Gravel Calculator
Work out how much gravel a job really takes with this gravel calculator. Pick the shape, type the size and the depth, and read the full order in one result. The tool shows cubic yards to order, tons by gravel type, the count of 0.5 cubic foot bags, and the cost of the ton route and the yard route side by side. It suits driveways, paths, shed bases and drainage beds.
What the result numbers mean
Your volume with the extra allowance added. Gravel settles and compacts, so the order number plans for the level after the first rain.
Yards turned into weight by your gravel type. Many yards sell by the ton, so this line lets you order in their unit.
The same order in 0.5 cubic foot bags. The count shows fast when bags stop making sense for a job.
The bare math of the shape at your depth. The gap between this number and the order is your settling margin.
Add a price per ton and the tool prices the weight route on your real job size.
Add a price per cubic yard and the tool prices the volume route. Compare both lines before you call the yard.
How much gravel do I need?
Multiply the length by the width by the depth in feet, then divide by 27. A driveway 20 by 10 foot at 3 inches deep holds 1.85 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per yard, that is about 2.6 tons before any allowance.
How the math works
Choose a rectangle for driveways, paths and bases. Choose a circle for a round pad or a fire pit area.
Type the length and the width in feet. Measure a driveway in sections when it bends, and run each section on its own.
Depth drives the whole order. A path top up needs 2 inches. A driveway base needs 3 to 4 inches to hold cars.
The tool multiplies length by width by depth for cubic feet, then divides by 27. Yards are the unit bulk yards sell by.
Cubic feet / 27Each gravel type packs at its own weight. Crushed stone runs 1.4 tons per yard. Pea gravel runs 1.3. The type choice sets the weight.
Yards x Tons per yardThe extra allowance covers settling and spill. Add a price per ton or per yard and both order routes price out on the same job.
A driveway, 20 by 10 foot at 3 inches deep
Here is the driveway from the quick answer, on a breakdown slip, the way the tool builds it.
Read the slip top to bottom. The raw volume is the bare shape at depth. The extra line covers settling and compaction. The order total is the number you give the yard, in yards and in tons, so a yard that sells either way can fill it.
Shapes and gravel types, explained
This gravel calculator weighs each type at its own density, because a yard of one type never weighs the same as a yard of another. Tap a card to load that shape or type in the tool.
Driveways, paths, patios and shed bases. Measure the length and the width in feet. A bent driveway splits into two rectangles, one run at a time.
Key measure: length and width in feetTap to load in the calculatorFire pit pads, round play areas and drainage rings. Measure straight across the middle. That line is the diameter the formula needs.
Key measure: diameter across the middleTap to load in the calculatorThe driveway and base workhorse. The sharp edges lock together under load. It packs the heaviest of the three types at 1.4 tons per yard.
Key measure: 1.4 tons per yardTap to load in the calculatorSmall round stones that feel soft underfoot. Paths, play areas and dog runs use it. It runs lighter at 1.3 tons per yard and shifts more under cars.
Key measure: 1.3 tons per yardTap to load in the calculatorA mixed loose fill for beds and drainage runs. It weighs the least here at 1.25 tons per yard, so a ton of it covers a little more ground.
Key measure: 1.25 tons per yardTap to load in the calculatorA path top up takes 2 inches. A walking path takes 3. A driveway base takes 3 to 4, so the stone bed holds cars without ruts.
Key measure: depth in inchesCalculating the area of irregular shapes
Gravel does not care about straight lines, but the math does. Split an odd bed into rectangles and circles on paper. Run each part through the tool and add the tons.
A kidney shaped bed becomes one big rectangle plus two half circles. A curved path becomes a chain of short rectangles. The split method beats one wild guess every time.
Gravel numbers, in one place
| Gravel type | Tons per cubic yard | Pounds per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone | 1.40 | 2,800 |
| Pea gravel | 1.30 | 2,600 |
| Loose dry gravel | 1.25 | 2,500 |
Common mistakes
A thin bed shows the base through after one season. Match the depth to the job, 2 inches to top up and 3 to 4 for a base that carries cars.
One yard sells volume and the other sells weight. Order yards at a ton yard with no conversion and the load lands short. This page shows both numbers.
Loose gravel packs down after the first hard rain. The extra allowance in the result plans for that drop, so the level holds.
A driveway at 110 bags means many trips and a sore back. Read the bag count here first, then pick bags or bulk with open eyes.
How to buy gravel for your job
The result moment is the buying moment. Use the yards and tons from this gravel calculator when you call the yard or stand at the shelf. Two routes cover almost every job.
Option A: The bag route
- One standard bag holds 0.5 cubic feet. The tool counts them for you.
- Bags ride in any car and place clean in tight yards.
- The cost per yard climbs fast in bags. Check the count before you commit.
- Keep bags dry and stacked flat, so they pour clean on work day.
Option B: Bulk by the ton or yard
- Ask if the yard sells by the ton or by the yard, then order in that unit.
- A delivery fee often beats five pickup trips. Ask for the full price.
- Pick the dump spot before the truck rolls. Gravel moves hard after it lands.
- One load of the right type beats two loads of a near match.
For the concrete slab that sits on a gravel base, the concrete calculator gives the pour in the same style. For the soil beside the driveway, the topsoil calculator returns yards, tons and bags from one measure.
Questions, answered
Related calculators
Ready to plan your project?
Pick a calculator and get your numbers in seconds.
Find your calculator