Gravel Calculator .org

Free material estimator

Gravel calculator

Estimate cubic yards, tons, and total cost from your measurements. Choose a gravel type, switch between US and metric units, and account for extra material before you order.

Calculate gravel Calculate coverage

Calculate your gravel order

Enter the finished dimensions, choose a material, and add a waste allowance.

US + metric
Unit system
Area shape
Measurements
Material and ordering
%
Optional price estimate

Start with the job

A calculator for each gravel question

Use the general estimator above, or open a focused calculator with the material and planning assumptions already selected.

Driveway

Gravel driveway calculator

Estimate a new layer or resurfacing course, with depth and base planning guidance.

Plan a driveway Material

Pea gravel calculator

Calculate rounded pea gravel for patios, garden paths, play areas, and borders.

Estimate pea gravel Material

Crushed stone calculator

Estimate angular stone and compactable aggregate for bases, drainage, and surfaces.

Estimate crushed stone Reverse estimate

Gravel coverage calculator

Start with tons, yards, or bags and see how much area the material will cover.

Calculate coverage

Measure once

How to measure for gravel

Use finished dimensions, not rough guesses from a map. Split irregular areas into simple shapes and add the estimates together.

  1. Measure the area

    For a rectangle, record length and width. For a circle, measure the full diameter. If you already know the square footage, choose Known area.

  2. Choose finished depth

    Measure the compacted layer you want after installation. If a project has a base and a top course, calculate each material as a separate layer.

  3. Confirm the order unit

    Suppliers may sell by cubic yard, ton, tonne, or bag. Ask for the product density and minimum delivery quantity before paying.

The calculation

How the gravel formula works

The calculator first turns every measurement into one consistent unit. It multiplies area by depth to get volume, then applies the selected material density to estimate weight.

Volume = area × depth
Weight = volume × bulk density
Order quantity = calculated quantity × (1 + extra %)

Example: a 20 ft by 10 ft area at 3 inches deep contains 50 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 1.85 cubic yards before adding extra material. With a 10% allowance, the order volume is about 2.04 cubic yards.

Weight is less exact because bulk density changes with particle size, moisture, and how tightly the material settles. The defaults below are planning values. A supplier-specific density should replace them when available.

Planning values

Typical gravel densities

These rounded values keep early estimates practical. Products sold under the same name can still have different gradations and densities.

MaterialPlanning densityApprox. tons per yd³Common uses
Crushed stone100 lb/ft³1.35Driveways, drainage, base layers
Pea gravel106 lb/ft³1.43Paths, patios, decorative beds
River rock103 lb/ft³1.39Drainage features, borders, beds
Decomposed granite97 lb/ft³1.31Paths, patios, compacted surfaces
Road base119 lb/ft³1.60Load-bearing compacted base

Density values are not purchase specifications. Enter a custom density in the calculator when your quarry or landscape supplier provides one.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate how much gravel I need?

Multiply the project area by the finished gravel depth to get volume. Convert the volume to cubic yards or cubic meters, then multiply by the material bulk density to estimate weight. Add 5% to 15% for compaction, grading, and handling.

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

Many loose gravel products fall near 1.2 to 1.6 short tons per cubic yard, but the actual number varies by stone type, particle size, moisture, and compaction. Use the density on your supplier quote whenever it is available.

How deep should gravel be?

A decorative bed may use about 2 inches, while a path often uses 2 to 3 inches over a prepared base. Driveway depth depends on soil, drainage, traffic, and the existing base. Calculate each driveway layer separately.

Should I order extra gravel?

Yes. A 5% to 10% allowance is common for a level, measured area. Use more when the grade is uneven, the excavation is irregular, or significant compaction is expected. Confirm supplier minimums and rounding before ordering.