Gravel Calculator
📐 Interactive Diagram
A gravel calculator (also called a gravel estimator or aggregate calculator) is an online tool that estimates the volume, weight, and cost of gravel for driveways, patios, landscaping paths, and construction projects. The gravel calculator uses 3 core inputs — length and width of the area, plus the desired depth — to compute cubic yards (yd³), cubic feet (ft³), tonnage, and the number of bags required.
The gravel calculator eliminates guesswork from project planning. Enter the dimensions of your excavation area, select a type of gravel (pea gravel, crushed stone, decomposed granite, or river rock), and the calculator returns precise volume and weight estimates. The built-in cost estimator converts tonnage into a dollar amount based on your local price per ton. The interactive diagram updates in real time, giving you a visual representation of the project before you order material.
Gravel Calculator Formula
The gravel calculation formula converts 3 measurements into the volume of gravel needed for any rectangular, circular, triangular, or L-shaped project area.
The 4 steps of the gravel calculation formula are:
- Calculate the area of the excavation by multiplying the length and width: Area = Length × Width.
- Calculate the volume by multiplying the area by the depth: Volume (ft³) = Area (ft²) × Depth (ft).
- Convert to cubic yards by dividing cubic feet by 27: Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) ÷ 27.
- Convert to weight by multiplying the volume by the bulk density of the selected gravel type: Weight (tons) = Volume (yd³) × Density (tons/yd³).
The default gravel density used in the gravel calculator is 1,680 kg/m³ (105 lbs/ft³). Different types of gravel have different densities — pea gravel is approximately 1,680 kg/m³ (2,835 lbs/yd³), while crushed stone is approximately 1,602 kg/m³ (2,700 lbs/yd³).
How much gravel do I need?
The amount of gravel needed equals the volume of the excavation area. Calculate this volume by multiplying the length, width, and depth of the area to be covered.
Determine length and width
Measure the length and width of the excavation area. Example: length = 6 yd (5.49 m), width = 3 yd (2.74 m).
Calculate the area
Multiply the length and width: 6 yd × 3 yd = 18 yd² (15.05 m²). The gravel calculator accepts rectangular, circular, triangular, and L-shaped areas.
Determine the depth
Set the desired gravel depth. A standard driveway uses 4–6 inches (10–15 cm). A walkway uses 2–3 inches (5–8 cm). Example: depth = 2 yd (1.83 m).
Multiply area × depth
Volume = Area × Depth = 18 yd² × 2 yd = 36 yd³ (27.52 m³). The volume of gravel required equals the volume of the excavation.
Convert to weight
Multiply volume by gravel density. For pea gravel at 1.4 tons/yd³: 36 yd³ × 1.4 = 50.4 tons (45.72 tonnes). The gravel calculator performs this conversion automatically.
Add 10–15% extra material to account for compaction and waste. Gravel settles after spreading, and uneven terrain requires additional coverage. The gravel calculator includes built-in compaction factor and waste/overrun sliders for precise estimation.
What is gravel used for?
Gravel is used for 4 primary purposes: construction, landscaping, drainage, and agricultural applications. Gravel and sand are produced in billions of tons worldwide each year for construction purposes alone.
Construction
Almost half of the produced gravel in the US is used as aggregate for concrete. Crushed stone and gravel serve as base course and subbase for roads, driveways, foundations, and concrete blocks. Gravel provides a solid foundation layer under pavers and asphalt.
Landscaping & Decoration
Landscape gravel comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Pea gravel works as a garden border and patio base. Gravel is more durable than organic mulch, requires less maintenance, retains heat, and prevents soil evaporation.
Drainage
Gravel provides a solid foundation while containing enough spaces between fragments for water to drain. Drainage aggregate is used in French drains, retaining wall backfill, and around building foundations to direct water away from structures.
Water Treatment & Agriculture
Gravel filters remove suspended solids during water treatment. Limestone gravel is ground into agricultural lime to reduce soil acidity. Ground gravel serves as mineral feed for poultry to break down food properly.
