Gravel Coverage Calculator — How Much Area Does It Cover?
Find out exactly how many square feet your gravel order will cover at your desired depth. Instant coverage chart at 2", 3", 4", and 6" depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click any question to expand the answer.
Gravel Coverage Chart — Square Feet per Cubic Yard
The formula is simple: Coverage (sq ft) = Cubic Yards × 27 ÷ (Depth inches ÷ 12). The table below pre-calculates coverage for common quantities and depths. Use it as a quick reference, or enter your specific values above for exact results.
| Cubic Yards | 2" deep | 3" deep | 4" deep | 6" deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 cu yd | 81 sq ft | 54 sq ft | 40 sq ft | 27 sq ft |
| 1 cu yd | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 81 sq ft | 54 sq ft |
| 1.5 cu yd | 243 sq ft | 162 sq ft | 121 sq ft | 81 sq ft |
| 2 cu yd | 324 sq ft | 216 sq ft | 162 sq ft | 108 sq ft |
| 3 cu yd | 486 sq ft | 324 sq ft | 243 sq ft | 162 sq ft |
| 4 cu yd | 648 sq ft | 432 sq ft | 324 sq ft | 216 sq ft |
| 5 cu yd | 810 sq ft | 540 sq ft | 405 sq ft | 270 sq ft |
| 7 cu yd | 1,134 sq ft | 756 sq ft | 567 sq ft | 378 sq ft |
| 10 cu yd | 1,620 sq ft | 1,080 sq ft | 810 sq ft | 540 sq ft |
| 15 cu yd | 2,430 sq ft | 1,620 sq ft | 1,215 sq ft | 810 sq ft |
| 20 cu yd | 3,240 sq ft | 2,160 sq ft | 1,620 sq ft | 1,080 sq ft |
*3" column highlighted as most common depth for paths and decorative areas.
How to Use This Coverage Calculator
This calculator works in reverse from our main gravel calculator:
📏 Main Gravel Calculator
You know your area (sq ft) and want to find how many cubic yards to order.
Input: Area + Depth → Output: Cubic Yards
📐 Coverage Calculator (this page)
You have a set number of cubic yards and want to know how much area it will cover.
Input: Cubic Yards + Depth → Output: Square Feet
Coverage Tips for Common Projects
- ▸ Driveways (4–6" deep): Order 15–20% extra — gravel compacts 10–15% under vehicle traffic over time, reducing effective coverage depth.
- ▸ Garden paths (2–3" deep): Use landscape fabric underneath to prevent gravel from sinking into soil, which effectively reduces your coverage depth.
- ▸ Playgrounds (6" deep): Coverage at playground depth is significantly less than paths. A 10×20 ft play area at 6" needs 3.7 cu yd — more than double the same area at 3".
- ▸ Decorative areas (2" deep): Thin coverage is fine for low-traffic decorative areas. Avoid going under 1.5" — the ground will show through quickly.