How to use the gravel calculator
Measure the length and width of the area in feet and decide how deep the gravel will be in inches. Suppliers sell gravel either by the ton or by the cubic yard, so the calculator gives you both. If your area is not a rectangle, split it into rectangles, run the calculator for each one and add the results.
How the calculation works
Volume (cu ft) = length × width × (depth ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 × (1 + extra %)
Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard
In the example above, a 20 × 10 ft area at 4 inches deep is 66.7 cubic feet, or 2.47 cubic yards. With 10% extra for compaction that becomes 2.72 cubic yards, which weighs about 3.8 tons at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Most gravel and crushed stone weighs between about 1.3 and 1.7 tons per cubic yard. The exact figure depends on the type of rock, the size of the stones and how wet the material is. The calculator uses 1.4 tons as a starting point, which is a common estimate for general gravel. If your supplier gives you a weight for the product you are buying, enter it for a more accurate result.
How deep should gravel be?
- 2 to 3 inches is usually enough for garden paths, decorative areas and a layer around plants.
- About 4 inches of compacted crushed stone is a common base under pavers or a shed.
- Driveways are built in layers, usually with a thicker base of larger crushed stone under a finer top layer. The total depth depends on your soil and on the vehicles that will use it, so ask a local supplier or contractor.
Why add extra for compaction?
Crushed stone settles when it is compacted with a plate compactor or driven on, so a 4 inch layer of loose stone ends up thinner. Adding around 10% covers that settling and the uneven ground underneath. For decorative gravel that will not be compacted, you can lower the extra to about 5%.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 tons for typical gravel, and roughly 1.3 to 1.7 tons depending on the type of stone. Ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton of gravel covers about 115 square feet at 2 inches deep, or about 77 square feet at 3 inches deep.
How much gravel do I need for a 10 × 10 area?
At 3 inches deep, a 10 × 10 ft area needs 25 cubic feet of gravel. That is 0.93 cubic yards, or about 1.3 tons at 1.4 tons per cubic yard, before adding extra for compaction.
Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the ton or by the yard?
Neither is cheaper on its own. It depends on the prices your supplier quotes. Enter both prices above and the calculator will show you the total for each.
This calculator gives an estimate for ordering materials. For driveways and structural bases, follow the advice of your supplier or a contractor who knows your local soil.