Gravel Calculator — How Much Gravel Do I Need? (Tons & Yards)
Calculate the exact cubic yards and tons of gravel needed for driveways, paths, drainage, and landscaping projects. Covers pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, and more.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the length and width of your area in feet
- Enter the desired gravel depth in inches
- Select the type of gravel for accurate weight calculations
- Adjust the waste factor (10% is standard for most projects)
- Click "Calculate Gravel" to see cubic yards, tons, and bag equivalents
How the Calculation Works
volume_cubic_ft = length × width × (depth / 12)
volume_cubic_yards = volume_cubic_ft / 27
// Weight by gravel type (tons per cubic yard):
// Pea gravel: 1.35 | Crushed stone: 1.40
// River rock: 1.35 | Decomposed granite: 1.50 | Road base: 1.60
weight_tons = volume_cubic_yards × density_factor × (1 + waste_factor)
bags_50lb = ceil(volume_cubic_ft × 100 / 1.5) // approx 1.5 cu ft per 50lb bag The calculator converts your area and depth into cubic feet, then to cubic yards. Weight in tons is calculated using gravel-type density factors. For small projects, the equivalent number of 50lb bags is shown. Always add a waste factor for settling and uneven surfaces.
Variables:
- volume_cubic_ft: Total volume of gravel needed in cubic feet
- volume_cubic_yards: Volume converted to cubic yards for bulk ordering
- density_factor: Tons per cubic yard — varies by gravel type
- weight_tons: Total weight of gravel needed in tons (for delivery quotes)
- waste_factor: Extra material for settling and coverage variation
Pro Tips
- Order 10–15% extra gravel to account for settling, compaction, and uneven ground
- For driveways: use 4" of road base gravel topped with 2" of crushed stone or pea gravel
- For drainage trenches: use clean crushed stone — it allows water to flow freely
- One cubic yard of gravel covers approximately 100 sq ft at 3" depth
- Bags are economical for under 0.5 cubic yards — bulk delivery is cheaper for larger areas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a 10x10 area?
A 10×10 foot area at 3" depth needs about 0.93 cubic yards (1.3 tons) of gravel. At 2" depth, that is 0.62 cubic yards (0.84 tons).
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
It depends on the type: pea gravel is about 1.35 tons/yard, crushed stone is 1.4 tons/yard, and road base is about 1.6 tons/yard due to its denser, angular composition.
How deep should I put gravel?
For decorative landscaping: 2–3". For driveways: 4–6" total (in layers). For drainage: 6–12". For paver bases: 4–6" compacted.
How many 50lb bags of gravel equal a cubic yard?
A 50lb bag covers approximately 0.5 cubic feet. You need about 54 bags to equal one cubic yard. For small projects under 0.5 cubic yards, bags are practical; otherwise order bulk.
What type of gravel should I use for a driveway?
Road base (crushed aggregate) works best for the base layer. Top it with pea gravel or crushed limestone for a finished look. Avoid round river rock as it shifts underfoot and tire pressure.