Gravel Calculator – Estimate Gravel Volume, Weight, Coverage & Cost

By Jagdish Reddy | 10+ Years Gardening Experience
Research Sources: USDA NRCS Aggregate Guidance (Natural Resources Conservation Service – soil and drainage standards) and Penn State Extension – Driveways and Pavements (material selection and base preparation guidance)
Updated: June 2026

Getting your gravel order wrong costs money two different ways: pay for a second delivery when you are short, or spend a weekend hauling off excess material. A gravel calculator solves that before you place the call.

Enter your project dimensions, pick your depth, and you get cubic yards, tons, and an estimated cost in seconds. This guide also covers gravel sizes, base layer prep, bagged gravel counts, delivery truck capacities, and the most common ordering mistakes. Coverage estimates throughout are based on commonly accepted aggregate densities; actual results vary with stone size, moisture content, compaction method, and supplier specifications.

Quick Gravel Formula

Volume = Length × Width × Depth (all in feet)

Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet divided by 27

Tons = Cubic Yards × Gravel Density (avg 1.4)

Cost = Tons × Price per Ton

Always add 10% to 15% for compaction and waste before ordering.

Calculate Gravel Needed

Quick Answer: Most gravel weighs 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. To estimate how much you need, multiply Length × Width × Depth (all in feet), divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by gravel density. Add 10 to 15% for compaction and waste before ordering.

How to Use the Gravel Calculator

Step 1: Enter Length and Width

The calculator has two separate fields: Area Length and Area Width. Each field has its own unit selector next to it. You can enter in feet (ft) or yards (yd) and switch between them independently.

Use a tape measure before you sit down. Write the numbers down first. The calculator accepts decimals, so 10.5 ft is fine. For odd-shaped areas, break them into rectangles, run each section separately, then add the results.

Step 2: Enter Depth

The Depth field has its own unit selector: inches (in) or feet (ft). This is the most important choice to get right.

If your project needs 3 inches of gravel, select “in” and type 3. If you switch to feet and forget, you’ll calculate for 3 feet of gravel instead, which is roughly 12x too much. The minimum accepted value is 0.5 inches, so the calculator catches zero-depth entries before you calculate.

Step 3: Enter Bag Size (Optional)

If you are buying bagged gravel instead of bulk delivery, fill in the Bag Size field. The unit selector lets you choose lbs or cu ft depending on how your bags are labeled at the store.

Common bag sizes: 50 lb bags, 40 lb bags, 0.5 cu ft bags, 0.4 cu ft bags. Enter whichever matches the bag you plan to buy and the calculator returns the exact bag count you need.

Step 4: Enter Price per Bag (Optional)

Enter the price per bag in dollars to get a total cost estimate. This field is optional. Leave it blank if you just need volume and weight. The estimated cost appears as a separate result card after you calculate.

Step 5: Hit Calculate and Read Your Results

Click the Calculate button. The results panel shows six numbers: volume in cubic feet, volume in cubic yards, weight in pounds, bags needed (if you entered a bag size), area covered, and depth applied.

The formula panel below the results shows exactly how the calculator arrived at each number. Use this to double-check the math before calling a supplier. Use Cubic Yards when ordering bulk delivery. Use Bags Needed when shopping at a hardware store. Use the Copy button to save your results.

To adjust any number, click Recalculate to go back to the input fields without losing your previous values. The Reset button clears everything back to blank.

Gravel Size Guide: Which Size to Use

Gravel size affects drainage, compaction, stability, and how it looks. Using the wrong size is one of the most common project mistakes.

Size / Grade	Best Use	Notes
#57 Stone (3/4″)	Driveways, drainage	Most common driveway top layer
#5 Stone (1″)	Base layers, drainage	Good load-bearing capacity
#8 Stone (3/8″)	Walkways, patios	Stable underfoot, compact well
#10 Stone dust	Bedding, leveling	Fine dust, packs hard
Pea gravel (3/8″)	Landscaping, paths	Smooth, decorative, rolls underfoot
Crusher run / QP	Driveways, shed bases	Mixed sizes, compacts nearly solid
1-1/2″ stone	French drains, drainage	High void space for water flow
3″ rip-rap	Erosion control, slopes	Heavy, does not move easily

ASTM standards classify aggregate sizes by number. Your local quarry or state DOT (Department of Transportation) supplier will recognize these designations. Home Depot and Lowe’s typically carry #57 stone, pea gravel, and crusher run in bulk or bags.

