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Free Gravel Calculator

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

To calculate how much gravel you need, determine the area of the project and the desired depth of the gravel.

For a rectangular area, start with:

Length × Width = Square Feet

Then convert the gravel depth from inches to feet and multiply:

Square Feet × Depth in Feet = Cubic Feet

Finally, divide cubic feet by 27:

Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

For example, a 20-foot × 20-foot area with gravel installed 4 inches deep requires approximately:

20 × 20 = 400 square feet

400 × 0.333 = 133.2 cubic feet

133.2 ÷ 27 = 4.93 cubic yards

Before ordering, you may want to add additional material for compaction, uneven grades and installation loss.

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How Many Tons of Gravel Do I Need?

Gravel and crushed stone are frequently sold by weight rather than volume, which means cubic yards must be converted to tons.

There isn't one exact conversion that works for every type of gravel.

The weight of gravel varies based on the type and size of stone, moisture content, density and how the material is processed.

As a rough estimate, many common crushed-stone products weigh approximately 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, but the actual weight can vary.

For final ordering, use the density provided by your quarry, landscape supplier or aggregate producer whenever possible.

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Gravel Depth Guide

The correct gravel depth depends on the project and site conditions.

Project	Typical Gravel Depth
Landscape gravel	2–3 inches
Walkway	2–4 inches
Drainage stone	Varies by trench design
Patio base	4–6+ inches
Residential driveway	4–8+ inches
Heavy-use areas	Project-specific

These are general estimating ranges, not construction specifications. Soil conditions, drainage, traffic loads and local requirements can change the appropriate installation depth.

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Cubic Yards vs. Tons of Gravel

Cubic yards measure volume. Tons measure weight.

This distinction matters when ordering aggregate.

A project may require 6 cubic yards of material by volume, but your supplier may sell that material by the ton. To estimate the number of tons, the volume must be multiplied by the approximate density of the specific material.

For example, if a gravel product weighs approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard:

6 cubic yards × 1.4 tons = 8.4 tons

Because densities vary, always confirm the conversion for the specific stone you're ordering.

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Should I Add Extra Gravel to My Calculation?

Usually, adding some extra material is a good idea.

A perfectly calculated quantity assumes perfectly consistent dimensions and depth. Real jobs rarely work that way.

Additional gravel may be needed because of:

• Uneven excavation
• Low areas in the subgrade
• Compaction
• Spillage and installation loss
• Variations in finished depth
• Changes to the project dimensions

A modest overage can help prevent running short near the end of a project.

The appropriate amount depends on the job, so the calculator lets you adjust the overage rather than assuming every project needs the same percentage.

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Common Uses for Gravel and Crushed Stone

Gravel and aggregate are used throughout construction and landscaping.

Common applications include:

• Driveways
• Walkways
• Patio bases
• Paver bases
• French drains
• Drainage trenches
• Retaining wall drainage
• Shed bases
• Landscape beds
• Concrete base preparation
• Backfill
• Construction entrances

The appropriate aggregate size and material will depend on the application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much gravel I need?

Multiply the project's length by its width to determine square footage. Multiply the area by the gravel depth in feet to determine cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards.

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

It depends on the material. Many common gravel and crushed-stone products are roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, but density can vary significantly. Use the density supplied by your material supplier whenever possible.

How many square feet does a yard of gravel cover?

Coverage depends on depth. One cubic yard covers approximately 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep.

How deep should gravel be?

It depends on the application. Decorative gravel may only require a few inches, while driveways, paver bases and structural applications can require substantially greater depths based on soil conditions and expected loads.

Should gravel be ordered by the yard or ton?

That depends on the supplier and material. Some suppliers sell aggregate by the ton while others sell certain materials by the cubic yard. The calculator provides both measurements so you can estimate either way.

Should I add 10% extra gravel?

Ten percent is a reasonable planning allowance for many projects, but it isn't a universal rule. Irregular dimensions, variable excavation depths and significant compaction may require more, while simple projects with accurate measurements may require less.

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