The gravel calculator tells you how much gravel to order for a driveway, walkway, patio base or drainage area. Enter the length, width and depth of the area and you get the volume in cubic yards, the weight in tons, and an estimated cost if you know your supplier’s price per ton. Most landscape yards in the US sell gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard, so the calculator shows both.
How to use it
- Measure the length and width of the area. For an irregular shape, split it into rectangles and add the results.
- Enter the depth you want, usually in inches.
- Leave the density at 1.4 tons per cubic yard unless your supplier gives a different figure for the stone you’re buying.
- Keep about 10% extra to allow for compaction and uneven ground.
The formula
Tons = cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard)
Example: a 40 × 12 ft driveway 4 inches deep is 40 × 12 × 0.333 = 160 cubic feet, or 5.93 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard that’s about 8.3 tons, or roughly 9.1 tons with 10% extra.
How deep should gravel be?
Depth depends on the use. Paths and patio bases commonly use 2 to 3 inches. Driveways usually need more, often 4 to 6 inches in total, built up in layers with a coarse base stone covered by a finer top layer. On soft or clay soil, or for heavy vehicles, deeper bases and landscape fabric help prevent ruts. Local contractors can advise on what works in your climate.
Gravel weight varies
Different stones weigh different amounts. Many common gravels weigh roughly 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard, and wet or densely graded material sits at the heavier end. If you buy by the ton, ask the supplier for the weight per cubic yard of that exact product and enter it above.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Typically about 1.4 tons, but it ranges from roughly 1.3 to 1.7 tons depending on the stone size, type and moisture.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 19 cubic feet, enough for roughly 58 square feet at 4 inches deep or about 77 square feet at 3 inches.
Should I order extra?
Yes. Gravel settles and compacts, and ground is rarely perfectly level. Ordering 5–15% extra avoids a second delivery fee.