Gravel Calculator
Coverage and weight
Results
| Volume | — |
|---|---|
| Cubic yards | — |
| Weight | — |
How to Use This Gravel Calculator
Gravel quotes from a quarry arrive in tons, but most of us measure the driveway in feet and inches. That unit mismatch is where orders go wrong—I have seen a crew show up with a dump truck half full because someone converted cubic feet to tons using the wrong density. This calculator gives you cubic feet, cubic yards, and estimated weight in tons from your area dimensions, depth, and stone density.
Enter coverage area length and width with unit selectors (feet, yards, meters, inches). Enter compacted depth—the finished thickness after rolling or tamping, not the loose pile height. Adjust density in tons per cubic yard; crushed stone commonly runs 1.3 to 1.5, with the default set at 1.35. Hit Calculate for volume and tonnage you can read back to the quarry.
Picture spreading gravel like a thick blanket over the ground: length times width gives the blanket size, depth gives how thick you stack it, and density tells you how heavy that stack becomes when the loader fills the truck. For lighter organic cover like bark, use the Mulch Calculator instead. For hardscape bases under pavers, pair this estimate with our Concrete Calculator if you are also pouring pads.
Gravel Calculator Formulas and Practical Applications
Gravel estimates combine volume (how much space the stone fills) with bulk density (how much that space weighs).
Step 1: Volume
V = Length × Width × Depth (dimensions converted to feet)
Step 2: Cubic yards
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Step 3: Weight in tons
Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons/yd³)
Example: a 20 ft × 10 ft driveway extension at 4 in (0.333 ft) depth yields about 66.7 ft³ or 2.47 yd³. At 1.35 tons/yd³, order roughly 3.3 tons. Round up for compaction loss on soft subgrades.
Typical depth guidelines: 2–3 inches for decorative paths, 4 inches for pedestrian driveways, 6–8 inches or more for driveways that carry vehicles on soft soil—always verify with local practice and subgrade conditions.
Standard Units and Conversion Tables
Common gravel types and density ranges (tons per cubic yard):
- Crushed stone (#57): ~1.35–1.45 tons/yd³
- Pea gravel: ~1.3–1.4 tons/yd³—lighter, more voids
- Granite or limestone: ~1.4–1.6 tons/yd³ depending on moisture
- 1 cubic yard: 27 ft³—standard truck measure at most quarries
Moisture adds weight without adding usable volume—ask your supplier if their ton quote assumes dry or wet material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is gravel sold by weight instead of volume?
Truck load limits are weight-based, and moisture content changes how much a cubic yard weighs without changing coverage much. Quarries price by the ton so loads stay legal on the road and consistent regardless of rain.
Should I compact gravel before or after measuring depth?
Enter the finished compacted depth you want after tamping or rolling. Loose spread depth is higher—if you measure before compaction, add roughly 10–15% extra volume or compact a test patch first to see settlement.
How does gravel depth differ for a driveway vs a path?
Footpaths and patios often need 2–3 inches of gravel base. Vehicle driveways on clay soil commonly need 4 inches of gravel under surfacing, sometimes more with geotextile and additional base layers. Match depth to expected load and subgrade—when in doubt, ask a local contractor who knows your soil.
Disclaimer. Informational only—not civil engineering or contractor advice. Compaction, moisture, and stone type change delivered weight; confirm with your quarry or supplier.