Gravel Calculator
Calculate the exact amount of gravel, aggregate, or stone needed for your project
Project Dimensions
Angular stones perfect for driveways and solid base applications
Your Results
Enter your project dimensions to calculate the amount of gravel needed
How to Use This Gravel Calculator
1. Measure Your Area
Measure the length, width, and desired depth of your project area. Use feet, meters, or yards depending on your preference. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles.
2. Select Material Type
Choose from crushed stone, pea gravel, river rock, or decomposed granite. Each aggregate type has a different density affecting weight calculations and material requirements.
3. Get Instant Results
Receive accurate calculations for volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, and cubic meters, plus weight in tons and tonnes. Order 5-10% extra for compaction.
Understanding Gravel Types and Applications
Crushed Stone
Angular aggregate produced by crushing quarried rock. Density: approximately 2,700 lbs per cubic yard (100 lbs/ft³). Ideal for driveways, roads, drainage systems, and construction base layers. The angular edges provide excellent compaction and stability.
Common applications: driveway base, concrete aggregate, road construction, drainage fields, parking lots
Pea Gravel
Small, rounded stones typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter. Density: approximately 2,600 lbs per cubic yard (96 lbs/ft³). Perfect for pathways, decorative landscaping, playground surfaces, and around plants. Easy to walk on and attractive appearance.
Common applications: garden paths, landscaping, playground surfacing, decorative ground cover, French drains
River Rock
Smooth, naturally rounded stones from riverbeds. Density: approximately 2,400 lbs per cubic yard (89 lbs/ft³). Excellent for erosion control, drainage solutions, water features, and aesthetic landscaping. Available in various sizes.
Common applications: drainage systems, water features, decorative landscapes, erosion control, dry creek beds
Decomposed Granite (DG)
Fine granite aggregate that compacts well. Density: approximately 2,900 lbs per cubic yard (108 lbs/ft³). Creates natural-looking pathways and patios. Permeable surface allows water drainage while providing firm walking surface.
Common applications: walking paths, patios, xeriscape landscaping, natural garden surfaces, rustic driveways
Gravel Coverage Guide for Different Projects
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Best Gravel Type | Coverage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 4-6 inches | Crushed Stone | Compact in 2-inch layers for stability |
| Garden Pathway | 2-3 inches | Pea Gravel | Use landscape fabric underneath |
| French Drain | 8-12 inches | River Rock | Wrap drain pipe with filter fabric |
| Patio Base | 4 inches | Crushed Stone | Must be well compacted before pavers |
| Decorative Mulch | 2-3 inches | River Rock/Pea Gravel | Ideal for weed suppression |
| Parking Area | 6-8 inches | Crushed Stone | Heavy-duty base for vehicle weight |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gravel Calculations
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
To calculate gravel requirements, multiply the length (in feet) by width (in feet) by depth (in feet) to get the volume in cubic feet. Then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards, which is the standard unit for bulk aggregate ordering. Our gravel calculator automates this process and also provides weight estimates in tons based on the specific gravel type's density. For example, a driveway that is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and requires 4 inches (0.33 feet) of depth would need: 20 × 10 × 0.33 = 66 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2.44 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 2,400 to 2,900 pounds (1.2 to 1.45 tons), depending on the aggregate type and moisture content. Crushed stone weighs approximately 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, pea gravel around 2,600 pounds, river rock about 2,400 pounds, and decomposed granite approximately 2,900 pounds per cubic yard. These weights are important for delivery logistics and structural load calculations.
What depth of gravel do I need for a driveway?
For residential driveways, a minimum depth of 4 inches of compacted gravel is recommended for light vehicle traffic. For heavier vehicles or high-traffic areas, use 6 inches or more. Professional installations often use a layered approach: 4 inches of larger crushed stone (base layer) topped with 2 inches of smaller gravel for the surface. Always compact the gravel in 2-inch lifts using a plate compactor for maximum stability and longevity.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
A ton of gravel will cover approximately 100 square feet at 3 inches deep, 80 square feet at 4 inches deep, or 60 square feet at 6 inches deep. The exact coverage depends on the gravel type's density and the desired depth. Use this gravel calculator to get precise estimates for your specific project dimensions and material type.
Should I use crushed stone or pea gravel?
Choose crushed stone for structural applications like driveways, roads, and base layers because its angular edges interlock and compact well, providing superior stability and load-bearing capacity. Select pea gravel for decorative landscaping, pathways, and drainage applications where aesthetics and ease of walking are priorities. Pea gravel's rounded shape makes it comfortable underfoot but less suitable for heavy traffic or steep slopes where it may migrate.
How do I prevent gravel from spreading or migrating?
Install landscape edging (plastic, metal, or stone) around the perimeter to contain gravel. Use landscape fabric underneath to prevent gravel from mixing with soil and to suppress weeds. For driveways, create a crown (higher center) for drainage. Choose angular crushed stone rather than rounded pea gravel for areas prone to migration. Regular maintenance, including raking and adding material to low spots, helps maintain proper coverage and prevents spreading.
Professional Standards and Resources
Our gravel calculator follows industry-standard calculations for aggregate materials used in construction, landscaping, and civil engineering projects. For comprehensive information about aggregate materials, geological resources, and construction standards, we recommend these authoritative government resources:
U.S. Geological Survey - Crushed Stone Statistics
Official data on crushed stone production, consumption, and aggregate material specifications from the USGS National Minerals Information Center
usgs.govFederal Highway Administration - Aggregate Materials Guide
Technical guidance on aggregate selection, testing, and specifications for construction projects from the U.S. Department of Transportation
fhwa.dot.govUSDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - Soil and Erosion Control
Best practices for erosion control, drainage systems, and proper aggregate use in agricultural and landscaping applications
nrcs.usda.govWhy Accurate Gravel Calculations Matter
Cost Efficiency
Ordering the correct amount of aggregate material prevents costly over-ordering and eliminates the need for additional deliveries. Bulk gravel suppliers charge delivery fees that can significantly impact project costs. Our calculator helps minimize waste and ensures you order exactly what your landscaping or construction project requires.
Project Success
Proper coverage depth is essential for structural integrity and longevity. Insufficient gravel depth can lead to poor drainage, premature wear, and structural failure. Accurate calculations ensure proper compaction ratios and appropriate material quantities for driveways, pathways, foundations, and drainage systems.
Time Savings
Eliminate the guesswork and manual calculations with instant, accurate results. Our gravel calculator handles conversions between cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic meters, tons, and metric tonnes automatically. Focus on your project instead of complex mathematics and unit conversions.
Professional Planning
Different aggregate types have varying densities affecting weight and coverage. Our calculator accounts for crushed stone, pea gravel, river rock, and decomposed granite specifications. Make informed decisions about material selection based on accurate volume and weight calculations for your specific application.