Gravel Calculator
Angular, compacts well (~100 lb/ft³)
Gravel Coverage Guide
Standard depth: 2-4 inches for driveways, 2-3 inches for pathways and landscaping.
Add 10% extra: Order extra material to account for compaction, settling, and uneven ground.
Coverage per ton: Varies by gravel type, typically covers 80-100 sq ft at 2-inch depth.
Gravel Calculator Guide
Planning a driveway, pathway, or landscaping project? This calculator helps you determine exactly how much gravel you need, whether ordering by the ton or by the cubic yard.
Types of Gravel
Pea Gravel
Small, rounded stones about 3/8 inch in diameter. Ideal for walkways, playgrounds, and decorative borders. Its smooth surface makes it comfortable to walk on but it can shift under heavy loads.
Crushed Stone
Angular pieces that compact well and lock together. The most popular choice for driveways and base layers. Available in various sizes from dust to 1.5 inches.
River Rock
Smooth, rounded stones in various sizes and colors. Popular for decorative landscaping, dry creek beds, and drainage solutions. More expensive than crushed stone.
Lava Rock
Lightweight volcanic rock, typically red or black. Excellent for landscaping as it retains moisture and suppresses weeds. Not suitable for high-traffic areas.
Decomposed Granite (DG)
Finely crushed granite that compacts into a firm surface. Great for pathways and patios. Can be stabilized with binders for a more permanent surface.
Recommended Depths
- Driveways: 4-6 inches total (2-3 inch base + 2-3 inch top layer)
- Walkways: 2-3 inches
- Landscaping/Ground Cover: 2-3 inches
- Drainage Areas: 4-6 inches
- Under Pavers: 4-6 inches base
Ordering Tips
- Add 10-15% extra: Account for compaction, settling, and uneven ground.
- Bulk vs Bags: For projects over 0.5 cubic yards, bulk delivery is more economical.
- Compaction: Loose gravel compacts by about 30%. Factor this into your depth calculations.
Installation Tips
- Excavate the area to the desired depth plus 2 inches
- Install landscape fabric to prevent weed growth
- Add gravel in 2-inch layers, compacting each layer
- Finish with a top layer of decorative gravel
- Edge with metal or plastic edging to prevent spreading
Weight Reference
Approximate weight per cubic yard:
- Pea Gravel: 2,600 lbs (1.3 tons)
- Crushed Stone: 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons)
- River Rock: 2,300 lbs (1.15 tons)
- Lava Rock: 1,350 lbs (0.67 tons)
- Decomposed Granite: 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons)
Worked Example: Gravel Driveway
Say your driveway is 40 ft long and 12 ft wide, and you want a 4-inch (0.33 ft) layer of crushed stone:
- Volume: 40 × 12 × 0.33 = 158.4 cubic feet
- Cubic yards: 158.4 ÷ 27 = 5.87 cubic yards
- Weight: 5.87 × 1.35 tons ≈ 7.9 tons
- With 10% extra for compaction: order about 6.5 cubic yards (≈8.7 tons)
The calculator handles rectangular, circular, and triangular areas and does the unit conversions for you, so you can enter depth in inches and get results in cubic yards and tons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?+
Multiply length by width by depth to get the volume, then convert to cubic yards by dividing cubic feet by 27. A typical residential driveway uses 4-6 inches of crushed stone, so a 40 x 12 ft driveway at 4 inches needs about 6 cubic yards (roughly 8 tons). Enter your dimensions in the calculator and it does the conversion, including a compaction allowance.
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?+
Most gravel weighs 1.15 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard depending on the material. Crushed stone and decomposed granite run about 1.35 tons per yard, pea gravel about 1.3, river rock about 1.15, and lightweight lava rock only about 0.67 tons per yard. The calculator applies the correct density for the gravel type you select.
How deep should gravel be for different projects?+
Use 4-6 inches total for driveways (ideally a compacted base layer plus a top layer), 2-3 inches for walkways and decorative ground cover, and 4-6 inches for drainage areas or paver bases. Going too shallow lets soil show through and ruts form; going deeper than needed just wastes material.
Should I order extra gravel beyond the calculated amount?+
Yes, add 10-15% to the calculated volume. Loose gravel compacts by roughly 30% when tamped or driven over, ground is rarely perfectly level, and some material is always lost at the edges. For projects over about half a cubic yard, bulk delivery by the ton is usually cheaper than buying bags.
Is this gravel calculator free to use on mobile?+
Yes. The tool is completely free, needs no account, and runs entirely in your browser, so you can use it at the supply yard or on-site from your phone. It supports feet, inches, meters, and centimeters, and instantly recalculates as you change dimensions or gravel type.
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