Quick answer
Gravel Calculator: direct answer
Gravel Calculator helps you estimate gravel cubic yards, tons, and cost for driveways, paths, patios, and landscape beds. It is best for driveways, walkways, patios, and drainage beds and returns cubic feet, cubic yards, estimated tons for material planning.
Use this calculator when you know project length and width or total area, gravel depth, material type or density. The estimate uses this rule: cubic yards = area x depth in feet / 27; tons = cubic yards x density.
Inputs
- Project length and width or total area
- Gravel depth
- Material type or density
- Waste percentage
- Cost per ton
Outputs
- Cubic feet
- Cubic yards
- Estimated tons
- Estimated material cost
Formula
How this estimate works
cubic yards = area x depth in feet / 27; tons = cubic yards x density
In plain terms, multiply area by gravel depth, convert volume into cubic yards, then use material density to estimate tons and cost.
A 200 sq ft area at 4 in deep is about 2.47 cubic yards before waste.
Use cases
When to use this calculator
Estimate decorative or base gravel volume for walkways, patio bases, side yards, and pads.
Use depth and material density to compare top layers, base stone, and road base estimates.
Convert cubic yards to estimated tons when a local supplier prices aggregate by weight.
Worked example
Estimate gravel for a 20 ft by 10 ft area
For paths, pads, and landscape beds, the calculator converts area and depth into cubic yards and estimated tons using a material density assumption.
- Enter 20 ft length, 10 ft width, and the planned depth in inches.
- Choose a material type that matches the supplier product as closely as possible.
- Use tons for pricing conversations and cubic yards for coverage planning.
How to calculate gravel
Calculate area, multiply by depth, then convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Tons depend on material density, which varies by gravel type and moisture.
Density assumptions
The calculator includes common density presets for pea gravel, crushed stone, road base, and river rock. Treat tonnage as an estimate and confirm with your supplier.
Measurement tips for a better estimate
- Measure the actual coverage area and planned finished depth.
- Use separate estimates for base layers and top dressing if they use different materials.
- Ask the supplier for density or tons-per-yard when ordering by weight.
Common estimating mistakes
- Using a decorative rock density for compacted base stone or road base.
- Forgetting that compacted depth may require more loose material than the finished layer shows.
- Ordering by tons without confirming the supplier's actual density conversion.
Assumptions used
- Default densities are planning estimates for common gravel materials.
- Tonnage changes with moisture, compaction, and aggregate size.
- Waste factor is useful for spreading loss and uneven subgrade.
Before you order materials
- Confirm depth requirements for traffic load and base layers.
- Ask your supplier for the density of the exact material.
- Consider compaction when estimating driveway or base-course gravel.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be?
Walkways may use around 2 to 3 inches, while driveways usually need deeper base layers. Project requirements vary.
Why do cubic yards and tons differ?
Cubic yards measure volume. Tons measure weight. The conversion depends on material density.
Should I add waste?
A 5% to 10% buffer is often useful for compaction, uneven surfaces, and spreading loss.