Enter Gravel Dimensions

Choose a shape, fill in the dimensions, and optionally enter a price. Results update live as you type.

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Gravel Volume
—
cubic yards
Rectangle · 20 ft × 10 ft × 6 in

Volume

Cubic Yards—
Cubic Feet—
Cubic Meters—

Weight

US Tons—
Pounds—
Kilograms—

Bags Needed

50 lb bags—
70 lb bags—
25 kg bags—
50 kg bags—

Cost Estimate

Gravel Cost—

Calculation Assumptions

Area ShapeRectangle
Material Density105 lb/ft³
Waste Allowance10%
Quantity1
PricingNot specified

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Written & Reviewed by Editorial Team.

MyBuilderBase is an independent construction calculator and information project. Content is researched and prepared with the assistance of AI tools, followed by editorial review for clarity, consistency, calculation logic, and usability.

Editorial review is not professional engineering, architectural, or building-code approval.

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Last updated: September 12, 2026

What Is a Gravel Calculator

A gravel calculator estimates how much gravel or crushed stone you need for a project based on the area dimensions and desired depth. It converts your measurements into cubic yards, US tons, bags, and an estimated cost — so you can order the right amount from a bulk supplier or know how many bags to buy.

Gravel is sold by the cubic yard for bulk delivery (the most economical option for driveways and large areas) and by the bag (50 lb, 70 lb) at home improvement stores for smaller projects. Getting the amount right matters because gravel settles and compacts over time — ordering too little means coming back for more, while too much is wasted money.

Our calculator supports four area shapes — rectangle, circle, driveway/path, and direct volume entry — and six common material types with built-in density values. Enter an optional price per cubic yard for cost estimation.

How to Calculate Gravel Needed

Calculating gravel is straightforward once you know the volume formula for your area shape. Follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Measure the area

    Measure the length and width of the area in feet. For a circular garden bed, measure the diameter. For a driveway, measure the length and the average width.

  • Step 2: Choose your depth

    Pick the gravel depth based on use. Decorative landscaping typically uses 2 to 3 inches. Walkways and patios use 3 to 4 inches. Driveways need 4 to 6 inches minimum, and heavy-use driveways may need 6 to 8 inches. Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12.

  • Step 3: Calculate volume in cubic feet

    Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet). For a 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at 6 inches deep: 20 × 10 × 0.5 = 100 cubic feet. For a circular area: π × radius² × depth.

  • Step 4: Convert to cubic yards and tons

    Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards (1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet). Then multiply by 1.4 — the average US tons per cubic yard for most gravel — to estimate tons. Example: 100 cu ft ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards. 3.7 × 1.4 = 5.2 tons.

  • Step 5: Add 10% for waste

    Gravel compacts and settles after installation. Add 10% to 15% extra to your total. For the driveway example: 3.7 × 1.10 = 4.1 cubic yards to order. For irregular shapes or sloping ground, use 15%. Driveway bases that will be mechanically compacted in lifts should add a separate 15–20% compaction allowance on top — the calculator has a dedicated field for it.

Gravel Depth & Coverage Guide

How deep you lay gravel depends on what the area will be used for. The table below shows recommended depths and approximate coverage per cubic yard at each depth.

Gravel depth guide cross-section: 2, 3, 4, and 6 inch depths for landscaping, paths, patios, and driveways

Most common residential gravel depths, shown actual size.

ApplicationRecommended DepthCoverage per Cu Yd (approx.)
Decorative landscaping, flower beds2 inches162 sq ft
Garden paths, walkways3 inches108 sq ft
Patios, pavers base4 inches81 sq ft
Driveway surface (light use)4 inches81 sq ft
Driveway base (crushed stone)6 inches54 sq ft
Heavy-duty driveway8 inches40.5 sq ft
French drain / drainage12 inches27 sq ft
Gravel depth cross-section: 8 inches for heavy-duty driveways and 12 inches for French drains

Heavier-duty and drainage applications need deeper gravel.

Note: Coverage values assume standard gravel density (~105 lb/ft³). Rounded materials like pea gravel and river rock cover slightly more area per cubic yard because they pack less densely. Coverage also decreases as stone size increases — larger crushed stone leaves more air gaps.

Gravel Material Types & Densities

Different gravel materials have different weights. Our calculator uses these standard densities, and you can override with a custom density if needed.

MaterialTypeDensity (lb/ft³)US Tons per Cu YdBest Use
Crushed StoneAngular, quarried1051.40Driveways, bases, general construction
3/4" Crushed StoneAngular, quarried1101.47Driveway base, drainage
Pea GravelRounded, natural951.27Decorative, paths, drainage layer
River RockRounded, natural1001.35Decorative landscaping, water features
Drainage Rock / AggregateWashed, angular1101.47French drains, drainage projects
Shell / Coarse AggregateCrushed shell901.20Coastal driveways, decorative
Lava RockLightweight, volcanic600.80Decorative landscaping, light weight
Recycled ConcreteCrushed concrete1151.53Driveway base, eco-friendly option
Gravel types comparison: crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock piles

The three most common gravel types — crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock.