Gravel Coverage Chart by Depth, Cubic Yard & Ton

Coverage per Cubic Yard

Depth	Coverage (sq ft)	Coverage (sq m)	Typical Project
2 inches	162 sq ft	15.1 sq m	Garden beds, decorative
3 inches	108 sq ft	10.0 sq m	Walkways, patios
4 inches	81 sq ft	7.5 sq m	Driveways (top layer)
6 inches	54 sq ft	5.0 sq m	Driveways (total depth)
8 inches	40 sq ft	3.7 sq m	French drains, heavy use
12 inches	27 sq ft	2.5 sq m	Deep drainage trenches

Building raised garden beds nearby? Our Raised Bed Soil Calculator makes it easy to estimate the amount of soil required to fill beds accurately.

Coverage per Ton

Depth	Coverage (sq ft)	Coverage (sq m)
2 inches	~100 sq ft	~9.3 sq m
3 inches	~65 sq ft	~6.0 sq m
4 inches	~50 sq ft	~4.6 sq m
6 inches	~33 sq ft	~3.1 sq m
8 inches	~25 sq ft	~2.3 sq m

Based on average gravel density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Dense stone like quarry limestone will cover slightly less per ton.

Gravel Weight Calculator: Tons, Cubic Yards & Density

Average Weight by Gravel Type

Gravel Type	Tons per Cu Yd	Lbs per Cu Ft
Crushed stone (#57)	1.35 – 1.45	75 – 80 lbs
Pea gravel	1.30 – 1.40	72 – 78 lbs
River rock	1.40 – 1.50	78 – 83 lbs
Limestone gravel	1.45 – 1.55	80 – 86 lbs
Decomposed granite	1.35 – 1.45	75 – 80 lbs
Quarry process / crusher run	1.45 – 1.55	80 – 86 lbs
Washed gravel	1.30 – 1.40	72 – 78 lbs
Stone dust / crusher fines	1.50 – 1.65	83 – 92 lbs

Cubic Yards to Tons

Multiply cubic yards by the density from the table above. If you are using average crushed aggregate, multiply by 1.4.

Example: 5 cubic yards × 1.4 = 7 tons.

Tons to Cubic Yards

Divide tons by the density. Example: 10 tons / 1.4 = 7.14 cubic yards.

Loose vs Compacted Gravel

Gravel delivered loose takes up more space than gravel after compaction. Quarry process and crusher run typically compact 15% to 20%. After a vibratory plate compactor or roller passes over it, the surface drops noticeably.

For base course work, add 20% to your calculated volume to account for this. For decorative top layers with no compaction, add 10%.

Do You Need a Base Layer?

Most decorative projects like garden borders or ornamental beds do not need a base. Driveways, shed bases, and RV pads do.

A proper base layer stabilizes the surface, improves drainage, and prevents the top gravel from sinking into soft soil over time.

If your project also requires adding or leveling soil before installing gravel, use our Topsoil Calculator to estimate the amount of topsoil needed before creating a stable base.

What Goes Into a Gravel Base

• Subgrade: the native soil, graded and compacted before anything goes down
• Geotextile fabric: permeable landscape fabric laid over subgrade to separate soil from gravel and prevent mixing
• Base course: 4 inches of crusher run or quarry process compacted with a plate compactor
• Top course: 2 to 3 inches of #57 stone or your chosen finish gravel

Skipping the fabric on clay-heavy or wet soils means the base gravel will slowly disappear into the ground. On sandy, well-drained soils, fabric is optional but still extends the life of the driveway.

Compaction Equipment

Rent a vibratory plate compactor for areas under 500 sq ft. For larger driveways, a roller is more efficient. Make two passes: one when the base is placed, and a second after adding the top layer.

Settlement happens regardless. Plan for 10% to 20% reduction in layer height after compaction.

Gravel Cost Calculator: Estimate Material & Delivery Costs

Average Gravel Prices

Prices are approximate and vary by region. Last Updated: June 2026.

