Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much gravel you need by area and depth — plus bags and total cost. Switch between imperial and metric units.
Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much you need — and the cost.
- cubic feet 16.67
- cubic meters 0.472
- tons (US) 0.93
- tonnes 0.84
Quick coverage reference
1 cubic yard covers about 324 sq ft at 1 in / about 162 sq ft at 2 in deep; about 1.5 US tons per cubic yard (typically 1.4–1.7).
How it's calculated
- Crushed stone / gravel bulk density is about 2800–3400 lb/cu yd (about 1.4–1.7 US tons/cu yd); it varies with grain size and moisture. We use the midpoint 3000.
- Walkways / landscape surface: 2 in; driveway surface: 3–4 in (thicker with a base layer); drainage or backfill per project.
Source: inchcalculator.com/gravel-calculator/ (density 1.4–1.7 US tons/cu yd cross-checked)
How much gravel do I need?
Gravel and crushed stone are sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. To estimate, multiply the area you're covering by the depth of the gravel layer.
Use cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. A landscape or path layer is usually about 2 inches, where one cubic yard covers roughly 162 sq ft; driveways go deeper. Gravel weighs around 1.5 short tons per cubic yard (typically 1.4–1.7 depending on stone size), so the calculator also gives tons for ordering by weight.
How to measure for gravel
Measure the area
Length × width for the area. For a driveway, measure the full drivable surface; for a round fire-pit area or a gravel border, switch the area shape above to Circle or Border.
Choose the depth
2 inches for paths and decorative coverage; 3–4 inches for a driving surface, more if you are building up a base.
Get yards and tons
Read cubic yards plus the weight in tons — gravel is frequently sold by the ton at the quarry.
Order a little extra
Gravel settles into the soil and compacts. Add around 10% so the finished depth holds up.
Gravel depth & buying tips
A solid gravel driveway is built in layers — a coarser base topped with finer stone — so total depth is often 4 inches or more.
Larger stone resists ruts but is harder to walk on; smaller gravel and crusher run pack down into a firmer surface.
Driveways and large areas are cheapest delivered by the ton — use the tons figure to compare supplier pricing.
Gravel calculator FAQ
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Gravel weighs about 2,800–3,400 lb per cubic yard — roughly 1.4–1.7 short tons, depending on the stone size and moisture.
How much does a yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers about 324 sq ft at 1 inch, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, or 108 sq ft at 3 inches.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Plan on 4 inches or more for a driving surface, usually built up in a coarse base layer and a finer top layer.
How many tons of gravel do I need?
Multiply your cubic yards by about 1.5. For example, 3 cubic yards is roughly 4.5 tons. The calculator does this for you.
Is gravel cheaper by the ton or the yard?
For large amounts, buying by the ton (delivered) is usually cheapest. Bagged gravel only makes sense for very small projects.