Crushed Gravel Calculator
Estimate cubic yards, tons & cost for driveways, paths, base layers & drainage — free and instant
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Select Crushed Gravel Type
Choose the material you're ordering — crusher run, 3/4 crushed stone, granite, and others have different densities.
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Enter Dimensions
Add the Length, Width, and Depth of your project area. Switch between shapes using the tabs above.
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Add a Price (Optional)
Enter a price per ton or per yard to see a total cost estimate alongside volume and weight.
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Click Calculate
Your results appear here — volume in cubic yards, estimated weight in tons, and total cost.
Crushed Gravel Calculator for Yards, Tons, and Cost
Need to know how much crushed gravel to order? A Crushed Gravel Calculator helps you estimate cubic yards, tons, and cost using your project's length, width, and depth. Instead of guessing, you can calculate crushed gravel before calling a supplier — avoiding the cost of a second delivery or paying for material you do not need.
This is useful for driveways, walkways, patio bases, drainage areas, and landscaping projects. The calculator supports crushed gravel, crusher run, crusher fines, 3/4 gravel, and crushed granite.
- Total Square Footage
- Cubic Feet & Cubic Yards
- Estimated Tons & Weight
- Optional Cost Estimate
- 10% Compaction Buffer
- Multiple Gravel Types
How to Use the Crushed Gravel Calculator
Enter your project measurements, choose the depth and gravel type, and get an instant estimate
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Measure the project length — use feet for the most accurate result.
- Measure the project width — length and width together give your surface area.
- Choose the gravel depth in inches — see the depth guide below for common ranges.
- Select the crushed gravel type — crushed gravel, crusher run, crusher fines, 3/4 gravel, or crushed granite.
- Add price per ton (optional) if you want a cost estimate.
- Add a waste buffer if the gravel will be compacted — the calculator includes 10% automatically.
- Review the estimate in cubic yards and tons, then confirm with your supplier before ordering.
What the Calculator Measures
The calculator uses three main inputs to estimate your crushed gravel order
Length & Width
Surface AreaMeasure both sides of your project in feet. Together they give the total surface area the gravel must cover.
Depth
Gravel LayerHow thick the crushed gravel layer will be. Depth changes the order amount more than any other input — choose based on project type.
Gravel Type
Material DensityDifferent crushed gravel types have different densities. The type you select changes the ton estimate — crusher run weighs more than clean crushed stone.
Crushed Gravel Calculator Formula
The basic formula is based on volume — first calculate cubic feet, then convert to cubic yards
A project area is 30 ft long and 10 ft wide. You want 4 inches of crushed gravel.
Add 10% extra for compaction and spreading loss before ordering.
| Depth (inches) | Depth (feet) |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | 0.167 ft |
| 3 inches | 0.25 ft |
| 4 inches | 0.333 ft |
| 6 inches | 0.5 ft |
| 8 inches | 0.667 ft |
Crushed Gravel Depth Guide for Driveways and Paths
The right depth depends on how the gravel will be used — light landscaping needs less depth than a driveway or base layer
| Project Type | Common Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 2–3 inches | Good for light foot traffic |
| Walkway | 3–4 inches | Better support and coverage |
| Patio base | 4–6 inches | Depends on surface material |
| Driveway top layer | 3–4 inches | Works over a strong base |
| Driveway base layer | 4–8 inches | Needed for better support |
| Drainage area | 4–6 inches | Depends on water flow |
Paths & Walkways
Garden paths need 2–3 inches for light foot traffic. Walkways used more frequently benefit from 3–4 inches for better support and coverage.
Driveway & Base Layers
A top driveway layer may need 3–4 inches over a strong base. A new driveway base or base layer often needs 4–8 inches for soft soil or heavy vehicle use.
Patio & Drainage
Patio bases need 4–6 inches depending on the surface material above. Drainage areas need 4–6 inches based on water flow and soil conditions.
For soft soil or heavy vehicle use, a thicker base may be needed. Loose gravel settles after installation — do not choose depth only by price. A thin layer can move, sink, or leave bare spots.
Types of Crushed Gravel
Choose the right material based on your project — not all crushed gravel serves the same purpose
3/4 Crushed Gravel
Driveways & DrainageThree-quarter inch crushed gravel locks together better than rounded gravel. Used for driveway surfaces, base layers, walkways, drainage areas, shed pads, and patio bases.
Crusher Run
Base LayersAlso called crush and run. Contains stone dust and fines that compact into a firm base. Used for driveway bases, road base, parking pads, paver bases, and compacted paths.
