Gravel Calculator
Determine how many cubic yards and tons of gravel or crushed stone you need for driveways, paths, and drainage trenches.
Calculate tons and cubic yards of gravel, crushed stone, or aggregate for driveways, pathways, and drainage trenches.
See also: Concrete Calculator, Slope Calculator, Quadratmeter Rechner (m²)
How it is calculated
Volume (Cu Yds) = (Length × Width × Depth in Feet) ÷ 27; Weight (Tons) = Volume × Bulk Density (~1.4 tons/yd³)
Worked example: Gravel Driveway: 50 ft Long, 10 ft Wide, 4 Inches Deep
50 ft length, 10 ft width, 4 inch depth, standard crushed stone (1.4 tons/yd³).
- Compute surface area: 50 ft × 10 ft = 500 square feet.
- Convert 4 inches to feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft.
- Compute cubic feet: 500 × 0.333 = 166.7 cubic feet.
- Convert to cubic yards: 166.7 ÷ 27 = 6.17 cubic yards.
- Multiply by bulk density: 6.17 cu yds × 1.4 tons/yd³ = 8.64 tons.
6.17 Cubic Yards (8.64 US Tons of crushed stone).
How to Use This Calculator (Step-by-Step)
- Enter the length and width of the garden bed, pathway, or driveway in feet.
- Specify the desired gravel depth in inches (3 inches is ideal for foot traffic).
- Select your aggregate material type for density adjustment.
- Order bulk gravel by the ton or cubic yard from your local landscape quarry.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
One cubic yard of typical crushed stone or gravel weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.5 US tons (2,600 to 3,000 lbs).
How deep should gravel be for a driveway versus a pathway?
The depth input suggests 2 to 3 inches for pathways and 4 to 6 inches for driveways. Deeper gravel on walkways is a mistake to avoid, because a surface deeper than about 2.5 to 3 inches becomes unstable underfoot.
Why does the formula divide by 27?
Volume is first worked out in cubic feet from length, width, and depth in feet. Since one cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet, dividing the cubic-feet volume by 27 converts it to cubic yards.
How does the material type change the result?
Each material has a different bulk density: pea gravel and river rock are about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, crushed stone and gravel about 1.4, and decomposed granite or dense base about 1.5. The same volume therefore weighs a different number of tons.
Should I order by tons or by cubic yards?
Either works, because the calculator gives both figures from the same volume. Order by the unit your local landscape quarry sells in, using the ton or cubic-yard figure shown.
Is the calculated quantity exact for my site?
No. Quantities use standard nominal geometric formulas and general material density averages, and subgrade settling, site slope, and spillage can alter real-world requirements. Verify with your contractor or supplier before ordering.