Gravel Calculator
Find how much gravel you need for a driveway, path, or base layer. Enter the area (rectangle, circle, or a direct area total) and depth to get cubic yards, tons, and an estimated cost.
Example: with Length 20 ft · Width 10 ft · Depth 3 in · Material Gravel (~1.4 tons/cu yd) → Cubic yards: 1.85 cu yd.
- Approx. tons2.59 tons
- Cubic feet50.0 cu ft
Computed by the calculator below using its default values. Change any input to see your own numbers.
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Check it outYards, tons, and depth
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton; most gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard, though this varies by stone type and moisture — pea gravel, crushed stone, decorative rock, and decomposed granite all pack a little differently, so pick the closest material match for a more accurate weight. For driveways, a 3–4 inch layer is typical over a compacted base. Order a little extra for settling and edges.
How it’s calculated
Area comes from whichever mode you pick: length × width for a rectangle, π × (diameter ÷ 2)² for a circle, or a direct area total you enter yourself (converted from acres or square yards to square feet if needed). Cubic feet = area × (depth ÷ 12); cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × the selected material's density (1.25–1.65 tons per cubic yard depending on stone type). If you enter a price per ton, estimated cost = tons × price.
Results update as you type and are estimates, not professional advice — verify important decisions with a qualified professional.
Common mistakes
- Confusing cubic yards with tons — weight depends on the stone.
- Skipping extra for settling and a compacted base.
- Using a generic density instead of the actual material, which can throw off the tons needed.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be?
Walkways often use 2–3 inches; driveways 4–6 inches, sometimes in multiple layers over a base.
Cubic yards or tons?
Suppliers quote both. Use cubic yards for volume; tons depend on the specific stone's density (about 1.4 tons per yard is a common estimate).
Should I add extra?
Yes — 5–10% covers settling, uneven ground, and spillage.
Can I calculate a circular area, like around a tree or firepit?
Yes — switch "Measure by" to Circle and enter the diameter. The calculator converts it to area using π × radius² automatically.
Does the material type change the tons I need?
Yes — pea gravel, crushed stone, decorative rock, and decomposed granite all have different densities, so the same volume can weigh noticeably different amounts depending on which you pick.