Gravel calculator

Work out how much gravel, stone or sand you need, in cubic yards and tons, for a driveway, path or bed.

How far a ton of gravel goes

Recommended depths

Questions

How much gravel do I need?

Multiply length by width (feet) to get the area, multiply by the depth in feet (inches ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, and divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 10 x 10 foot area 3 inches deep needs 0.93 cubic yards, about 1.25 tons of crushed stone.

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

Usually about 1.3 to 1.5 tons (2,600 to 3,000 lb), depending on the stone, its size and how wet it is. This calculator uses 1.35 tons for crushed stone by default; use the custom option if your supplier gives a different figure.

How deep should gravel be?

Decorative beds and walkways usually need 2–3 inches. Driveways usually need 4–6 inches, often over a compacted base layer.

How much does a ton of gravel cover?

At 3 inches deep, a ton of crushed stone covers about 80 square feet. At 2 inches it covers about 120 square feet, and at 4 inches about 60.

Should I order extra gravel?

Adding about 10% allows for compaction and settling, especially on driveways. Round up to the nearest half or whole ton when ordering.

Can I carry a yard of gravel in my pickup?

Often not. A cubic yard of gravel weighs around 1.35 tons, which is more than the payload of most half-ton pickups. Check your vehicle's payload rating before loading.

Weights are typical loose densities. Stone type, size and moisture change the weight, so ask your supplier for their figure and use the custom option for an exact answer.