Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel in tons, cubic yards, and cubic feet for driveways, paths, and drainage projects.
Your Gravel Estimate
- Enter area — length and width of the space to cover.
- Set depth — 2–4" for decorative, 4–6" for paths, 6–12" for structural base.
- Adjust density — 130 lb/ft³ for bank-run. See table below for other gravel types.
- Add waste — 10% standard. Use 15% for areas without hard borders.
- Order by the ton — suppliers sell by weight. Confirm per-ton pricing and delivery.
How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard. One cubic yard of standard gravel weighs approximately 1.35 to 1.5 tons depending on the type and moisture content. To find how much you need, measure the area to cover, choose your depth, and let the calculator convert to weight.
A common rule of thumb: one ton of gravel covers about 100 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 50 square feet at 4 inches. For a 10 × 20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, expect about 4 tons of gravel before waste.
Gravel Types and Densities
Different gravel products have different weights — adjust the density field in the calculator to match your material:
| Gravel Type | Density (lb/ft³) | Tons/Yard | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 96 | 1.30 | Decorative, drainage, paths |
| Bank-run gravel | 130 | 1.76 | General fill, base courses |
| Crushed stone (#57) | 140 | 1.89 | Driveways, under-slab base |
| Crusher run (#21A) | 150 | 2.03 | Road base, compacted surfaces |
| River rock | 130 | 1.76 | Decorative, dry creek beds |
| Decomposed granite | 125 | 1.69 | Paths, patios, xeriscaping |
Density varies with moisture content. Wet gravel weighs 10–15% more than dry. Ask your supplier for their specific bulk density.
Gravel Coverage Quick Reference
| Area | Depth 2" | Depth 4" | Depth 6" |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft² | 0.62 yd³ (0.8 tons) | 1.23 yd³ (1.7 tons) | 1.85 yd³ (2.5 tons) |
| 200 ft² | 1.23 yd³ (1.7 tons) | 2.47 yd³ (3.3 tons) | 3.70 yd³ (5.0 tons) |
| 500 ft² | 3.09 yd³ (4.2 tons) | 6.17 yd³ (8.3 tons) | 9.26 yd³ (12.5 tons) |
| 1,000 ft² | 6.17 yd³ (8.3 tons) | 12.35 yd³ (16.7 tons) | 18.52 yd³ (25.0 tons) |
Based on bank-run gravel at 130 lb/ft³. Includes 10% waste.
Tons to Cubic Yards Conversion by Gravel Type
| Gravel Type | 1 ton = | 1 cubic yard = | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 0.77 yd³ | 1.30 tons | Lightest common gravel |
| Bank-run gravel | 0.57 yd³ | 1.76 tons | General fill standard |
| Crushed stone #57 | 0.53 yd³ | 1.89 tons | Driveways, under-slab |
| Crusher run #21A | 0.49 yd³ | 2.03 tons | Compacted road base |
| River rock | 0.57 yd³ | 1.76 tons | Decorative, drainage |
| Decomposed granite | 0.59 yd³ | 1.69 tons | Paths, patios |
Suppliers quote in tons or yards — use this table to convert between the two. Wet material weighs 10–15% more than dry.
Formulas
Standard volume-to-weight:
Cubic yards = Volume ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Volume × Density ÷ 2,000
With waste = All results × (1 + Waste %)
Adjust density for your specific gravel type. Crushed products are denser than rounded stone.
Related Calculators
Gravel pairs with sand for bedding and pavers for finished surfaces. See our full surface calculator collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A standard single-car driveway (10 × 20 ft) at 4 inches of gravel needs about 4 tons. A two-car driveway (20 × 20 ft) needs approximately 8 tons. Add 10% for waste and settling. Most driveways use crushed stone (#57 or crusher run) for durability.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Crushed stone and gravel typically weigh 2,700–3,000 lbs per cubic yard (1.35–1.5 tons). Pea gravel is on the lighter end at around 2,800 lbs/yd³. Wet gravel weighs more than dry. A standard dump truck carries 10–14 cubic yards, or roughly 14–20 tons. Always confirm weight with your supplier when ordering.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A typical residential driveway needs 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base. For a 12×50 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, you need approximately 7.4 cubic yards (about 10 tons). Use the calculator above for exact quantities. Most suppliers have a 1-ton minimum delivery, and bulk pricing typically starts at 5–10 tons.
What type of gravel is best for a driveway?
Crushed stone (crusher run or road base) is the most common choice for driveways because the angular pieces interlock and compact well. #57 stone (¾-inch clean) drains well but can shift underfoot. Pea gravel looks attractive but migrates easily and is not ideal for high-traffic driveways. Many driveways use a base layer of crusher run topped with a finish layer of #57 or pea gravel.
How do I estimate gravel for a circular area?
For a circle, calculate area as π × (radius²), then multiply by depth to get volume. Once you have cubic feet or cubic yards, this calculator can convert it into tons or truckloads depending on your settings.