Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much crushed stone, pea gravel or river rock you need for driveways, paths and beds — in cubic feet, cubic yards and tons.
Results
Suppliers quote by the ton or the yard — confirm which one before ordering.
How to Use This Gravel Calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area in feet.
- Enter the desired depth in inches.
- Adjust the density if your supplier uses a different stone type.
The calculator multiplies length × width × depth for cubic feet, adds the allowance, converts to cubic yards (27 cu ft = 1 cu yd), and multiplies by the density to get tons.
How Deep Should Gravel Be?
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative beds and paths (light foot traffic) | 2–3 in |
| Patios and frequent walking paths | 3–4 in |
| Driveway base (compacted, often in two layers) | 4–6 in |
Remember: gravel compacts and settles. Ordering 10% extra — and budgeting for a second top-up in the first year — is standard practice.
Weight: Tons vs. Cubic Yards
Suppliers sell gravel by the cubic yard or by the ton, and the conversion depends on the material:
- Pea gravel / rounded stone: ~1.2–1.4 tons per cubic yard.
- Crushed limestone / granite: ~1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard.
- River rock (larger pieces): ~1.5–1.8 tons per cubic yard.
Delivery and Spreading
Most suppliers deliver in dump trucks with a minimum order (often 3–5 yards), so small projects may be cheaper with bagged gravel from a home center. For large areas, compare delivered price per ton including delivery fees — the spread between suppliers is often bigger than you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a 10x20 driveway 4 inches deep?
A 10×20 area at 4 inches is about 67 cubic feet. With 10% extra that is roughly 2.7 cubic yards, which weighs about 3.8 tons at the typical 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be?
2–3 inches is right for walkways, patios and decorative beds. Driveway bases need 4–6 inches of compacted gravel, often in two layers.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, one ton of crushed stone (about 0.7 cubic yards) covers roughly 100 square feet. At 4 inches deep, it covers about 50 square feet.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Most crushed stone weighs 1.2–1.7 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is on the lighter end, while larger crushed limestone is on the heavier end.