Gravel Calculator
Enter your area dimensions and gravel depth to calculate cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons needed.
Gravel type & dimensions
Affects ton estimate
2–4″ for paths & driveways
Results
Cubic Yards
—
yd³
Cubic Feet
—
ft³
Tons
—
short tons (est.)
Pounds
—
lbs (est.)
How to Calculate Gravel
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard for bulk orders or by the ton for larger projects. Calculate the volume of the area to fill, then multiply by the gravel's weight per cubic yard to estimate tons.
Formula: Cubic Feet = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12). Tons = Cubic Yards × Weight Factor.
Recommended Depth by Application
| Application | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 2–3 inches | Comfortable to walk on |
| Driveway surface | 3–4 inches | Add a compacted base layer |
| Driveway base | 6–8 inches | Use larger crushed stone |
| French drain | 4–6 inches | Pea gravel or #57 stone |
| Landscaping beds | 2 inches | Weed barrier recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
- It depends on the type. Pea gravel is about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Crushed limestone runs closer to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Use the gravel type selector above for the most accurate estimate.
- How deep should a gravel driveway be?
- A gravel driveway typically needs a 6–8 inch compacted base of larger stone topped with 2–3 inches of surface gravel — 8 to 12 inches total. For resurfacing only, 2–3 inches of new gravel is usually enough.
- How much does a ton of gravel cover?
- At 2 inches deep, one ton of gravel covers roughly 100 square feet. At 3 inches, one ton covers about 65 square feet. Coverage varies by gravel density and compaction.