Angular crushed stone is the preferred choice for driveways because the angular edges lock together and create a stable, compacted surface. Rounded materials like pea gravel and river rock shift under weight and are better suited for decorative use or drainage applications.

Gravel Cost per Yard & Ton

Gravel prices vary by material type, region, and whether you buy bulk (cubic yard) or bagged. Bulk delivery is almost always cheaper per unit than bags for projects over about 1 cubic yard.

MaterialBulk (per Cubic Yard)Bulk (per Ton)Bagged (per 50 lb bag)
Crushed Stone (generic)$30 – $50$40 – $70$3 – $5
3/4" Crushed Gravel$35 – $55$45 – $75$4 – $6
Pea Gravel$40 – $60$50 – $85$4 – $7
River Rock (1-3")$50 – $75$65 – $100$5 – $8
Drainage Rock$30 – $50$40 – $65$3 – $5
Shell / Coarse Aggregate$35 – $60$45 – $80$4 – $6
Recycled Concrete$25 – $45$35 – $60$3 – $5
Lava Rock$45 – $80$60 – $110$5 – $9

Delivery costs: Most suppliers charge $50 to $100 for delivery within 10 miles, with additional per-mile fees beyond that. Minimum order quantities often apply — typically 1 to 3 cubic yards for delivery. For very small projects (under 1 cubic yard), bagged gravel from a home improvement store may be more practical despite higher per-unit cost.

Gravel Cost for Common Projects

Here are estimated gravel costs for typical residential projects, based on average US prices for crushed stone at $40 per cubic yard delivered:

ProjectSizeDepthVolume NeededEstimated Cost
Garden path (4 ft × 50 ft)200 sq ft3 inches1.85 cu yd$74 – $130
Small patio base (10 ft × 10 ft)100 sq ft4 inches1.23 cu yd$49 – $86
Medium driveway (20 ft × 50 ft)1,000 sq ft6 inches18.52 cu yd$741 – $1,296
Large driveway (20 ft × 100 ft)2,000 sq ft6 inches37.04 cu yd$1,482 – $2,593
French drain (100 ft, 1 ft × 1 ft)100 sq ft12 inches3.70 cu yd$148 – $259
Decorative bed (30 ft × 10 ft)300 sq ft2 inches1.85 cu yd$74 – $130

* Estimates are based on average US bulk prices as of 2026. Actual prices vary widely by region, material, and supplier. Delivery charges usually apply separately.

Worked Example

Let us calculate gravel for a 20 ft × 10 ft garden path at 3 inches deep using crushed stone:

Step 1: Convert depth to feet

3 inches ÷ 12 = 0.25 feet

Step 2: Calculate volume in cubic feet

20 ft × 10 ft × 0.25 ft = 50 cubic feet

Step 3: Convert to cubic yards

50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards

Step 4: Calculate weight in tons

1.85 cu yd × 1.4 tons/cu yd = 2.59 US tons

(Using crushed stone density of 105 lb/ft³ = 1.4 tons/cu yd)

Step 5: Add 10% waste

1.85 × 1.10 = 2.04 cubic yards to order

Step 6: Calculate cost

2.04 cu yd × $40/cu yd = $81.60

For this project, you would order about 2 cubic yards of crushed stone (approximately 2.6 tons) at an estimated cost of $80 to $100 including a typical delivery fee. If buying in 50 lb bags instead, you would need about 100 bags — clearly not practical, which is why bulk delivery is the standard for any project over about 1 cubic yard.

Tips for Ordering Gravel

  • Order bulk for projects over 1 cubic yard

    Bulk delivery by the cubic yard is significantly cheaper than bags. A 50 lb bag of gravel at $4 each works out to about $216 per cubic yard, while bulk crushed stone averages $30 to $50 per cubic yard delivered.

  • Use angular crushed stone for driveways

    Crushed stone with angular edges interlocks and compacts into a stable surface. Rounded materials like pea gravel shift under vehicle weight and create ruts. For a driveway, use 3/4" crushed stone or larger for the base layer.

  • Layer larger stone first

    A two-layer approach works well: 4 inches of larger crushed stone (1 to 2 inch) as the base, topped with 2 inches of smaller pea gravel or 3/8" crushed stone for the surface. The base layer provides stability and drainage.

  • Compact the base

    Use a plate compactor or hand tamper on the base layer before adding the surface layer. Compaction reduces settling and creates a firmer surface. Add gravel in 2-inch lifts and compact each layer.

  • Use landscape fabric for weed control

    Lay down woven landscape fabric before adding gravel in decorative beds and paths. This suppresses weeds while still allowing water to drain through. Avoid non-woven fabric for driveways — it can tear under vehicle weight.

