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Gravel Calculator
Last updated: June 19, 2026
A gravel calculator is a home improvement and landscaping utility that estimates the volume and weight of gravel, stone, or aggregate needed to cover a specific area. By inputting the length, width, and depth of the target path, driveway, or garden bed, the calculator computes the volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, or cubic meters. It also factors in typical material densities to estimate the total weight in tons, pounds, or metric tonnes, helping homeowners and contractors purchase the correct amount of material and plan delivery logistics.
Enter the area's length, width, and depth, and pick the type of gravel. We compute the cubic yardage and tonnage so you know exactly how much to order.
Quick Answer
Estimate the volume and weight of gravel or stone needed for your landscaping project. Enter the dimensions of the area to calculate cubic yards and total tons.
Gravel type
Crushed stone · 1.5 t/yd³
6.67 tons
4.44 yd³ at 4 in deep
Add 5–10% to your order to cover settling and edge spillage.
Examples
Driveway 30 ft × 12 ft × 4 in
≈ 4.44 yd³ · 6.0 tons
Walkway 25 ft × 4 ft × 3 in
≈ 0.93 yd³ · 1.3 tons
Bed 8 ft × 8 ft × 2 in
≈ 0.40 yd³ · 0.5 tons
How it works
Volume is length × width × depth, with depth converted from inches to feet. We divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by the density of your gravel type to get tons.
Volume · L × W × (D ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = yd³
Density: pea gravel ≈ 1.35 t/yd³ · crushed stone ≈ 1.5 t/yd³ · river rock ≈ 1.4 t/yd³
What is a gravel calculator?
A gravel calculator computes the volume and weight of gravel or crushed stone required to fill a specific area. By entering the length and width of the space, the target fill depth in inches, and selecting the gravel type, it calculates the quantity in both cubic yards and tons so you can order accurately from quarries or landscape suppliers.
How to calculate gravel needed (step-by-step)
To calculate the amount of gravel needed for your project, follow this process:
- Measure the length and width of the area in feet.
- Convert your depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12 (e.g. 3 inches = 0.25 feet).
- Multiply length × width × depth in feet to get the volume in cubic feet.
- Divide the cubic feet by 27 to convert the volume into cubic yards.
- Multiply the cubic yards by your gravel's density multiplier (roughly 1.4 for standard gravel) to calculate the weight in tons.
Choosing the right gravel type and density
Different types of gravel have unique weights because of size variations and composition:
- Pea Gravel (1.35 tons/yd³): Small, rounded stones commonly used for playgrounds, dog runs, and decorative paths.
- Crushed Stone (1.5 tons/yd³): Heavy, angular limestone or granite that locks together tightly, perfect for driveway bases and subgrades.
- River Rock (1.4 tons/yd³): Smooth, naturally polished water-worn stones used primarily in landscape beds and dry creek beds.
Worked example: Estimating gravel for a walkway
Let's calculate the gravel requirements for a walkway that is 24 feet long, 4 feet wide, and filled with pea gravel to a depth of 3 inches:
- Walkway Dimensions: 24 ft × 4 ft = 96 sq ft area
- Depth in Feet: 3 inches ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft
- Cubic Feet Volume: 96 sq ft × 0.25 ft = 24 cu ft
- Cubic Yards Volume: 24 cu ft ÷ 27 = 0.89 yd³
- Pea Gravel Density: 1.35 tons per yard
- Weight in Tons: 0.89 yd³ × 1.35 = 1.2 tons
Common mistakes when buying gravel
- Forgetting depth unit conversion: Multiplying length (in feet) × width (in feet) × depth (in inches) directly. This would overestimate your volume by 12 times.
- Ignoring compaction settling: Ordering exactly the calculated volume. Compacted driveways and paths require 10% to 20% more material to reach the target height because the air pockets are compressed.
- Not ordering a safety cushion: Forgetting that landscape borders leak, subgrades are uneven, and some gravel spills. Always add a 5% to 10% safety margin.
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- Cubic feet calculator for volume in cu ft when ordering by smaller quantity.
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Frequently asked questions
Most landscape and construction gravels weigh between 2,400 and 3,000 lb per cubic yard (1.2–1.5 tons). Pea gravel is on the lighter end; crushed stone tends toward the heavier end.
Driveways are typically 4–6 inches deep, walkways 2–3 inches, and decorative beds 2 inches. Always measure deeper if you're filling over a soft or muddy subgrade.
Suppliers sell in both — tons is the standard for trucked deliveries, cubic yards for bagged or scooped quantities. Our calculator gives you both so you can match the supplier's units.
It's a careful estimate. Real-world delivery loses a small percentage to compaction, settling, and overflow at edges. Add 5–10% to be safe on important jobs.
First, calculate the volume in cubic yards by multiplying length, width, and depth (in feet) and dividing by 27. Then, multiply the cubic yards by the gravel type's density (in tons per cubic yard). For standard gravel, multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to estimate tons.
The most common size is 3/4-inch crushed stone with stone dust (often called 'crusher run' or 'dense grade'). It packs down tightly to create a stable driving surface. For top dressing, 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch clean crushed gravel is preferred.
Yes, for decorative beds and walkways, laying down a heavy-duty landscape fabric before pouring gravel is highly recommended. It keeps the gravel from sinking into the soil and prevents weeds from taking root in the subgrade.
Gravel settles and compacts when rolled or driven on. Loose gravel will pack down by about 10% to 20% in volume. If you need a compacted depth of 4 inches, you should calculate for 4.5 to 5 inches of loose material.
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