Free Gravel Calculator
Estimate tons, yards & cost instantly — no sign-up required
Enter your measurements
and click Calculate
Free Gravel Calculator — Estimate Tons, Yards & Cost
Planning a driveway, patio, walkway, or drain and unsure how much gravel to order? This gravel calculator helps you turn length, width, depth, gravel type, and local price into a clear material estimate before you call a supplier. Made for USA homeowners, DIY users, landscapers, and small contractors who want a fast way to plan gravel projects with less guesswork.
- 100% Free Tool
- Instant Results
- Tons, Yards & Cost
- Multiple Gravel Types
- Mobile & Desktop
- No Sign-Up Needed
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
Six simple steps to get accurate gravel estimates for any project
Measure Length & Width
Measure the length and width of your project area. Use feet — most gravel estimates, delivery quotes, and yard layouts are based on feet and inches.
Enter Depth in Inches
Choose the gravel depth. A thin decorative layer may only need 2 inches, while a driveway may need 4 to 6 inches or more based on use and soil.
Pick the Gravel Type
Select from pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, 3/4 inch gravel, and more. Each type has a different weight per cubic yard for accurate ton estimates.
Add Price if Available
Enter your local price per ton or cubic yard. Gravel prices change by location, stone type, delivery distance, and supplier, so a local quote gives the best estimate.
Review Cubic Yards, Tons & Cost
The tool instantly shows your estimate in cubic yards, tons, and total cost. All results are calculated using industry-standard formulas.
Add Extra for Settling
Add 5–10% extra material for settling, spreading, and uneven areas. Order with confidence using your estimate for supplier quotes.
How to Calculate Gravel for Any Project
The math is simple — find the area, multiply by depth, then convert to yards and tons
You can calculate gravel by finding the area first, then multiplying by depth. For a rectangle or square area, multiply length by width. For a round area, use radius and circle area. After finding the area, convert the depth from inches to feet — for example, 3 inches equals 0.25 feet.
A patio is 20 ft long and 12 ft wide. You want 3 inches of gravel.
Order slightly more than 2.22 cubic yards to allow for spreading, low spots, and natural settling.
| Estimate Type | Formula |
|---|---|
| Square Feet | Length × Width |
| Cubic Feet | Sq Ft × Depth in Feet |
| Cubic Yards | Cubic Feet ÷ 27 |
| Tons | Cu Yd × Tons per Cu Yd |
| Cost | Tons or Yards × Local Price |
Gravel weight typically falls between 1.2 – 1.7 tons per cubic yard. Always confirm with your local supplier.
Gravel Coverage by Area and Depth
One cubic yard covers 27 cubic feet — here's how coverage changes at different depths
Gravel coverage depends on area and depth. The same cubic yard will cover more ground at 2 inches deep than it will at 6 inches deep. A one-cubic-yard load has 27 cubic feet of material — when spread at different depths, coverage changes quickly.
For decorative areas, a thinner layer may work well when the base is already stable. For driveways and base layers, deeper gravel often gives better support for foot traffic, cars, or drainage needs.
Gravel Depth Guide by Project Type
Choosing the right depth helps your project last longer and keeps material from moving too much
Decorative Landscape Beds
Light coverage for visual appeal over stable, weed-suppressed ground.
Garden Paths
Enough depth for light foot traffic. Use landscape fabric to control weeds.
Walkways
Good stability for regular foot traffic. Add edging to keep stone contained.
Patios
Works when the base is stable and a border holds the stone in place.
French Drains
Use clean gravel that allows water to move. Match to trench and pipe design.
Residential Driveways
Angular crushed gravel gives the firmest surface. Add extra for compaction.
Shed Bases
A compacted base helps the surface stay level and supports the structure above.
Heavy-Use Parking Areas
For soft soil, wet areas, or vehicle use. A strong compacted base is essential.
Gravel Types You Can Calculate
Different gravel types work better for different jobs — select the right material for your project
Pea Gravel
DecorativeSmall, rounded stone ideal for walkways, dog runs, playground areas, and decorative beds. Looks clean but can move under tires — edging helps keep it in place.
Crushed Gravel
StructuralAngular edges lock together better than rounded stone. Popular for driveways, shed bases, and compacted areas because it creates a firmer, more stable surface.
#57 Gravel
DrainageA common crushed stone size used for drainage, driveways, and construction base work. Allows water to move freely and supports many outdoor projects.
River Rock
DecorativeRounded and smooth, used in landscape beds, dry creek areas, and decorative drainage zones. Heavier to move by hand and may need a border to stay neat.
3/4 Inch Gravel
VersatileA common choice for driveways, base layers, and drainage areas. Gives a good mix of stability and drainage for many residential projects.