Gravel Type	Per Ton	Per Cu Yd
Crushed stone	$15 – $35	$20 – $50
Pea gravel	$25 – $55	$35 – $75
River rock	$35 – $80	$50 – $115
Decomposed granite	$20 – $50	$28 – $70
Quarry process	$15 – $30	$20 – $42
Limestone gravel	$18 – $40	$25 – $55
Washed gravel	$20 – $45	$28 – $63

What Drives Gravel Prices

Transportation is usually the biggest variable. Gravel from a quarry 5 miles away costs much less than material hauled 50 miles. Fuel surcharges, seasonal demand spikes in spring and summer, and regional stone availability all shift the final price.

Urban suppliers often mark up 20% to 40% over quarry-direct pricing. Calling the nearest quarry first is almost always worth it.

Delivery Truck Sizes and Capacities

Truck Type	Capacity	Best For
Small dump truck	5 – 8 cubic yards	Small patios, walkways
Standard dump	10 – 14 cubic yards	Driveways up to 1,000 sq ft
Tandem axle	14 – 18 cubic yards	Large driveways, parking areas
Tri-axle / transfer	18 – 25 cubic yards	Commercial, bulk orders

One standard 10-yard dump truck load typically covers a 20 ft × 20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep. Minimum order quantities vary by supplier but are usually 3 to 5 yards.

Tips to Save on Gravel

• Order off-season (late fall or winter) when demand is lower
• Ask about minimum delivery thresholds for free or reduced delivery
• Check county road departments or highway contractors for surplus aggregate
• Compare per-ton price at three suppliers before ordering
• Pick up in a pickup truck for orders under 1 ton to skip delivery fees

Pro Tip: If your estimate lands close to a full cubic yard or ton, round up rather than down. A small surplus costs far less than scheduling and paying for a second delivery.

Buying Gravel Near You: Regional Tips

Gravel names change depending on where you live. The same material gets called crusher run in the Southeast, road base in the Southwest, and quarry process in the Northeast. When calling suppliers, use ASTM size numbers (#57, #8, #4) instead of local nicknames to get a consistent answer about what you are actually buying.

Suppliers also sell by different units. Some quote per ton, others per cubic yard. Always ask for both numbers so you can compare across suppliers without doing a separate conversion each time.

Availability by region: limestone is the dominant gravel in the Midwest and South. Granite is common in the Northeast and Southeast. Basalt shows up in the Pacific Northwest. In areas far from active quarries, prices run 30% to 50% higher because transportation adds to every ton.

Home Depot and Lowe’s carry bagged pea gravel, #57 stone, and decorative rock nationally. For bulk orders, search “gravel supplier near me” or “aggregate quarry [your city]” to find local sources that sell direct to homeowners at lower prices than landscape supply stores.

Bagged Gravel Calculator: How Many Bags Do You Need?

Millions of homeowners buy gravel by the bag for small projects. Bags are convenient but cost 3x to 5x more per ton than bulk delivery.

Common Bag Sizes

Bag Size	Volume (cu ft)	Weight	Bags per Cu Yd
Large bag	0.5 cu ft	~50 lbs	54 bags
Standard bag	0.4 cu ft	~40 lbs	68 bags
Small bag	0.25 cu ft	~25 lbs	108 bags

How to Calculate Bag Count

Step 1: Find your total volume in cubic feet (length × width × depth in feet).

Step 2: Divide by the bag size in cubic feet.

Step 3: Round up to the nearest whole number. Add 10% for waste.

Example: A 10 ft × 6 ft path at 2 inches deep = 10 cu ft. Using 0.5 cu ft bags = 20 bags needed. Add 2 extra bags for waste = order 22 bags.

Types of Gravel and Their Best Uses

Crushed Stone

Angular edges bind together under load, which is why crushed stone stays in place on driveways while rounded gravel shifts underfoot. Available in sizes from #4 to #10. Most driveways use #57 (3/4 inch) for the top layer.

Pea Gravel

Smooth, rounded, 3/8 inch diameter. Works well for playgrounds, garden paths, and drainage. Rolls underfoot, so it needs plastic or metal edging. Not suitable for driveways or high-traffic areas.

