Gravel Calculator
Free gravel calculator. Calculate cubic yards or tons of gravel needed for driveways, paths, and landscape projects from length, width, and depth.
Quick answer
Cubic yards = length × width × depth ÷ 27 (with depth in feet). For tons, multiply cubic yards by 1.4-1.5 (most landscape gravel weighs 2,800-3,000 lbs per cubic yard). Standard driveway depth is 4-6 inches in two layers — coarse base, finer top.
Gravel Calculator
Gravel needed
How it works
Volume = length × width × depth (converted to feet). Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Most landscape gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard (2,800 lbs). Pea gravel and crushed stone are similar; river rock can be a bit heavier.
When to use it
Sizing a delivery for a driveway, French drain, paver base, or fire pit ring. Most gravel yards charge by the cubic yard and have a minimum order.
Common mistakes
Forgetting the compaction factor. Gravel settles 10-15% as it's compacted. For a paver base or driveway, order 15% extra so you can compact properly without coming up short.
How the gravel calculator works
Volume in cubic feet = length × width × depth, with depth converted from inches to feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. To convert to tons, multiply by gravel density: pea gravel is ~1.4 tons/yard, crushed stone is ~1.5 tons/yard, sand and gravel mix is ~1.4 tons/yard. The calculator outputs both volume and weight so you can match the supplier's quoting unit.
When to use it
Estimating bulk gravel for driveways, paths, or French drains. Sizing decorative landscape gravel for rock gardens or dry creeks. Calculating fill for window-well drainage or footing bases. Comparing pricing in tons vs. cubic yards from different suppliers.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting compaction. Bulk gravel compacts 15-25% when driven on or rolled. Order extra to maintain target depth after settling.
- Single-layer driveways. Driveways need at least 2 layers — a coarse base course (#2 stone, 3-4 inches) and a finer top course (#57 or #411, 2-3 inches). Single-layer driveways migrate and rut quickly.
- Confusing cubic yards with cubic feet. 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. A driveway needing '2 yards' of gravel needs 54 cubic feet — about 26 wheelbarrow loads.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Standard gravel driveway is 4-6 inches total depth. For a 12 × 50 foot driveway at 5 inches: (12 × 50 × 0.42) ÷ 27 = about 9.3 cubic yards. Order in 2 layers — coarse base then finer top.
How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.4-1.5 tons per cubic yard for most landscape gravels. Pea gravel is ~1.4; crushed limestone ~1.5; river rock ~1.45. Suppliers price either way — get prices in both units to compare.
How deep should gravel be?
2-3 inches for paths, 4-6 inches for driveways (in 2 layers), 4 inches for landscape decoration. Increase for high-traffic areas or soft soils where gravel sinks. Add 15-25% to your calculated volume to account for compaction.