Types of gravel
There are 6 main types of gravel differentiated by size, shape, and origin: pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, decomposed granite, bank gravel, and limestone. Different types of gravel serve different construction and landscaping purposes.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel consists of small, smooth, round stones similar in size to garden peas — typically ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch (3–10 mm) in diameter. Pea gravel is one of the most affordable types of gravel.
Best for: pathways, patios, garden beds, drainage areas, aquariums. Pea gravel has high draining capacity and offers color variety. The downside: pea gravel shifts under pressure, creating footprints and requiring periodic raking.
Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is a mechanically processed gravel made by crushing limestone, dolomite, or granite. The angular edges interlock under compression, making crushed stone ideal for driveways and road base course.
Best for: driveways, road construction, foundation backfill, concrete aggregate, subbase. Crushed stone compacts well and stays in place on slopes. The rough surface is less comfortable for walking.
River Rock
River rock (also called river stone) is a naturally eroded gravel found near rivers and streams. River rock has smooth surfaces and comes in colors ranging from grey to brown to white.
Best for: decorative landscaping, lining ponds and water features, garden borders, dry creek beds. River rock has high draining capacity and does not decompose.
Decomposed Granite
Decomposed granite (DG) is finely crushed granite that creates a natural, rustic surface. The fine particles compact together to form a semi-solid surface.
Best for: pathways, xeriscaping, rustic patios, as mulch substitute, and under pavers. Decomposed granite compacts well and provides good drainage while maintaining a natural look.
Bank Gravel
Bank gravel (also called bank run or river run) is a naturally occurring mixture of large and small rock fragments, sand, and clay found near rivers and streams.
Best for: filling landscape gaps, foundation for concrete, erosion prevention. Bank gravel has high water draining capacity and supports plant root growth.
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Limestone gravel hardens over time, creating a very durable surface for driveways and foundations.
Best for: driveways, foundations, road base, agricultural lime (when ground). Limestone compacts firmly and hardens with moisture exposure, creating a stable long-term surface.
Gravel is classified by 3 attributes: size (from ⅛-inch pea gravel to 4-inch boulders), shape (smooth/round from natural erosion or angular/rough from mechanical crushing), and color (gray, brown, golden, white, or mixed). Darker-colored gravel retains more heat and dries faster. Jersey Shore gravel has a distinctive yellowish, golden color. Marble chips sparkle in sunlight, making them a premium decorative choice.
Gravel Calculator by Area
The gravel calculator supports 4 area shapes: rectangle, circle, triangle, and L-shape. Each shape uses a different formula to compute the surface area before multiplying by depth.
A = L × W A = π × r² A = ½ × b × h A = A₁ + A₂ Rectangle example: A driveway measuring 20 ft (6.1 m) long × 12 ft (3.66 m) wide = 240 ft² (22.3 m²). At 4 inches (10 cm) depth: Volume = 240 × 0.333 = 80 ft³ = 2.96 yd³ (2.26 m³).
For irregular or complex shapes, divide the area into smaller rectangles or triangles, calculate each section separately, and sum the areas. The gravel calculator's L-shape mode handles 2-section areas automatically.
Gravel Volume: Cubic Feet & Cubic Yards
1 cubic yard (yd³) equals 27 cubic feet (ft³), which equals 0.7646 cubic meters (m³). The gravel calculator converts between all 3 volume units automatically.
To convert square feet to cubic yards: multiply the area (ft²) by the depth (ft), then divide by 27. For example, 200 ft² at 4 inches (0.333 ft) depth = 200 × 0.333 ÷ 27 = 2.47 yd³ (1.89 m³).
Gravel Bags
Gravel is sold in 3 common bag sizes: 50 lb (22.7 kg), 40 lb (18.1 kg), and 0.5 cubic foot bags. A 50 lb bag of gravel covers approximately 2 square feet (0.19 m²) at 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
You need 5 bags of 50 lb gravel
Bags are practical for small projects under 1 ton (0.91 tonnes). For larger projects, bulk delivery in tons is more cost-effective. A standard pickup truck bed holds approximately 1 cubic yard (0.76 m³) or roughly 1.4 tons (1.27 tonnes) of gravel.