River Rock

Water-worn stones from 1/2 inch to 3 inches. Mostly decorative. Good for dry creek beds, rain gardens, and pond edging. Poor traction for driveways. Can be expensive since it is often trucked in from distant riverbeds.

Decomposed Granite

Fine granite particles that compact into a firm, stable surface. Popular for xeriscape paths and patios in dry climates. Needs a stabilizer additive or resin binder in wet climates, otherwise it erodes with heavy rain.

Quarry Process / Crusher Run

A mix of crushed stone and stone dust that compacts nearly solid. The FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) base specification uses compacted gravel base course under road pavement. Crusher run is the residential equivalent. Best material for shed bases, driveway bases, and RV pads.

Washed Gravel vs Unwashed

Washed gravel has the fine dust rinsed off, which improves drainage because water flows freely between stones. Unwashed or dirty gravel retains fines that partially fill the voids, reducing drainage but improving compaction.

For French drains and drainage applications, always use clean washed gravel. For base layers, unwashed crusher run is better because the fines help lock the stones together.

Recommended Gravel Depth by Project Type

Project	Minimum Depth	Recommended Depth	Best Gravel
Driveway (top)	3 inches	4 inches	#57 crushed stone
Driveway (base)	4 inches	6 inches	Crusher run / QP
Walkway	2 inches	3 – 4 inches	#8 or pea gravel
Patio	3 inches	4 inches	#57 or pea gravel
Garden bed	1.5 inches	2 – 3 inches	Decorative pea or river rock
French drain	6 inches	8 – 12 inches	#57 washed stone
Shed base	4 inches	6 inches	Crusher run
Fire pit area	3 inches	4 inches	Pea gravel or lava rock
Dog run	3 inches	4 inches	Pea gravel
RV pad	6 inches	8 inches	Crusher run + #57 top
Playground	6 inches	9 – 12 inches	Pea gravel
Horse arena	4 inches	6 inches	Crushed stone or decomposed granite

Driveway Gravel in Detail

A properly built gravel driveway has two distinct layers. The base is 4 to 6 inches of compacted crusher run laid directly on compacted subgrade. The top is 2 to 4 inches of #57 crushed stone.

Going shallower than 6 inches total leads to rutting under vehicle weight within a few seasons. Areas with heavy clay soil or poor drainage benefit from geotextile fabric between the subgrade and base layer.

French Drain Gravel in Detail

A French drain trench typically measures 12 inches wide and 18 to 24 inches deep. The perforated drain pipe sits at the bottom surrounded by washed #57 stone. Gravel fills the remaining space to within a few inches of grade.

At 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep, a 20 ft French drain needs roughly 1.5 cubic yards of gravel.

Gravel Unit Conversion Chart

Convert From	Convert To	Formula
Cubic feet	Cubic yards	Divide by 27
Cubic yards	Cubic feet	Multiply by 27
Cubic meters	Cubic yards	Multiply by 1.308
Cubic yards	Cubic meters	Multiply by 0.7646
Inches (depth)	Feet	Divide by 12
Square feet	Square yards	Divide by 9
Square feet	Square meters	Multiply by 0.0929
Tons (short)	Cubic yards	Divide by 1.4 (avg)
Cubic yards	Tons (short)	Multiply by 1.4 (avg)

Gravel Calculator Examples by Project

Driveway Gravel Example

Project: 60 ft × 12 ft driveway, total depth 6 inches (base + top combined).

Volume = 60 × 12 × 0.5 = 360 cu ft = 13.3 cubic yards.

Add 15% for compaction = 15.3 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons/cubic yards = 21.4 tons.

Split roughly 60/40: about 9 cubic yards of crusher run for base, 6 cubic yards of #57 for top.

Patio Gravel Example

Project: 16 ft × 14 ft patio at 3 inches deep.

Volume = 16 × 14 × 0.25 = 56 cu ft = 2.07 cubic yards.

Add 10% = 2.3 cubic yards = 3.2 tons.

Garden Path Example

Project: Winding path approximately 35 ft long × 3 ft wide at 2 inches deep.

Volume = 35 × 3 × 0.167 = 17.5 cu ft = 0.65 cubic yards.

