Enter your area’s length, width, and desired depth to get gravel volume in cubic yards and weight in tons — the two numbers suppliers actually quote. Choose your gravel type, since density varies between pea gravel, crushed stone, and river rock.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area in feet.
- Enter the depth in inches — 3–4 inches is typical for driveways and paths.
- Select your gravel type; each has a different weight per cubic yard.
- Optionally add your supplier’s price per ton for a cost estimate.
The math behind it
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27, plus your waste/compaction factor. Tons = cubic yards × material density: pea gravel ≈ 1.35, crushed stone ≈ 1.50, river rock ≈ 1.40, decomposed granite ≈ 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
FAQs
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A 20×10 ft driveway at 3 inches deep needs about 2 cubic yards, or roughly 3 tons of crushed stone. Add 10% for compaction — gravel settles under vehicle weight.
Is gravel sold by the ton or the yard?
Bulk suppliers usually sell by the ton; landscape yards often sell by the cubic yard. This calculator gives you both, so you can compare quotes directly.
How deep should driveway gravel be?
3–4 inches of surface gravel over a compacted 4–6 inch base is standard for residential driveways. Heavy vehicles need the deeper end of that range.