Gravel Depth Calculator
The recommended gravel depth ranges from 2 inches (5 cm) for walkways to 8 inches (20 cm) for heavy-duty driveways. The gravel depth calculator determines how much material is needed based on the desired thickness.
Gravel compacts by 10–20% after spreading. A 4-inch layer settles to roughly 3.2–3.6 inches over time. Always order extra material — the gravel calculator's compaction factor slider accounts for this settling automatically.
How to use this gravel calculator
The gravel calculator requires 3 inputs to produce results: area dimensions, depth, and gravel type. Follow these 5 steps:
- Choose the type of gravel. Select from 9 materials (pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, decomposed granite, limestone, granite chips, slate chips, quartzite, marble chips). Each material has a preset bulk density value.
- Enter the length and width of the excavation area. Switch between imperial (feet/inches) and metric (meters/centimeters) units using the toggle. For non-rectangular areas, select circle, triangle, or L-shape.
- Enter the depth of the gravel layer in inches or centimeters.
- Adjust advanced options (optional). Set the compaction factor (0–30%) and waste/overrun percentage (0–20%). Enter a price per ton to get a cost estimate.
- Read the results. The gravel calculator displays weight (tons), volume (cubic yards and cubic feet), area (ft²), estimated bags (50 lb), and total cost. The interactive diagram updates in real time with top-view and 3D perspectives.
Example: A pea gravel path measuring 5 m (16.4 ft) long × 1 m (3.28 ft) wide × 15 cm (5.9 in) deep requires 0.75 m³ (0.98 yd³) of gravel, which weighs approximately 1.26 tonnes (1.39 tons).
How much will the gravel cost me?
Gravel costs between $15 and $75 per ton ($17–$83 per tonne), depending on the type and region. The gravel calculator's built-in cost estimator multiplies your tonnage by the local price per ton.
| Gravel Type | Price per Ton | Price per Cubic Yard | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $25–$50 | $35–$70 | Paths, patios |
| Crushed Stone | $20–$45 | $28–$63 | Driveways, base |
| River Rock | $30–$60 | $42–$84 | Decoration |
| Decomposed Granite | $25–$50 | $35–$70 | Paths, xeriscaping |
| Limestone | $20–$40 | $28–$56 | Driveways, foundations |
| Marble Chips | $50–$75 | $70–$105 | Premium decoration |
Delivery fees range from $50 to $200 per load depending on distance. Bulk orders (10+ tons) receive volume discounts from most quarry suppliers. Enter the price per ton in the gravel calculator's advanced options to get a total project budget estimate.
How much is a yard of gravel?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs between 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) and 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) — approximately 1.2 to 1.45 US short tons (1.09 to 1.32 tonnes). The exact weight depends on the gravel type, particle size, and moisture content.
To calculate the weight of gravel, multiply the volume (yd³) by the material density. The gravel calculator sets a default density and adjusts it automatically when you select a different type of gravel. The smaller and smoother the aggregate, the more tightly the stones pack together, resulting in a heavier cubic yard.
Gravel estimator — how to calculate landscape gravel quantity?
To calculate landscape gravel quantity for a complex area, divide the project into smaller rectangles, calculate each area separately, and sum the totals. This approach works with the gravel estimator for any irregular shape.
In the example above, a pea gravel path surrounds a pool. The 4 sectors have areas of 5 yd², 2 yd², 10 yd², and 6 yd², totaling 23 yd² (19.23 m²). At 0.1 yd (3.6 in / 9.1 cm) depth, the volume of gravel required is 2.3 yd³ (1.76 m³), weighing approximately 3.22 tons (2.92 tonnes).
The gravel estimator handles cost calculation by multiplying the total volume or weight by the price per unit. Buy 10–15% extra material to account for compaction, waste, and terrain irregularities.
Gravel Calculators
Specialized calculators for every gravel project — from driveways and patios to aquariums and drainage systems.
