by itself it’s too round and tends to shift under vehicles.

A depth of 4 to 6 inches is recommended for heavy traffic.

How much gravel can a dump truck carry?


Large dump trucks can carry about 10 to 16 cubic yards of gravel, or roughly 15 to 20 tons.

Smaller trucks used for residential deliveries typically carry 5 to 8 cubic yards, or about 8 to 12 tons.

Always confirm truck size with the supplier and ensure your site is accessible full trucks are very heavy and can damage soft ground or pavement.

Can the gravel calculator be used for sand or other materials?

Yes, the calculator works for all bulk materials like sand, mulch, soil, and crushed rock.

Just enter the correct density for the material you’re using.

For instance, wet sand is heavier than dry sand or gravel.

Once you enter the area and depth, the calculator will provide an accurate estimate for volume and weight.

Try It Free Calculator gravel

Simply input the length, width, and depth of your space into the gravel calculator to find out the total volume and estimated weight of gravel required.

Calculator gravel