Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much gravel you need based on length, width, and depth of your project area.
Please enter your dimensions above to calculate.
Find a supplier
Now that you know how much gravel you need, find a local supplier to deliver it.
How the Gravel Calculator Works
Enter your project dimensions (length, width, and depth) and select a gravel type. The calculator converts your measurements into cubic yards, then uses material-specific density ranges to estimate how many tons to order.
A waste allowance (default 10%) accounts for uneven ground, spillage, and settling. Compaction is applied automatically based on the gravel type — angular crushed stone compacts more than rounded pea gravel. The result is rounded up to the nearest half-ton or full ton so your order matches how suppliers actually sell.
How Deep Should Gravel Be?
- Driveways:
- 4–6 inches. Use a compactable base layer (crusher run) topped with 2–3 inches of surface gravel. Heavier traffic and soft soil need the full 6 inches.
- Patios:
- 3–4 inches over compacted soil or a thin base layer. Decorative gravels like pea gravel or decomposed granite work well at this depth.
- Walkways:
- 2–3 inches is usually enough for foot traffic. Use edging to keep the gravel contained, especially with rounded types that tend to migrate.
- Drainage:
- 6–12 inches depending on the application. French drains and dry wells need coarser stone (#57 or river rock) at the deeper end of the range.
Why Tons per Yard Varies by Gravel Type
A cubic yard of gravel doesn't always weigh the same. The conversion depends on the stone's density, shape, and how much air space sits between the pieces. Angular crushed stone packs tightly and weighs more per cubic yard (1.35–1.55 tons) while rounded pea gravel leaves more gaps and weighs less (1.30–1.45 tons).
This is why the calculator shows a weight range rather than a single number — moisture content, exact particle size, and source quarry all shift the real weight. When in doubt, order toward the high end of the range. A little extra gravel is far cheaper than paying for a second delivery.