Gravel Estimates for Driveways, Patios & Drains
Each project type has a different purpose — here are quick planning examples
Gravel Driveway
Measure the full length and width. Choose depth based on vehicle use and soil. A driveway used daily often needs more depth than a short decorative parking pad.
Gravel Patio
Measure the seating area and add space around the edges. A 3 to 4 inch layer often works when the base is stable and a border holds the stone in place.
French Drain
Measure trench length, width, and depth. Drainage projects need clean gravel that allows water to move — not fine material that can pack too tightly.
Cubic Yards to Tons Gravel Conversion
Cubic yards measure volume, while tons measure weight. Gravel suppliers may use either one — so it helps to understand the difference before ordering.
A cubic yard tells you how much space the gravel fills. A ton tells you how heavy the gravel is. The conversion depends on stone type, moisture level, and density.
Always ask the supplier for the material's weight factor when ordering by the ton — this small step keeps your estimate closer to the delivered load.
How Much Gravel Should You Order?
Order enough to cover the area at the right depth, plus a buffer for spreading, settling, and uneven ground
Order Planning Method
- 1 Use the calculator for the base estimate
- 2 Check the area for slopes or low spots
- 3 Add extra material for compaction and settling
- 4 Ask the supplier about delivery size limits
- 5 Round up to match the supplier's ordering unit
Tips for Ordering the Right Amount of Gravel
Good gravel planning starts before the truck arrives — measure twice, check your depth, and confirm the material type with your supplier
Measuring & Planning Tips
- Mark the project area with stakes or spray paint before measuring.
- Measure the longest and widest points of the area.
- Break odd shapes into smaller rectangles for easier calculation.
- Use inches for depth and feet for area to keep units consistent.
- Ask for the supplier's ton-per-yard factor for accurate weight estimates.
- Check if delivery fees are separate from material cost.
- Confirm truck access to the site before scheduling delivery.
Installation & Ordering Tips
- Add extra for compaction on base layers — material settles after spreading.
- Use edging for paths, patios, and loose stone to keep gravel contained.
- Keep some spare gravel for future touch-ups and low spots.
- For large jobs, ask the supplier if they can split the delivery.
- Ordering too little can delay the project and add another delivery fee.
- Do not choose depth only by price — thin layers need more topping up over time.
- Local suppliers know which materials weigh more in your area — always ask.
Ready to Calculate Your Gravel Needs?
Use the free calculator above to estimate tons, cubic yards, coverage, and cost — then save your estimate for supplier quotes.
Start Calculating NowFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gravel calculations, ordering, and project planning
Measure the area, choose the depth, and convert the result into cubic yards. Then add a small extra amount (5–10%) for settling, spreading, and uneven ground. Use the calculator above to get instant results in cubic yards, tons, and cost.
Multiply cubic yards by the gravel weight per cubic yard. Many gravel types fall near 1.2 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard, but supplier data gives the best estimate. For example, if you need 5 cubic yards of gravel at 1.4 tons/yd³, you need approximately 7 tons.
Find cubic feet by multiplying area by depth in feet, then divide by 27. The result is your estimated cubic yards before adding extra material. For example: a 20 ft × 12 ft area at 3 inches (0.25 ft) deep = 240 × 0.25 = 60 cu ft ÷ 27 = 2.22 cubic yards.
Depth depends on the project: decorative beds may need 1–2 inches, garden paths often need 2–3 inches, walkways and patios need 2–4 inches, and driveways and shed bases often need 4–6 inches or more. For soft soil or vehicle use, go deeper.
One cubic yard covers approximately: 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, 81 sq ft at 4 inches, and 54 sq ft at 6 inches. Ground shape, compaction, slope, and stone size can all affect the final coverage.
Both are common in the USA. Some suppliers sell by the ton, while others sell by cubic yard, bag, or truckload. Our calculator displays results in both cubic yards and tons so you can work with whichever unit your supplier uses.
Many projects need 5% to 10% extra for compaction, spreading, low spots, and future touch-ups. Uneven ground may need more. If the calculator estimates 4.6 cubic yards, ordering 5 cubic yards is a reasonable buffer for most normal conditions.
Crushed gravel, #57 stone, and 3/4 inch gravel are the most common driveway options. Angular crushed stone locks together better than rounded stone, creating a firmer surface. The best choice depends on drainage needs, base prep, and vehicle use.
Yes. A pea gravel calculator uses the same area and depth method. Just select the pea gravel type from the dropdown so the calculator uses the correct density for accurate ton estimates. The volume calculation is the same regardless of gravel type.
Not always. Many suppliers price gravel separately from delivery, so ask for material cost, delivery cost, and any minimum order amount before placing your order. Local suppliers may have different pricing based on your distance from the quarry.
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