Gravel Calculator

How much gravel do I need? Enter project dimensions and gravel type — get cubic yards, tons, and coverage for driveways, paths, and landscaping.

Confirm density with your supplier — it varies by stone type and moisture content.

Gravel Planning Checklist

Covers excavation depth, compaction, drainage slope, base layer requirements, and delivery logistics before ordering.

Download Checklist (PDF)

Planning use only. See Methodology and Data Sources. View all project checklists →

Gravel Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons & Coverage Guide

This calculator estimates gravel volume (cubic yards or cubic metres) and weight (tons or tonnes) for driveways, paths, garden beds, French drains, and other landscaping projects. Select your gravel type for an accurate density-based weight estimate, and add 10% waste before ordering.

Gravel Coverage Quick Reference

Area2 in depth4 in depth (standard driveway)6 in depth (heavy use)
100 sq ft0.62 yd³ / 0.9 t1.23 yd³ / 1.7 t1.85 yd³ / 2.6 t
300 sq ft1.85 yd³ / 2.6 t3.70 yd³ / 5.2 t5.56 yd³ / 7.8 t
500 sq ft3.09 yd³ / 4.3 t6.17 yd³ / 8.6 t9.26 yd³ / 13.0 t
1,000 sq ft6.17 yd³ / 8.6 t12.35 yd³ / 17.3 t18.52 yd³ / 25.9 t

Based on compacted gravel at 110 lb/ft³. Add 10% for waste. 500 sq ft highlighted as typical single-car driveway.

Gravel Types & Recommended Depths

Gravel typeBest forTypical sizeRecommended depth
Crushed stone (#57)Driveways, base layers¾ inch4–6 inches
Road base / crusher runDriveways, under paversMixed fine & coarse4–6 inches
Pea gravelPaths, decorative beds⅜ inch2–3 inches
River rockDecorative landscaping1–3 inches2–4 inches
Decomposed graniteNatural paths, xeriscapingFine3–4 inches

Gravel Driveway Depth Guide

Standard residential driveways: 4 inches of compacted gravel. High-traffic or heavy vehicle use: 6 inches. New driveways typically use a two-layer approach — 4 inches of road base compacted down, topped with 2 inches of surface gravel. Always excavate the full depth plus 1–2 inches to allow for compaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) ÷ 27 for cubic yards. For a 30×12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep: 30 × 12 × 0.333 ÷ 27 = 4.44 cubic yards. At 1.5 tons/yd³ = approximately 6.7 tons. Add 10% waste = 7.3 tons to order.
A typical 2-car driveway (20×40 ft) at 4 inches deep needs approximately 9.9 cubic yards or 13–17 tons depending on gravel density. A single-car driveway (10×40 ft) at 4 inches: 4.9 yd³ / 7–8 tons. Always add 10% for compaction and waste.
Formula: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27. Convert depth from inches by dividing by 12. For a 50×10 ft path at 3 inches: 50 × 10 × 0.25 ÷ 27 = 4.63 cubic yards. Add 10% = 5.1 yards to order.
Multiply cubic yards by density. Loose gravel: ~1.4 tons/yd³. Compacted: ~1.5 tons/yd³. Dense/crushed stone: ~1.6–1.7 tons/yd³. For 5 yd³ of compacted gravel: 5 × 1.5 = 7.5 tons. Confirm with your supplier.
Standard depth: 4 inches for light residential use. 6 inches for heavy vehicles or high-traffic driveways. New driveways: 4 inches of compacted road base + 2 inches of surface gravel. Decorative paths: 2–3 inches is sufficient.
A cubic yard is a volume (3×3×3 ft = 27 cubic feet). A ton is a weight. Gravel weighs approximately 1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard. Suppliers price by either unit — always ask which unit they use before ordering.

Related Calculators

Gravel Cost Calculator → Driveway Cost Estimator Sand Calculator Paver Calculator Aggregate Calculator Stone Calculator

Disclaimer: Estimates are for general planning only. Actual quantities vary due to compaction, settlement, moisture content, and excavation depth. Always confirm density and pricing with your supplier before ordering.

See Methodology and Data Sources for details.