Gravel Calculator
Cubic yards, tons & cost for any fill
Enter area dimensions
Driveway base: 4–6 in · Path: 2–3 in
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Formula & explanation
Depth in inches converts to feet by dividing by 12. Cubic yards come from dividing cubic feet by 27. Bulk gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard (varies by stone size and moisture). For bagged gravel, a 0.5 cu ft bag covers 0.5 sq ft at 1 inch — divide cubic feet by 0.5 for bag count.
Example calculation
20 × 10 ft driveway base, 4 in deep, 5% waste:
Volume = 200 × 0.333 = 66.7 cu ft × 1.05 = 70 cu ft = 2.59 cu yd × 1.4 = 3.6 tons of gravel.
Buying & project-planning tips
- Order by the ton for projects over 2 cubic yards — delivery is cheaper than bagged gravel.
- Lay landscape fabric under gravel to prevent weed growth and settling into soil.
- Use 3/4" minus crushed stone for driveways (compacts well); pea gravel shifts underfoot.
- Add a compactor rental for driveway base — compacted gravel settles far less.
- Round up — gravel spreads thinner than expected as it settles into voids.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be?+
Driveway base: 4–6 inches compacted. Walkways: 2–3 inches. French drains: 8–12 inches of clean stone around the pipe.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?+
Roughly 1.4 tons (2,800 lb) for typical crushed stone — varies by stone size, type, and moisture content.
Bulk delivery or bagged gravel?+
Bulk (by the ton) is far cheaper for projects over about 2 cubic yards. Bagged gravel (0.5 cu ft bags) is convenient for small repairs only.
What type of gravel for a driveway?+
3/4" minus crushed stone (with fines) compacts into a solid surface. Avoid pea gravel for driveways — it shifts and rutts.