Crusher Fines
Paths & LandscapingSmall crushed stone particles that create a smooth walking surface when compacted. Used for walking paths, garden trails, small patio areas, and decorative landscaping.
Crushed Granite
Decorative & StructuralPopular for a clean look and a strong surface. Used for landscape beds, garden paths, patio bases, walkways, driveway surfaces, and decorative gravel areas.
Crushed Gravel Coverage and Yards-to-Tons Guide
Coverage depends on depth — the same cubic yard covers more area at 2 inches than at 6 inches
| Depth | 1 Cubic Yard Covers About |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | 162 square feet |
| 3 inches | 108 square feet |
| 4 inches | 81 square feet |
| 6 inches | 54 square feet |
| 8 inches | 40.5 square feet |
For yards-to-tons conversion, supplier density matters. Crushed gravel, crusher run, and crushed granite may not weigh the same per cubic yard. Always ask your supplier for their specific material weight per cubic yard before placing a final order.
Crushed Gravel Cost Calculator
Estimate your project budget before ordering — use tons or cubic yards depending on how your supplier sells material
Gravel price is not the only cost. Your final project cost may also include delivery fees, minimum order fees, fuel surcharges, local taxes, spreading or installation costs, extra material for compaction, and extra material for uneven ground.
Common Crushed Gravel Calculation Mistakes
Small mistakes can lead to a wrong estimate — check these before ordering
Not Converting Depth Correctly
- If depth is in inches, divide by 12 before using the formula.
- Four inches is not 4 feet — it is 0.33 feet.
- This single mistake can make the estimate 12× too high.
Forgetting Compaction Loss
- Crushed gravel and crusher run settle after spreading and compacting.
- Ordering the exact loose volume may leave you short.
- Add 10% extra to account for settling and compaction.
Using the Wrong Gravel Type
- Crusher run, crusher fines, 3/4 crushed gravel, and crushed granite do not always serve the same purpose.
- Choose the material based on your project use — drainage, load-bearing, decorative, or base.
Skipping the Waste Buffer
- Uneven ground, spreading loss, and compaction all increase the amount needed.
- A 5% to 15% buffer helps avoid a short order.
- A second delivery costs more than adding extra material upfront.
Ordering Without Checking Supplier Units
- Some suppliers sell by the ton. Others sell by the cubic yard.
- Make sure your estimate matches how they sell the material.
- Confirm material density before you compare prices.
Ready to Calculate Your Crushed Gravel?
Use the free calculator above to estimate cubic yards, tons, and cost, then confirm final weight, price, and delivery details with your local supplier.
Start Calculating NowFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about crushed gravel calculations, depth, gravel types, and cost
Measure the length, width, and depth of the area. Multiply them to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Use supplier density to convert yards into tons.
It depends on driveway size and depth. A light top layer may need 3–4 inches, while a base layer may need 4–8 inches. Use the calculator above to estimate yards and tons based on your specific dimensions.
The best calculator should show cubic yards, tons, cost, and a waste buffer. It should also let you choose crushed gravel type, depth, and price per ton — just like the calculator on this page.
Yes. "Crush gravel calculator" is a common search variation. Most users mean a crushed gravel calculator that estimates crushed stone or crushed rock by yards and tons.
The ton amount depends on gravel density, stone size, and moisture. Crushed stone is often around 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard, but the exact figure varies. Ask your supplier for their cubic-yard-to-ton conversion before placing the final order.
Not exactly. Crusher run includes crushed stone and stone dust, so it compacts into a firm base. Clean crushed gravel usually has fewer fines and drains better. Choose crusher run when you need a stable compacted base.
They often refer to the same material. The name changes by region or supplier. Both are used for compacted base layers, driveways, and road base.
Light paths may need 2–3 inches. Walkways often need 3–4 inches. Driveway top layers typically use 3–4 inches over a strong base. Driveway base layers and drainage areas may need 4–8 inches depending on soil and traffic.
Coverage depends on depth. One cubic yard covers about 81 square feet at 4 inches deep. At 3 inches deep, it covers about 108 square feet. At 2 inches deep, it covers about 162 square feet.
Yes. Adding a 5% to 15% buffer is smart for many projects. A 10% buffer is a common planning number for waste, spreading loss, and compaction. The calculator on this page already includes a 10% buffer in the results.
Estimate Crushed Gravel Before Ordering
Measure your length, width, and depth. Then calculate cubic yards, estimate tons, and add a buffer for compaction or waste. Confirm the final amount with your local supplier before placing the order.