Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much gravel, crushed stone, or aggregate you need for your driveway or landscaping project in tons and cubic yards.
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Gravel Path & Driveway Measurement
Measure the Length and Width of your driveway or pathway. Standard residential driveways typically require a depth of 4 to 6 inches of gravel.
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
Ordering too much gravel wastes money, but ordering too little leaves your project unfinished. Our gravel calculator gives you a planning estimate in tons and cubic yards, with room to adjust the density and waste assumptions.
- Measure the area: Find the length and width of your driveway or pathway in feet.
- Determine the depth: Decide how thick the gravel layer will be in inches. (3-4 inches is standard for driveways).
- Check waste: Keep the 10% waste factor checked to account for settling into the dirt and compaction.
- Get results: Quarries sell by the ton, while landscapers often sell by the yard. We give you both!
Gravel Calculator Formula
Calculating aggregate volume requires finding the cubic footage, converting to yards, and then converting to weight based on average density.
Step 1: Calculate Cubic Feet
Volume (ft³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth in inches ÷ 12)
Step 2: Convert to Tons
Tons = (Cubic Feet × 105 lbs) ÷ 2000 lbs
Note: The average density of crushed stone is 105 pounds per cubic foot.
Step 3: Convert to Yards
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Gravel Driveway Example
You are building a gravel driveway that is 50 feet long, 10 feet wide, and needs 4 inches of #57 stone.
- Length & Width: 50 ft × 10 ft = 500 square feet.
- Depth: 4 inches = 0.33 feet.
- Volume: 500 sq ft × 0.33 ft = 166.6 cubic feet.
- Tons: (166.6 × 105) ÷ 2000 = 8.75 tons.
- Add 10% waste: 8.75 × 1.10 = 9.6 tons.
- Related material: If you need other materials for this project, check out our Sand Calculator.
Conclusion: The example produces a planning quantity of about 10 tons; confirm density, delivery increments, and compaction with the quarry.
Tips for Installing Gravel
- Use landscape fabric: Always lay down commercial-grade geotextile fabric before pouring gravel. It prevents weeds from growing up and stops your gravel from sinking into the mud over time.
- Compact in layers: If you are pouring 4 inches or more, pour 2 inches first, use a plate compactor, and then pour the remaining 2 inches. This ensures a rock-solid surface.
- Crown the center: For driveways, the center should be slightly higher than the edges (a "crown") so rainwater runs off the sides rather than pooling in the middle and causing potholes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A standard gravel driveway should have 3 layers. A sub-base of #3 stone (4 inches thick), a middle layer of #57 stone (4 inches), and a top layer of crush and run or pea gravel (2 inches). Use our gravel calculator for each layer by inputting the specific depth.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
On average, a cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs). Actual weight varies with stone type, gradation, moisture, and supplier. Use a quarry-provided density for a final order.
How thick should landscape gravel be?
For decorative landscaping areas that won't be walked on, 2 inches of gravel is sufficient. For pathways and walkways, use 3 to 4 inches of gravel.
How much does a ton of gravel cost?
Crushed stone and gravel typically cost between $40 to $65 per ton depending on your location and the type of rock. Delivery fees usually add $50 to $100 per truckload.