Gravel Calculator

For driveways, paths and drainage beds.

How to use this calculator

Enter the area length, width and depth, then press Calculate. Cubic feet, cubic yards and approximate tons are shown.

What the result means

Tons is what suppliers quote for bulk gravel. Ordering by cubic yards converted to tons gets the quantity right the first time.

How gravel is sold

Gravel is ordered by the cubic yard (27 cubic feet). This tool multiplies your area's length and width by the depth to get volume, then converts to yards so you can order the right amount from a landscape supplier or calculate bags.

Worked example

A 20 ft by 10 ft path at 3 inches deep is 200 sq ft x 0.25 ft = 50 cubic feet, or about 1.85 cubic yards. Most gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so that path needs about 2.6 tons.

Depth by use

• 2-3 inches for a walking path or decorative mulch layer.
• 4 inches for a driveway base or parking area.
• 6+ inches for heavy vehicle traffic.

Order about 10% extra - gravel compacts and always looks thinner once settled.

Choosing a gravel type

The type changes the look and the weight. Crushed stone and #57 gravel drain well and lock together, which suits driveways and drainage beds. Pea gravel is smoother underfoot and better for paths and playgrounds, but it shifts more and is harder to walk on with thin shoes. Decomposed granite compacts into a firm, almost paved surface for patios and walkways. Because different types weigh between roughly 1.2 and 1.5 tons per cubic yard, confirm the supplier's weight per yard before you order by the ton.

Frequently asked questions

How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?

About 1.4 tons for most gravel types.

Can I mix units?

Yes - this calculator accepts feet and inches for depth, so keep length and width in feet and you are set.