Add 15% for irregular edges = 0.75 cubic yards. This is under 1 cubic yard, so bagged gravel may be more practical.

0.75 cubic yard = 20.25 cu ft. At 0.5 cu ft per bag = 41 bags. Order 45 bags.

Playground Gravel Example

Project: 20 ft × 20 ft playground area at 9 inches deep (safety standard).

Volume = 20 × 20 × 0.75 = 300 cu ft = 11.1 cubic yards.

Add 10% = 12.2 cubic yards = 17 tons. Use pea gravel for safety and comfort.

French Drain Example

Project: 30 ft long trench, 12 inches wide, 18 inches deep.

Volume = 30 × 1 × 1.5 = 45 cu ft = 1.67 cubic yards.

Add 10% for settling = 1.84 cubic yards. Use clean washed #57 stone.

Gravel vs Mulch vs Other Materials

Material	Lifespan	Drainage	Cost (cu yd)
Crushed gravel	Permanent	Excellent	$20 – $55
Wood mulch	1 – 3 years	Good	$25 – $45
River rock	Permanent	Excellent	$50 – $115
Rubber mulch	10+ years	Good	$80 – $150
Sand	Permanent	Poor (compacts)	$15 – $30

Gravel outlasts organic mulch permanently but does not break down to feed soil. It is the better choice for driveways, drainage, and high-traffic areas. Mulch is better under trees and in planting beds where soil biology matters.

Planning decorative garden beds instead of gravel? Try our Mulch Calculator to estimate the right amount of mulch for flower beds, trees, and landscape borders.

Gravel Type Comparison: Drainage, Compaction & Best Use

Material	Best For	Drainage	Compacts Well
Crusher Run	Driveways, bases	Medium	Excellent (5/5)
Pea Gravel	Paths, landscaping	High	Poor (1/5)
River Rock	Decoration, edging	High	Poor (1/5)
Crushed Stone #57	Driveways, roads	Medium	Good (4/5)
Washed Gravel	French drains	Excellent	Poor (2/5)

Common Mistakes When Estimating Gravel

Depth Input Errors

The most common mistake: entering 3 when you mean 3 inches (0.25 feet). A 10 ft × 10 ft area at 0.25 ft deep = 25 cu ft. The same area at 3 ft deep = 300 cu ft. That is a $400+ ordering mistake.

Double-check: always convert inches to feet before entering the number.

Skipping the Compaction Buffer

Crushed aggregate compacts 10% to 20% after it settles and gets driven over. Order exactly what the raw formula gives you and you will come up short after the first rain and a few vehicle passes.

Mixing Up Tons and Cubic Yards

Some suppliers quote in tons, others in cubic yards. The price per unit looks very different depending on which unit they use. Get both numbers from every supplier and convert to one unit before comparing.

Not Calling the Quarry Directly

Landscape supply stores mark up gravel 20% to 40% over quarry pricing. Most quarries sell direct to homeowners. Call the nearest quarry, give them your cubic yard total, and ask for a delivery quote.

Related Calculators for Your Project

If you are estimating multiple materials for the same project, these calculators work together with the gravel estimator:

• Sand Calculator: for leveling base layers under pavers or between gravel layers
• Concrete Calculator: when mixing concrete footings alongside a gravel base
• Topsoil Calculator: for raised beds or lawn areas adjacent to gravel paths
• Mulch Calculator: for comparing mulch vs gravel coverage costs
• Paver Calculator: when setting pavers on a compacted gravel and sand base
• Fill Dirt Calculator: for building up low areas before gravel goes down
• Landscape Rock Calculator: for larger decorative boulder and river rock projects

Frequently Asked Questions about Gravel Calculation

How much gravel do I need?

Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply by 1.4 for tons. Add 10% to 15% before ordering. A 10 ft × 10 ft area at 3 inches deep needs 0.93 cubic yards or about 1.3 tons.

What is one cubic yard of gravel?

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, about the size of a large washing machine box. It typically weighs 2,600 to 3,100 lbs depending on gravel type. A standard pickup truck bed holds roughly 1 cubic yard safely.

How deep should gravel be?

