Gravel Calculator
Calculate the amount of gravel, stone, or rock you need for any project. Enter area dimensions, depth, and choose your gravel type to estimate volume, weight, and total cost. Perfect for driveways, paths, patios, and landscaping.
📊 Gravel Density Reference Table
| Material | Density (lbs/ft³) | Density (kg/m³) | Weight per Cubic Yard (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | 90-110 | 1440-1760 | 1.2-1.5 |
| Pea Gravel | 95-105 | 1520-1680 | 1.3-1.4 |
| River Rock | 85-100 | 1360-1600 | 1.1-1.4 |
| Limestone | 95-115 | 1520-1840 | 1.3-1.6 |
| Sand | 90-110 | 1440-1760 | 1.2-1.5 |
| Granite | 100-120 | 1600-1920 | 1.4-1.6 |
How Gravel Calculations Work
This calculator estimates the amount of gravel needed for any project. It calculates the area of your space, multiplies by the depth to get volume, then converts to weight and cost.
Area Calculation:
Rectangle: Area = Length × Width
Square: Area = Side²
Circle: Area = π × Radius²
Triangle: Area = ½ × Base × Height
Volume & Weight:
Volume (ft³) = Area (ft²) × Depth (ft)
Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27
Weight (lbs) = Volume (ft³) × Density (lbs/ft³)
Tons = Weight (lbs) ÷ 2000
Cost Calculation:
Material Cost = Volume (yd³) × Price per Cubic Yard
Total Cost = Material Cost + Delivery Cost
For example: A 12ft × 10ft area (120 sq ft) with 3 inches (0.25 ft) depth = 30 cubic feet. 30 ÷ 27 = 1.11 cubic yards. At 100 lbs/ft³ density, weight = 3,000 lbs = 1.5 tons. At $50/cubic yard, material cost = $55.50.
Common Gravel Uses
- Driveways: Crushed stone or limestone, 2-4 inches deep, 3/4-1.5 inch stones.
- Paths & Walkways: Pea gravel or decomposed granite, 2-3 inches deep.
- Patios: Crushed stone base, 4-6 inches deep, topped with sand or gravel.
- Landscaping: River rock or decorative stone, 1-3 inches deep.
- Drainage: Clean crushed stone, 4-6 inches deep around foundations.
❓ Gravel Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Measure the length and width of your area, multiply to get square footage, then multiply by the depth (in feet) to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. This calculator does all the math for you automatically.
What is the recommended depth for gravel?
Driveways: 4-6 inches. Paths and walkways: 2-3 inches. Patios: 4-6 inches of base material. Landscaping: 1-3 inches for decorative gravel. Adjust based on usage and soil conditions.
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a 10x10 area?
A 10×10 area (100 sq ft) with 3 inches of depth = 100 × 0.25 = 25 cubic feet = 0.93 cubic yards. Round up to 1 cubic yard to account for compaction and settling.
What is the difference between cubic yards and tons?
Cubic yards measure volume, while tons measure weight. The weight per cubic yard varies by material density. For example, crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, while pea gravel weighs about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs 2,400-3,000 lbs (1.2-1.5 tons), depending on the type and moisture content. Crushed stone is about 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons), pea gravel about 2,600 lbs (1.3 tons).
What is the average cost of gravel per cubic yard?
Gravel costs typically range from $30-70 per cubic yard for basic materials, $50-100 for decorative stone, and $100+ for specialty materials. Delivery fees add $50-150 depending on distance.
How do I calculate gravel for a circular area?
Measure the radius (half the diameter), square it, multiply by π (3.14) to get area in square feet, then multiply by depth and convert to cubic yards. This calculator has a circle option to do this for you.
What is the difference between crushed stone and pea gravel?
Crushed stone is angular and interlocking, making it more stable for driveways. Pea gravel is smooth and rounded, making it more comfortable for walkways and patios. Crushed stone is also more expensive.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Measure your driveway's length and width. A standard 2-car driveway is about 20×40 feet (800 sq ft). With 4 inches of depth, you need 800 × 0.33 = 264 cubic feet = 9.8 cubic yards of gravel.
What is the best gravel for a patio base?
Crushed stone (3/4 inch) is the best base for patios because it compacts well and provides excellent drainage. Use 4-6 inches of crushed stone, topped with 1-2 inches of sand.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the material's weight per cubic yard. For crushed stone (1.4 tons/yd³), 5 cubic yards = 7 tons. For pea gravel (1.3 tons/yd³), 5 cubic yards = 6.5 tons.
What is the difference between gravel and crushed stone?
Gravel is a broad term that includes any loose rock material. Crushed stone is specifically rock that has been mechanically crushed, giving it angular edges that interlock. Crushed stone is more stable for driveways and construction.
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel covers approximately 80-100 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 40-50 square feet at 4 inches deep. The exact coverage depends on the gravel type and density.
What is the best gravel for drainage?
Clean crushed stone (without fines) is best for drainage because it allows water to flow freely through the gaps. Use 3/4-inch or larger stone for French drains and drainage systems.
How do I calculate gravel for a triangular area?
Measure the base and height of the triangle, multiply them, divide by 2 to get area in square feet, then multiply by depth and convert to cubic yards. This calculator has a triangle option.
What is the difference between gravel and rock?
Gravel typically refers to small stones (1/4 inch to 2 inches). Rock is generally larger (2+ inches). This calculator focuses on gravel-sized materials commonly used for landscaping and construction.
How accurate is this gravel calculator?
This calculator provides accurate estimates based on standard formulas and typical gravel densities. Actual amounts may vary based on compaction, settling, and material variations. Always order slightly more than calculated to account for these factors.
How do I calculate gravel for a project with multiple areas?
Calculate each area separately using this calculator, then add the total cubic yards together. If you're using the same depth and gravel type for all areas, you can calculate the total area first.