Estimate gravel volume, tons and cost for paths, patios and landscaping. Enter dimensions, choose a material and include an extra allowance.
Ask your supplier for the exact number.
Covers settling and spills. 10% is common.
How to use this gravel calculator
- Pick a project, enter its area and choose the gravel type.
- Measure your area and type the numbers in.
- Pick your type of gravel. You can change the weight if your supplier gives you a different number.
- Use “Calculate amount to order” for volume and weight, or “Find depth from quantity” if you already have gravel.
Find how deep your gravel will cover
Already have gravel? Switch to “Find depth from quantity,” enter the area and the amount you have, then choose whether it is measured by volume or weight. The calculator uses your selected gravel density and sets aside the extra allowance before estimating the depth.
The gravel formulas
Imperial:
- Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
- Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
- Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard
Metric:
- Cubic metres = length (m) × width (m) × depth (cm) ÷ 100
- Tonnes = cubic metres × weight per cubic metre
Then add 5% to 15% extra, because gravel settles when it is packed down.
Worked example
A path that is 20 ft long and 10 ft wide, 3 inches deep, with crushed stone (1.4 tons per cubic yard) and 10% extra:
- Area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft
- Cubic feet = 200 × 3 ÷ 12 = 50 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cu yd
- Add 10% extra = 1.85 × 1.10 = 2.04 cu yd
- Tons = 2.04 × 1.4 = 2.85 tons
The estimate is 2.04 cubic yards, or 2.85 US short tons. Round up to the next quantity your supplier sells; ordering only 2 cubic yards would fall short of this estimate.
How deep should gravel be?
| Project | Usual depth |
|---|---|
| Garden path or walkway | 2 to 3 in (5 to 8 cm) |
| Gravel patio | 3 to 4 in (8 to 10 cm) |
| New driveway | 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm), often in layers |
| Driveway top-up | 2 to 3 in (5 to 8 cm) |
| French drain | 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) |
| Decorative bed | 2 to 3 in (5 to 8 cm) |
Wet clay soil or very cold winters need a deeper base. Ask a local supplier what works in your area.
How much does gravel weigh?
| Type | Tons per cubic yard | Pounds per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.35 | 2,700 |
| Crushed stone (#57) | 1.40 | 2,800 |
| River rock | 1.35 | 2,700 |
| Crusher run / road base | 1.50 | 3,000 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.50 | 3,000 |
These are average numbers. Wet gravel weighs more, and every quarry is a little different.
How much area does one ton of gravel cover?
| Depth | Coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 2 in | about 116 sq ft |
| 3 in | about 77 sq ft |
| 4 in | about 58 sq ft |
| 6 in | about 39 sq ft |
This uses crushed stone at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Tips before you order
- Measure twice. A small mistake in width or depth changes the total a lot.
- Split odd shapes into rectangles and circles. Calculate each one, then add the results.
- Ask the supplier if they sell by the ton or by the cubic yard, and about delivery fees.
- Lay landscape fabric under the gravel to stop weeds and keep the stone from sinking into soil.
Common questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
Most gravel weighs about 1.35 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. We use 1.4 for crushed stone.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
About 0.7 cubic yards. Divide 1 by the weight per cubic yard. For 1.4, that is 1 ÷ 1.4 = 0.71.
How much extra gravel should I order?
Order 10% to 15% extra for most jobs. Loose, round stone like pea gravel needs less. Driveway bases need more.
Is this calculator exact?
No. It gives a good estimate. Check the quantity with your supplier before you order.
Calculate pea gravel for a path or patio
Choose Pea gravel in the material selector and enter the dimensions and depth. For a 12 × 10 ft patio at 3 in deep, the volume is 30 cubic feet, or 1.11 cubic yards. With 10% extra, order about 1.22 cubic yards, or about 1.65 US short tons at 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Use your supplier’s density if it differs.
Last checked: (worked example and form display).