Gravel Driveway Calculator
Calculate tons & yards for any driveway
Gravel Cost Calculator
Estimate total material cost by the ton
Gravel by Square Footage
Convert square footage to tons & cubic yards
Concrete Slab Gravel Calculator
Sub-base gravel for concrete slabs
French Drain Gravel Calculator
Drainage stone for French drain trenches
Trench Gravel Calculator
Pipe bedding & trench backfill volume
Paver Gravel Calculator
Compactable base gravel for pavers
Circular Gravel Calculator
Gravel for fire pits, rings & round beds
Gravel Grid Calculator
Fill volume for plastic cellular grid systems
Aquarium Gravel Calculator
Pounds of substrate for fish tanks
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about calculating and ordering gravel for your project.
How many yards are in a ton of gravel?
1 ton of gravel is equal to 0.714 cubic yards (0.546 m³). To convert tons of gravel into yards, multiply tons by 0.714. For example, 2 tons of gravel is 2 × 0.714 = 1.428 cubic yards, 3 tons is equal to 3 × 0.714 = 2.142 cubic yards, and 5 tons equals 5 × 0.714 = 3.57 cubic yards.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs between 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) and 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) — approximately 1.2 to 1.45 US short tons. The weight of a yard of gravel depends on the stone size, shape, and moisture content. Smaller, smoother aggregate like pea gravel packs more tightly and weighs approximately 2,835 lbs (1.42 tons) per cubic yard, while crushed stone weighs about 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) per cubic yard.
How much gravel do I need to cover for 100 ft² driveway?
A 100 ft² (9.29 m²) driveway at 2 inches (5 cm) deep requires 0.617 cubic yards (0.47 m³) or 0.794 tons (0.72 tonnes) of gravel. The calculation involves 4 steps: (1) Convert 2 inches to feet: 2 ÷ 12 = 0.166 ft; (2) Calculate volume in cubic feet: 10 ft × 10 ft × 0.166 ft = 16.667 ft³; (3) Convert to cubic yards: 16.667 ÷ 27 = 0.617 yd³; (4) Multiply by gravel density: 0.617 × 2,831.73 lbs/yd³ = 1,750 lbs = 0.794 tons.
What area will 1 ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel covers an area of approximately 100 square feet (9.29 m²) at 2 inches (5 cm) deep. At 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep, 1 ton covers 67 square feet (6.22 m²), and at 4 inches (10 cm) deep, 1 ton covers 50 square feet (4.65 m²). The final coverage area depends on the stone size, layer thickness, and surface levelness.
How many bags do I need?
To calculate the number of bags needed, divide the total weight in pounds by the bag size (lbs). For example, a 10 ft × 10 ft area at 2 inches deep requires 1,750 lbs of gravel. Divided by 50 lbs per bag, you need 35 bags of 50 lb gravel. A single 50 lb (22.7 kg) bag covers approximately 2 square feet (0.19 m²) at 2 inches deep.
How deep should gravel be?
Gravel depth should be 2 to 3 inches (5–8 cm) for walkways, 3 to 4 inches (8–10 cm) for patios, 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) for driveways, and 6 to 8 inches (15–20 cm) for heavy-duty base courses. Thicker gravel layers last longer and resist erosion from rain and traffic. Always allow for 10% to 20% compaction after spreading.
How do I convert square feet to cubic yards?
To convert square feet to cubic yards, multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide the result by 27. Formula: Cubic Yards = (Square Feet × Depth in Feet) ÷ 27. For example, to convert 500 ft² at 3 inches (0.25 ft) deep: 500 × 0.25 = 125 ft³, then 125 ÷ 27 = 4.63 cubic yards (3.54 m³).
How many cubic yards do I need?
To calculate how many cubic yards you need, multiply the length (ft) by width (ft) by depth (ft) and divide by 27. For example, a 10 ft wide by 20 ft long driveway at 4 inches (0.333 ft) deep requires (10 × 20 × 0.333) ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards (1.89 m³). For circular areas, multiply π × radius² × depth (ft) ÷ 27.