Gravel Calculator
Enter the length, width, and depth of your project area to find out how many cubic yards and tons of material you need. Choose from gravel, crushed stone, sand, topsoil, and more.
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Cubic yards
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Cubic feet
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Tons
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50 lb bags
Ton estimates use dry loose density and are approximate. Actual weight varies by moisture content and compaction.
How to Calculate Gravel
Volume equals length × width × depth. Convert all measurements to the same unit (feet) first, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by the material density to get tons.
Coverage Chart (1 cubic yard)
| Material | Coverage at 2" | Coverage at 4" | Coverage at 6" |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 162 ft² | 81 ft² | 54 ft² |
| Crushed stone | 162 ft² | 81 ft² | 54 ft² |
| Crush-run base | 162 ft² | 81 ft² | 54 ft² |
| Sand | 162 ft² | 81 ft² | 54 ft² |
| Topsoil | 162 ft² | 81 ft² | 54 ft² |
Recommended Depths by Application
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative garden gravel | 2–3 inches |
| Driveway surface layer (pea/stone) | 3–4 inches |
| Driveway base (crush-run) | 4–6 inches |
| Drainage trench / French drain | 6–12 inches |
| Patio sand base | 1 inch (screeded level) |
| Raised bed topsoil fill | 6–12 inches |
Gravel Types Explained
- Pea gravel — small, rounded, 3/8" stones; smooth underfoot; used for paths, playgrounds, and driveways; does not compact well
- Crushed stone / #57 — the most common driveway gravel; 3/4" angular stones that lock together; drains well
- Crush-run (compacted gravel) — mixture of crushed stone and stone dust; compacts tightly; ideal for driveway base layers and under slabs
- Decomposed granite — finely crushed granite that packs firm; popular for paths, patios, and xeriscaping
- Sand — used for playground fill, paver bases, pipe bedding, and mixing into soil
- Topsoil — used for raised beds, lawn top-dressing, and backfill
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for my driveway? Measure the length, width, and desired depth of your driveway. Multiply all dimensions in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, and multiply by 1.5 (the density of crushed stone) for short tons. Most residential driveways use 4 inches of #57 stone over 4–6 inches of crush-run base.
How deep should driveway gravel be? A well-built gravel driveway typically has two layers: 4–6 inches of crush-run compacted base, plus 2–4 inches of surface gravel such as #57 stone or pea gravel. Total depth of 6–10 inches is common.
What is a cubic yard of gravel? One cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet. A cubic yard of crushed stone weighs approximately 1.4–1.5 tons and will fill a standard pickup truck bed (heaped). If your project calls for a concrete pad on top of a gravel base, use the concrete calculator to estimate the concrete separately.