  • Remember delivery minimums

    Most gravel suppliers have a minimum order of 1 to 3 cubic yards for delivery. If your project is smaller, check whether bagged gravel or a "mini-load" option is available. Some suppliers offer 1/2 cubic yard deliveries.

  • Check local material availability

    Crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock are widely available. Specialty materials like lava rock or shell aggregate may only be available in certain regions and can cost more due to transportation distance.

  • Plan for drainage on driveways

    A gravel driveway needs a crowned center (slightly higher in the middle) so water runs off to the sides. Without proper drainage, water will pool and wash out the gravel over time. Install gravel trenches or French drains at the edges if water is an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much gravel I need? ▼
Measure the length and width of the area in feet, and the desired depth in inches. Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to estimate US tons. Add 10% for waste and compaction.
How many tons of gravel per cubic yard? ▼
Most gravel and crushed stone weighs approximately 1.4 US tons per cubic yard (2,800 lbs). Pea gravel and lighter materials may weigh around 1.25 tons per cubic yard. River rock and denser crushed aggregate can weigh 1.5 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard. The exact weight depends on the material density.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway? ▼
A driveway typically needs 4 to 6 inches of gravel base. For light vehicle traffic, 4 inches of crushed stone is the minimum. For heavier trucks or frequent use, 6 to 8 inches is recommended. A two-layer approach — 4 inches of larger crushed stone base plus 2 inches of smaller pea gravel or crushed stone surface — works well for most residential driveways.
How much area does 1 ton of gravel cover? ▼
At 2 inches deep, 1 ton of gravel covers approximately 100 to 120 square feet. At 3 inches deep, about 80 to 100 square feet. At 4 inches deep (driveway surface), about 60 to 80 square feet. Coverage varies by gravel size — larger stone leaves more air gaps and covers less area.
How many bags of gravel make a cubic yard? ▼
A 50 lb bag of gravel covers about 0.5 cubic feet. A 70 lb bag covers about 0.7 cubic feet. For 1 cubic yard (27 cubic feet): approximately 54 bags of 50 lb gravel, or 39 bags of 70 lb gravel. For projects over 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery by the cubic yard is significantly more economical than buying bags.
What size gravel do I need for a driveway? ▼
For a driveway base, use 0.75 to 1.5 inch crushed stone (angular, locks together). For the surface layer, use pea gravel (0.25 to 0.5 inch) or smaller crushed stone. Angular gravel interlocks better than round gravel, creating a more stable surface that does not shift under vehicle weight.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel cost? ▼
Bulk gravel costs $15 to $80 per cubic yard depending on material and region. Crushed stone ranges $30 to $50 per cubic yard. Pea gravel runs $40 to $60. River rock is $50 to $75. Delivery charges typically add $50 to $100. Bagged gravel at home improvement stores costs $3 to $8 per 50 lb bag.
What is the difference between crushed stone and gravel? ▼
Crushed stone is mechanically broken rock with angular edges that interlock and compact well — ideal for driveways, bases, and structural applications. Natural gravel (pea gravel, river rock) is rounded from water erosion, does not compact well, and is better for decorative use, paths, and drainage. Crushed stone is the preferred choice for driveways and load-bearing surfaces.
How much gravel do I need for a French drain? ▼
For a standard French drain 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep, you need about 0.67 cubic yards of drainage gravel per 10-foot section. Use washed drainage rock (0.5 to 1.5 inch angular aggregate) — avoid pea gravel which can clog. Line the trench with landscape fabric before adding gravel, and place perforated pipe at the bottom.
Should I add waste when ordering gravel? ▼
Yes, add 10% to 15% extra to account for settling, compaction, and uneven ground. Gravel compacts significantly under its own weight and any vehicle traffic. Ordering exactly the calculated amount can leave you short after compaction. For irregularly shaped areas, sloped ground, or areas with a lot of cut-and-fill, use 15% to 20%. For a driveway base compacted in lifts, add the separate Compaction Allowance field (15–20%) on top of waste.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover? ▼
At the average gravel density of 105 lb/ft³, one US ton (2,000 lb) is about 19 cubic feet. Spread 2 inches deep, that covers roughly 114 sq ft — about a 10 × 11 ft patio. At 3 inches deep it covers about 76 sq ft, and at 4 inches about 57 sq ft. The deeper the spread, the smaller the coverage. Use the calculator's From Weight (tons) shape to run this math for your own area and material.

References

  1. Federal Highway Administration, "Flexible Pavement Construction," fhwa.dot.gov
  2. National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, "Gravel Roads Construction & Maintenance Guide," nssga.org
  3. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, "AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures," transportation.org
  4. Oregon State University Extension Service, "Gravel Roads: Maintenance and Design Manual," extension.oregonstate.edu

Disclaimer: The gravel calculator results on this page are estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material quantities may vary based on site conditions, compaction, local material density, and drainage requirements. Always consult a qualified contractor and verify quantities with your material supplier before ordering. Gravel prices shown are national averages and will vary by region and supplier.

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