Gravel Calculator

About the Gravel Calculator

Gravel is one of the most versatile and affordable landscaping materials. Whether you're building a driveway, creating a garden path, filling a drainage trench, or constructing a patio base, knowing exactly how much gravel to order prevents costly overages or frustrating shortages.

Our gravel calculator determines:

• Volume needed: Cubic feet, cubic yards, or cubic meters
• Weight: Tons or metric tonnes
• Bags required: If buying by the bag
• Cost estimate: Based on gravel type and local prices
• Delivery trucks needed: Based on truck capacity

How to Calculate Gravel Needs

Formula

Volume = Length × Width × Depth

All measurements must be in the same units before multiplying.

Example: Driveway 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, 4 inches deep

1. Convert depth to feet: 4 inches = 0.333 feet
2. Volume = 20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.67 cubic feet
3. Convert to cubic yards: 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards

Weight Calculation

Different gravels have different densities:

Example: 2.47 cubic yards of crushed stone Weight = 2.47 × 1.5 = 3.7 tons

Recommended Gravel Depths

Gravel Types and Uses

Crushed Stone

• Sizes: ¼ inch to 2½ inches
• Best for: Driveways, bases, drainage
• Cost: $30-50 per ton
• Pros: Compacts well, stable base
• Cons: Sharp edges, not comfortable for bare feet

Pea Gravel

• Sizes: ⅜ to ½ inch (rounded)
• Best for: Paths, playgrounds, decorative beds
• Cost: $40-70 per ton
• Pros: Smooth, attractive, drains well
• Cons: Shifts underfoot, hard to push wheeled items through

River Rock

• Sizes: ½ inch to 6+ inches
• Best for: Decorative landscaping, water features, erosion control
• Cost: $50-100+ per ton
• Pros: Natural appearance, various colors
• Cons: Expensive, not suitable for compaction

Decomposed Granite

• Sizes: Sand to ¼ inch particles
• Best for: Patios, paths, informal driveways
• Cost: $40-60 per ton
• Pros: Compacts like concrete when stabilized, natural look
• Cons: Tracks into house, can wash away

Cost Estimation Example

Project: Gravel driveway, 50 ft × 12 ft, 6 inches deep

1. Volume: 50 × 12 × 0.5 = 300 cubic feet = 11.1 cubic yards
2. Weight: 11.1 × 1.5 = 16.7 tons
3. Material cost: 16.7 tons × $40/ton = $668
4. Delivery: $100-200 (depending on distance)
5. Total estimate: $768-868

Ordering Tips

1. Order 10-15% extra: Compaction reduces volume by 10-15%. It's better to have slightly too much than to run short.
2. Check access: Ensure delivery trucks can reach your project area.
3. Consider delivery vs. pickup: For small projects, bagged gravel from a home improvement store may be cheaper than a bulk delivery minimum.
4. Buy local: Transportation costs significantly affect gravel prices. Local quarries are usually cheapest.
5. Seasonal pricing: Prices may be lower in winter when demand is slow.

Installation Tips

1. Excavate first: Remove topsoil and organic material. Unstable base = unstable gravel.
2. Use landscape fabric: Prevents weeds and keeps gravel from sinking into soil.
3. Compact in layers: For deep applications, add and compact 2-3 inches at a time.
4. Edge containment: Use edging, timbers, or trenches to keep gravel in place.
5. Slope for drainage: 1-2% grade away from buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

Typically 2,400-2,900 pounds (1.2-1.5 tons), depending on gravel type and moisture content.

How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?

At 2 inches deep: approximately 100-120 square feet per ton. At 4 inches deep: approximately 50-60 square feet per ton.

What's the cheapest gravel for a driveway?

Crushed stone or crusher run (a mix of stone dust and crushed stone) is usually the most affordable option at $25-40 per ton.

Can I use pea gravel for a driveway?

Not recommended. Pea gravel shifts and displaces easily under vehicle weight. Use crushed stone for driveways.

How do I prevent gravel from spreading?

Install edging (plastic, metal, brick, or timber) and use a binding agent or larger stones at the edges.