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Gravel Calculator

Area and depth to tons and cubic yards of gravel needed, and cost.

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Gravel needed

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1.4 tons per cubic yard is the standard number

Most crushed stone and gravel weighs about 2,700 to 2,800 lb per cubic yard once compacted, which rounds to roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel and some decorative stone run a bit lighter, so check your supplier's specific weight if the material is unusual.

Volume is length times width times depth, all converted to the same unit — this calculator converts your depth in inches to feet first, then multiplies by the area in square feet to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards, since a cubic yard is 3 ft on each side.

Gravel and crushed stone are sold by weight (tons), not volume, so the last step converts cubic yards to tons using an average density of about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. This is a good planning number for most crushed limestone, granite, and similar aggregates.

For a driveway base, 4 to 6 in of compacted gravel is typical; a walking path often needs only 2 to 3 in. Compaction can reduce the loose volume by 10-20%, so many contractors order slightly more than the raw calculation to account for settling.

Where these numbers come from

These are planning estimates. Check product labels, your local building code, and a licensed contractor before you buy materials or build.

Frequently asked questions

Does gravel compact down after it's delivered?

Yes, loose gravel settles as it's spread and compacted, typically losing 10-20% of its loose volume. Ordering a bit extra, or planning for a slightly thicker loose layer, accounts for this.

How deep should a gravel driveway base be?

4 to 6 in of compacted base is standard for a residential driveway; heavier vehicle traffic or poor native soil may call for 8 in or more, sometimes in two compacted layers.

Is 1.4 tons per cubic yard right for all gravel?

It's a good average for common crushed stone and gravel. Lighter materials like pea gravel or lava rock, and denser materials like some crushed granite, can vary by 10-15% either way — ask your supplier for their specific weight per yard if you need precision.

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