How to use the gravel calculator
- Measure the area. For a driveway or path, measure length and width in feet. For a round fire pit area, measure the diameter. If you already know the square footage, choose I know the area.
- Choose the depth in inches. See the depth guide below for common projects.
- Pick the material. Each stone type has a typical weight per cubic yard, which the calculator uses to convert yards to tons. You can type your supplier's exact figure into the density box.
- Keep the compaction allowance. Gravel settles when it is compacted or driven on, so order about 10% more than the loose volume.
Gravel formula
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard)
Most gravel weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 tons per cubic yard (about 2,600 to 3,000 lb). Wet material is heavier.
How deep should gravel be?
| Project | Recommended depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative top layer, garden paths | 2 to 3 in |
| Walkways and patios (loose) | 3 to 4 in |
| Base under pavers or concrete slab | 4 to 6 in |
| New gravel driveway (total of all layers) | 8 to 12 in |
| Refreshing an existing driveway | 2 in |
| French drain trench | Fill the trench, usually 12 to 18 in |
Worked examples
A 40 × 10 ft driveway top-up, 4 inches
40 × 10 × 4 ÷ 12 = 133.3 cubic feet. Add 10% for compaction to get 146.7 cubic feet, which is 5.4 cubic yards, or about 7.6 tons of gravel at 1.4 tons per yard.
A 3 × 50 ft garden path, 3 inches of pea gravel
3 × 50 × 3 ÷ 12 = 37.5 cubic feet, plus 10% = 41.3 cubic feet. That is 1.5 cubic yards, or roughly 2 tons of pea gravel at 1.35 tons per yard.
Buying tips
- Bulk vs bags. A 0.5 cubic foot bag of gravel covers very little. Above about 1 cubic yard (54 bags), bulk delivery is almost always cheaper.
- Tons or yards? Quarries usually sell by the ton, landscape yards often by the cubic yard. The calculator shows both so you can compare quotes.
- Truck limits. A standard pickup can safely carry about 1 to 1.5 tons. A tandem dump truck carries 10 to 15 tons.
- Lay fabric first. Landscape fabric under gravel paths stops weeds and keeps stone from sinking into the soil, so you need less over time.
Spreading organic material instead of stone? Use the mulch calculator. Pouring a slab on top of your base? Use the concrete calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Most gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, with a typical range of 1.3 to 1.5 tons depending on the stone type, size and moisture.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton covers about 115 square feet at 2 inches deep, and about 58 square feet at 4 inches deep.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length by width in feet, multiply by the depth in inches, divide by 12 and then by 27 to get cubic yards. A new driveway needs 8 to 12 inches total in layers. A refresh of an existing driveway needs about 2 inches.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard of gravel?
A cubic yard is always 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft), whatever the material.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes. Order about 10% more than the calculated volume because gravel compacts and settles, and the ground is rarely perfectly level.
More home project calculators
Last updated October 2026.