Gravel Calculator
Work out how much gravel your driveway, path, or base layer needs — in cubic yards, tons, and dollars.
Results are estimates. Gravel weight varies with stone type, moisture, and the amount of fines. Confirm density with your supplier for large orders.
How to Measure for Gravel
Gravel quantity depends on the area you're covering and how deep the layer is. Length and width are in feet; depth is in inches.
Driveways and rectangular areas
Measure the length and width in feet on the Length × Width tab. For a long driveway, the width is the usable surface, not the full property frontage.
Irregular shapes
For curved or odd-shaped areas, estimate the total square footage and use the Total area tab.
Choosing a depth
A driveway typically needs 4-6 inches of gravel, often built up in layers. Paths and decorative areas need only 2-3 inches over a firm base.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- One thin layer for a driveway. Driveways perform best with a coarse base course and a finer top course — plan the full depth.
- Confusing volume and weight. Suppliers may quote tons or yards; check both numbers so a delivery matches your order.
- Ignoring compaction. Gravel compacts as it's driven on. Order slightly extra and plan to top up.
- Skipping edge restraint. Without edging, gravel migrates off the area and you'll be buying more sooner than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiply the area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 100 sq ft path at 3 inches deep needs about 0.93 cubic yards.
Use 4-6 inches for a driveway, often in two layers, and 2-3 inches for a walking path or decorative ground cover.
Roughly 2,800 pounds, or about 1.4 tons. Wet gravel and crushed stone with fines weigh slightly more.
About 1.4 tons per cubic yard for typical dry gravel. This calculator uses that ratio to convert volume to weight.
Both, depending on the supplier. Knowing the cubic yards and the tonnage lets you compare quotes and check a delivery.