Gravel Calculator
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- Imperial and metric
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Results
1.63 tons of Pea gravel (3/8"), 1.17 yd³, 63 bags
Includes 5% extra. In-place volume without the extra: 1.11 yd³.
How to use the gravel calculator
- Measure each area to cover. Split odd shapes into rectangles, circles and triangles and add each one with + Add area.
- Choose the material. The density and the extra for compaction update to typical values, which you can change.
- Enter the finished depth. For base layers that will be compacted, enter the compacted depth; the allowance adds the extra loose stone you need.
- Optionally add your supplier's price per ton, per yard or per bag and a delivery fee to estimate the cost.
Gravel calculation formula
Gravel is measured by volume and usually sold by weight, so the calculation has two steps:
Weight (tons) = Volume (yd³) × Density (tons per yd³)
In metric: volume (m³) = length (m) × width (m) × depth (cm) ÷ 100, and weight (tonnes) = volume × density (tonnes per m³). Add your allowance for compaction or settling to the volume before converting to weight.
Worked example
A 10 × 12 ft path, 3 inches deep, in pea gravel at 1.4 tons per cubic yard with 5% extra: the area is 120 ft² and the in-place volume is 30 ft³ (1.11 yd³). Adding 5% gives 31.5 ft³, or 1.17 yd³, which weighs about 1.63 tons. In 0.5 ft³ bags that is 63 bags, so for a job this size bulk delivery is usually the cheaper option.
How much does gravel weigh?
These are typical loose, dry weights. Wet stone, a wider spread of particle sizes and fines all add weight, so treat them as planning figures and use your supplier's number when you have it.
| Material | tons / yd³ | lb / yd³ | t / m³ | ft² per ton at 2" / 3" / 4" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel (3/8") | 1.4 | 2,800 | 1.66 | 116 / 77 / 58 |
| Crushed stone #57 (3/4"–1") | 1.4 | 2,800 | 1.66 | 116 / 77 / 58 |
| Crusher run / road base (#411, DGA) | 1.5 | 3,000 | 1.78 | 108 / 72 / 54 |
| General gravel (mixed sizes) | 1.4 | 2,800 | 1.66 | 116 / 77 / 58 |
| Sand (dry, loose) | 1.35 | 2,700 | 1.6 | 120 / 80 / 60 |
How deep should gravel be?
| Project | Typical depth | Common material |
|---|---|---|
| Garden path or walkway | 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) | Pea gravel, 3/8" crushed stone |
| Patio or shed base | 4 in (10 cm) compacted | Crusher run / road base |
| Paver base | 4–6 in (10–15 cm) compacted, plus 1 in sand | Crusher run, then sand |
| Gravel driveway | 4–6 in base + 2–3 in top layer | Crusher run base, #57 or 3/4" clean stone on top |
| French drain / drainage trench | Fill the trench around the pipe | #57 clean crushed stone |
Depths are general guidance. Soft or clay soils, heavy vehicles and freezing climates call for deeper bases. In the UK, crusher run is broadly equivalent to Type 1 MOT sub-base.
Tips for buying gravel
- Bags or bulk? A cubic yard is 54 half-cubic-foot bags. Beyond about half a yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper and much less work.
- Ask how it is sold. Quarries usually sell by the ton and landscape yards often by the yard. The calculator gives both so you can compare quotes.
- Plan for compaction. Base materials shrink when compacted, so a 4-inch compacted layer needs roughly 4.5 to 5 inches of loose stone.
- Check truck access. A loaded dump truck is heavy; ask the supplier where it can tip without damaging a driveway or lawn.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Most gravel and crushed stone weighs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard (2,600–3,000 lb), depending on the stone, its size range and how wet it is. The calculator uses 1.4 tons for pea gravel and #57 stone and 1.5 tons for crusher run; you can enter your supplier's figure instead.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton covers about 115 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 77 sq ft at 3 inches and 58 sq ft at 4 inches.
How deep should gravel be?
Walkways and paths usually need 2 to 3 inches. A gravel driveway is built in layers, often 4 to 6 inches of compacted base topped with 2 to 3 inches of finer stone. Drainage trenches follow the depth of the trench or pipe.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the material's density in tons per cubic yard. For example, 5 cubic yards of #57 stone at 1.4 tons per yard is about 7 tons. In metric, multiply cubic meters by tonnes per cubic meter (about 1.6–1.8 for most gravel).
Why order extra gravel for a base layer?
Crusher run and other base materials compact when they are tamped or rolled, so a 4-inch compacted layer needs more than 4 inches of loose stone. The calculator adds 15% for crusher run by default and 5% for decorative gravel, which is not compacted.