• Walkways: 2 to 3 inches
• Patios: 3 to 4 inches
• Driveways (top layer): 4 inches
• Driveways (total depth with base): 6 to 8 inches
• French drains: 8 to 12 inches
• Playgrounds: 9 to 12 inches (ASTM safety standard)

How many bags of gravel do I need?

Calculate your total cubic feet first. Divide by the bag size in cubic feet. A 0.5 cu ft bag covers 3 sq ft at 2 inches deep. For a 10 ft × 6 ft path at 2 inches, you need about 24 bags. Always round up and add 10%.

How much does one dump truck of gravel cover?

A standard 10-yard dump truck carries about 10 cubic yards. At 4 inches deep, that covers roughly 810 square feet, about a 20 ft × 40 ft area. At 6 inches deep it covers around 540 square feet.

Can I use pea gravel for a driveway?

Not as a top surface. Pea gravel is round and smooth, so it shifts under tire pressure and creates an uneven, unstable surface. It also gets pushed to the sides by vehicles over time. Use crushed stone (#57) or quarry process for driveways. Pea gravel works well for decorative borders alongside a driveway but not on the driving surface itself.

How much does a ton of gravel cost?

A ton of common crushed stone runs $15 to $35 at the quarry, not including delivery. Pea gravel and river rock cost more, typically $25 to $80 per ton. Delivery adds $50 to $150 depending on distance. Urban areas near no quarries pay the most. Rural areas close to stone sources pay the least.

Is gravel cheaper than concrete?

Yes, significantly. Gravel driveways typically cost $1 to $3 per square foot installed. Concrete driveways run $6 to $12 per square foot. Gravel also requires no curing time and can be installed the same day. The tradeoff is maintenance: gravel needs top-ups every few years while concrete lasts 25 to 30 years with minimal upkeep.

What gravel is best for drainage?

Clean washed #57 gravel (3/4 inch) is the standard for French drains, foundation drainage, and dry creek beds. Washed means the fine dust has been rinsed off, so water moves freely through the voids. Do not use unwashed or dirty stone for drainage applications since the fines clog the gaps and reduce water flow significantly.

What is #57 gravel?

#57 is an ASTM size designation for crushed stone approximately 3/4 inch in diameter. It is the most common gravel used for driveways, French drains, concrete aggregate, and general construction. The number refers to the stone size classification, not quality. Most quarries carry it and it is available in bags at major home improvement stores.

What is crusher run?

Crusher run (also called quarry process, road base, or dense-grade aggregate depending on your region) is a mix of crushed stone pieces and stone dust. The fine dust fills the gaps between the larger pieces, which allows it to compact into a near-solid surface. It is the best base material for driveways, parking pads, shed bases, and RV pads.

Can I lay gravel directly on soil?

Yes, for decorative areas and light foot traffic. For driveways or any area that needs to stay firm over time, lay geotextile fabric over compacted soil first, then your base layer, then the finish gravel. Without fabric on clay or silty soil, the base gravel gradually sinks into the ground and disappears within a few seasons.

Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?

For weed suppression in garden beds and decorative areas, yes. Use a permeable woven geotextile fabric, not plastic sheeting. Plastic blocks water and kills soil biology. For driveways and structural bases, use heavier non-woven geotextile fabric designed for separation, not the lightweight garden fabric sold at home improvement stores.

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?

One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27. To go the other direction, multiply cubic yards by 27. This is the single most used conversion in any gravel estimate since most measurements start in feet but suppliers quote in cubic yards.

How much gravel fits in a pickup truck?

A standard short-bed pickup can usually carry about 1 cubic yard of gravel, provided the total weight stays within the truck’s payload rating (roughly 1.4 tons). A full-size long-bed pickup can carry about 1.5 cubic yards without overloading the rear springs. Always check your truck’s payload rating before loading. Gravel is dense and heavier than it looks; a single cubic yard weighs more than most trucks’ maximum rear payload.

Reference Resources

USDA NRCS Aggregate Guidance: (Natural Resources Conservation Service – soil and drainage standards)

Penn State Extension – Driveways and Pavements: (material selection and base preparation guidance)

Disclaimer: Information on this site is for educational purposes only. Results vary by climate, soil, weather, and growing conditions. For region-specific advice, consult your local USDA Cooperative Extension Service before making major gardening or soil changes.