Gravel Calculator

Q: How much gravel will I need calculator?

Enter your area dimensions and depth into our gravel calculator. It multiplies length × width × depth, converts to cubic yards, and adds your chosen waste factor. For a 10×10 ft area at 4 inches deep you need approximately 1.23 cubic yards.

Q: How much gravel for a driveway calculator?

A standard driveway needs 4–6 inches of gravel depth. Enter your driveway length and width, select a 1.25× compaction factor, and the calculator gives you exact cubic yards and tons needed.

Q: How many tons of gravel do I need?

Our gravel calculator automatically converts cubic yards to tons. Standard gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is ~1.35 tons/yd³ and crushed stone is ~1.5 tons/yd³.

Q: How many yards of gravel do I need?

Formula: (length ft × width ft × depth ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. Our calculator handles all unit conversions and adds a 10% waste factor automatically.

Q: How do I calculate how much crushed stone I need?

Select 'Crushed Stone' in our gravel calculator. Enter area dimensions, set depth to 4 inches for paths or 6 inches for driveways, and add a 1.25× compaction factor. The calculator returns exact cubic yards and tons.

Question 1

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

Answer

Calculate length × width × depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A typical driveway needs 3-4 inches of gravel. For example: 20ft × 40ft × 0.33ft ÷ 27 = 9.78 cubic yards.

Question 2

How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?

Answer

Gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard. This varies slightly based on the type and moisture content. Always verify with your supplier.

Question 3

What size gravel is best for a driveway?

Answer

Use crushed stone #57 (3/4 inch) as base layer, topped with #8 (1/4-1/2 inch) for the top layer. Angular gravel locks together better than rounded stones.

Question 4

How deep should gravel be for a walkway?

Answer

A walkway needs 2-3 inches of gravel. For heavy traffic or vehicle use, go 4-6 inches deep with proper base compaction.

Question 5

What is the difference between gravel and crushed stone?

Answer

Gravel is naturally rounded from water erosion, while crushed stone is mechanically crushed from larger rocks. Crushed stone has angular edges that lock together better for construction applications.

Question 6

How do I calculate gravel for a circular driveway?

Answer

Calculate the area of the circle (π × radius²), then multiply by the depth in feet and divide by 27. For larger circles, break them into sections for easier calculation.

Question 7

What is the best gravel for drainage?

Answer

Clean, washed gravel with no fines (small particles) is best for drainage. 3/4-inch to 1-inch drainage gravel allows water to flow freely.

Question 8

How much does gravel cost per cubic yard?

Answer

Gravel costs range from $30 to $80 per cubic yard, depending on type, quality, and location. Delivery fees typically add $50-150.

Question 9

Can I put gravel over grass?

Answer

It's not recommended. The grass will die and cause uneven settling. Remove the grass and use a proper base layer of crushed stone or compacted soil first.

Question 10

What is the best base for gravel?

Answer

A base of 3-4 inches of 3/4-inch crushed stone, followed by 2-3 inches of smaller gravel. Proper compaction at each layer is essential for long-lasting results.

Application	Recommended Depth	Best Material
Driveway (light vehicles)	4–6 inches	Crushed stone #57
Driveway (heavy vehicles)	6–8 inches	Crushed limestone
Garden path / walkway	2–3 inches	Pea gravel
French drain	12+ inches	Gravel #57 or river rock
Patio base	4–6 inches	Crushed stone
Playground / sandbox	6–9 inches	Pea gravel
Landscaping / mulch alternative	2–3 inches	Decomposed granite

Gravel Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Calculate How Much Gravel You Need

Recommended Gravel Depth by Application

Gravel Weight Per Cubic Yard

Tips for Ordering Gravel