Gravel Calculator
Use our free gravel calculator to determine exactly how much gravel, crushed stone, or decorative rock you need for any project. Designed for contractors, landscapers, and DIY homeowners, this tool calculates volume (cubic yards), weight (tons), and coverage area from your project dimensions. Select from seven common gravel types with their standard densities built in.
How to use this calculator.
- Select your unit system. Choose imperial (feet, inches) or metric (meters, centimeters) using the toggle above.
- Enter your project dimensions. Input the length, width, and desired depth of your gravel area.
- Choose your gravel type. Select from the dropdown: each gravel type has a different density that affects the weight calculation. Crushed stone is denser than river rock; limestone crusher run is denser than pea gravel.
- Review your results. The calculator displays volume (cubic yards), weight (tons), and how many square feet your gravel will cover at the specified depth.
- Order a little extra. Gravel settles and compacts. Order 5-10% more than the calculated amount, especially for driveway bases.
How do you calculate gravel volume, weight, and coverage?
Gravel quantity is calculated from dimensions (volume), then converted to weight using the material's bulk density.
Volume (cu yd) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324
Weight (tons) = Volume (cu yd) × Density (lb/ft³) × 27 ÷ 2,000
Coverage (sq ft) = Volume (cu yd) × 324 ÷ Depth (in)
Where:
- 324 comes from 12 (inches to feet) × 27 (cubic feet to cubic yards).
- Density varies by material type. Crushed stone is approximately 100 lb/ft³ loose; pea gravel is about 100 lb/ft³; river rock is approximately 95 lb/ft³.
- 27 converts cubic yards to cubic feet for the weight formula.
- 2,000 converts pounds to US short tons.
Example calculation.
Let's calculate the gravel needed for a driveway base.
Scenario: You're building a gravel driveway base that is 50 ft long, 12 ft wide, and 6 inches deep using crushed stone (3/4″).
- Calculate the volume: 50 ft × 12 ft × 6 in ÷ 324 = 11.11 cu yd
- Calculate the weight: 11.11 × 100 × 27 ÷ 2,000 = 15.0 tons
- Calculate coverage: 11.11 × 324 ÷ 6 = 600 sq ft covered at 6-inch depth
Result: You need approximately 11.5 cubic yards(about 15 tons) of crushed stone for this driveway base. Order 12-13 yards to account for compaction and edge loss.
Tips from the field.
- Always order by weight, not volume. A ton of crushed stone takes up less space than a ton of river rock. Suppliers price by the ton: confirm which "ton" (short ton vs. metric tonne) they use.
- Compact in lifts. For driveways, place gravel in 4-6 inch lifts and compact each lift before adding the next. Loose gravel compacts 15-25% depending on the material.
- Use geotextile fabric under the base. A layer of woven geotextile between the subgrade and gravel base prevents mixing, extends the life of your driveway, and reduces future gravel requirements.
- Pea gravel looks great but migrates. Pea gravel is decorative but shifts under vehicle tires. For driveways, use angular crushed stone (it locks together) and top with pea gravel only for decorative paths.
- For French drains, use washed stone without fines.Angular, washed stone (3/4″-1.5″) provides drainage without clogging. Do not use crusher run or stone with fines for drainage applications.
Sources: Gravel and crushed stone density defaults reflect ASTM C33 aggregate gradation references and typical state DOT base-course specifications. Actual density varies by material source and gradation: confirm with your supplier or local DOT spec for structural bases.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements vary based on site conditions, compaction, moisture content, and edge loss. For structural bases or load-bearing applications, consult a licensed civil engineer. PavementCalculator.com assumes no liability for material overages or shortages.
Cost, price, and density figures on this page reflect approximate U.S. averages as of August 2026 and vary by region, supplier, and material availability.
Frequently asked questions.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
For a standard 50 ft by 12 ft driveway with 6 inches of gravel, you need approximately 11.1 cubic yards or 15 tons of gravel. Measure your driveway length × width, choose a depth (4-6 inches for new driveways), and use our calculator above for exact results. Most driveways need 2 layers: a 4-6 inch base of 2-3 inch crushed stone, topped with 2-3 inches of 3/4 inch angular gravel.
How do I use a gravel calculator?
Enter your project area's length and width in feet, the desired gravel depth in inches, and select your gravel type. The calculator instantly shows the volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and the coverage area. Different gravel types have different densities: crushed stone is denser than pea gravel, so the type you choose affects the total weight.
How many tons of gravel do I need?
To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by 1.35 to 1.5 (depending on gravel type). For example, 10 cubic yards of 3/4 inch crushed stone weighs about 13.5 to 15 tons. Use our calculator's weight output for a precise estimate based on your selected gravel type and dimensions.
What size gravel is best for driveways?
3/4 inch to 1 inch crushed angular stone is best for driveway surfaces. Use 2-3 inch stone for the base layer (4-6 inches deep) and 3/4 inch stone for the top layer (2-3 inches deep). Angular stone locks together better than rounded gravel like pea gravel or river rock, which shift under vehicle weight.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 2,700 to 3,000 pounds (1.35 to 1.5 tons), depending on the stone type, size, and moisture content. Dry 3/4 inch crushed stone weighs about 2,700 lb/yd³, while bank run gravel can weigh up to 3,100 lb/yd³. Wet gravel can add 200-300 lb per cubic yard.
How many yards of gravel do I need?
Calculate cubic yards by multiplying length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft), then dividing by 27 (the number of cubic feet in a cubic yard). For example, a 20 ft × 10 ft area at 4 inches deep needs about 2.5 cubic yards. Our calculator does this math automatically: just enter your measurements above.
How much pea gravel do I need?
Pea gravel is typically spread 2-3 inches deep for paths and patios. For a 10 ft × 10 ft patio at 2 inches deep, you need about 0.62 cubic yards or 0.8 tons of pea gravel. Pea gravel is lighter than crushed stone (about 2,400-2,600 lb/yd³), so it covers more area per ton but shifts more easily underfoot.
How much does gravel cost per ton?
Gravel costs $15 to $75 per ton depending on type and location. Crushed stone and bank run gravel cost $15-$25 per ton, pea gravel costs $30-$55 per ton, and decorative river rock costs $45-$75 per ton. Delivery fees typically add $50-$100 per load. Use our calculator to estimate total tonnage, then multiply by your local gravel price.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A gravel driveway base should be 6-8 inches deep after compaction for passenger vehicles, placed in two lifts of 3-4 inches each. Heavy vehicle or commercial driveways may require 10-12 inches.
What size gravel is best for a driveway?
For the base layer, use 2-4 inch crushed stone. For the middle layer, use 3/4-inch minus crusher run. For the surface/wearing course, use 3/8-inch minus or pea gravel. The angular shape of crushed stone provides better interlock than rounded gravel.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel (at 100 lb/ft³ loose density) covers approximately 240 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 120 sq ft at 2 inches, 80 sq ft at 3 inches, or 60 sq ft at 4 inches. The exact coverage depends on the material density and compaction.