Gravel Calculator
Find how many cubic yards or tons of gravel you need for a driveway, path, or patio base. Enter your measurements for an instant result.
Tip: gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard (about 105 lb/ft³), though this varies by stone type and moisture. For coverage, 2 to 3 inches is typical for a path and 4 or more inches for a driveway. Confirm with your supplier.
How to calculate gravel
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. You measure the area and depth, convert to cubic yards, then use the material density to get tons. The formula is:
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27
Depth is usually given in inches, so divide by 12 to get feet. The calculator above converts to both cubic yards and tons and adds a waste allowance.
Worked example
A path 20 ft long and 10 ft wide, filled 3 inches deep, at 105 lb/ft³:
| Area | 20 × 10 = 200 ft² |
|---|---|
| Depth | 3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft |
| Volume | 200 × 0.25 = 50 ft³ |
| Cubic yards | 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 yd³ |
| Tons | 50 × 105 ÷ 2000 = 2.63 tons |
Coverage by depth (per cubic yard)
| Depth | Area covered by 1 yd³ |
|---|---|
| 2 in | about 162 ft² |
| 3 in | about 108 ft² |
| 4 in | about 81 ft² |
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons, though it ranges from about 1.2 to 1.7 tons depending on the stone type and how wet it is.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A gravel driveway is usually built up in layers to a total depth of 4 to 6 inches. Paths and decorative areas are often 2 to 3 inches deep.
How much gravel do I need for a 20x10 area?
A 20 by 10 foot area at 3 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards, or roughly 2.6 tons of gravel. Use the calculator above for other depths.
Should I order by the yard or the ton?
Both work. Bulk suppliers often price by the ton, while the cubic yard is easier for estimating coverage. The calculator gives you both so you can match whatever your supplier quotes.