Find out how much gravel you need in cubic yards, tons and bags. Enter the size and depth of your driveway, path or patio, and this gravel calculator also estimates the cost.
How to calculate gravel
- Multiply length × width (ft) to get the area in square feet.
- Convert the depth to feet (inches ÷ 12) and multiply by the area to get cubic feet.
- Divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
- Multiply cubic yards by the gravel density to get tons. Typical gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lb) per cubic yard.
Tons = Length × Width × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 × 1.4
Example
A 12 × 50 ft gravel driveway, 4 inches deep: 600 × 0.333 = 200 cubic feet = 7.41 cubic yards. 7.41 × 1.4 = about 10.4 tons of gravel, before extra for compaction.
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
| Depth | Coverage per cubic yard | Coverage per ton (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | 116 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | 77 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | 58 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | 39 sq ft |
Based on 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Heavier stone covers less per ton.
How deep should gravel be?
- Walkways and paths: about 2–3 inches.
- Patios and decorative beds: about 2–4 inches.
- Driveways: usually 4–6 inches or more, often laid in layers with larger base stone below and smaller stone on top.
Common gravel types
Crushed stone (such as #57 stone) locks together well for driveways. Pea gravel is small and rounded, good for paths and play areas. Crusher run (stone mixed with fines) compacts into a firm base. Density varies by type, so change the density field if your supplier gives a different weight.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
Usually about 1.4 tons, with a typical range of roughly 1.2 to 1.5 tons depending on the stone and moisture.
Should I buy gravel by the ton or by the yard?
Either works. Use the “Price is per” field to match how your supplier quotes, and the calculator shows the total.
How many bags of gravel make a yard?
About 54 bags of 0.5 cu ft (27 ÷ 0.5). For more than a yard or two, bulk delivery is usually cheaper.