Gravel Calculator
To find how much gravel you need, multiply length x width x depth in inches and divide by 324 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 for tons. A 10 x 20 ft area at 3 inches deep needs 1.9 cubic yards, about 2.5 to 3 tons. One ton covers about 80 sq ft at 3 inches.
Calculate how much gravel you need based on length, width, and depth of your project area.
Measure your area on a satellite map
Type your address, trace the area, and get the tons and cubic yards for it.
Trace your driveway, patio or path
Type your address, trace the area on a satellite photo, and see how many tons to order.
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Start typing and pick your address from the list. The map jumps straight to your property.
Your satellite view shows up here
Enter an address in step 1. Then click around the edge of the spot you want to cover and the planner does the math.
No address handy? Type the size
Please enter your dimensions above to calculate.
Run a landscaping, driveway or garden site? Put this calculator on your website for free.
Get a price for it
Now that you know how much you need, see the yards near you and ask them for a price.
How the Gravel Calculator Works
Enter your project dimensions (length, width, and depth) and select a gravel type. The calculator converts your measurements into cubic yards, then uses material-specific density ranges to estimate how many tons to order.
A waste allowance (default 10%) accounts for uneven ground, spillage, and settling. Compaction is applied automatically based on the gravel type. Angular crushed stone compacts more than rounded pea gravel. The result is rounded up to the nearest half-ton or full ton so your order matches how suppliers actually sell.
How Deep Should Gravel Be?
- Driveways:
- 4–6 inches. Use a compactable base layer (crusher run) topped with 2–3 inches of surface gravel. Heavier traffic and soft soil need the full 6 inches.
- Patios:
- 3–4 inches over compacted soil or a thin base layer. Decorative gravels like pea gravel or decomposed granite work well at this depth.
- Walkways:
- 2–3 inches is usually enough for foot traffic. Use edging to keep the gravel contained, especially with rounded types that tend to migrate.
- Drainage:
- 6–12 inches depending on the application. French drains and dry wells need coarser stone (#57 or river rock) at the deeper end of the range.
Why Tons per Yard Varies by Gravel Type
A cubic yard of gravel doesn't always weigh the same. The conversion depends on the stone's density, shape, and how much air space sits between the pieces. Angular crushed stone packs tightly and weighs more per cubic yard (1.35–1.55 tons) while rounded pea gravel leaves more gaps and weighs less (1.30–1.45 tons).
This is why the calculator shows a weight range instead of a single number. Moisture content, exact particle size, and source quarry all shift the real weight. When in doubt, order toward the high end of the range. A little extra gravel is far cheaper than paying for a second delivery.