CONSTRUCTION · LANDSCAPING

Gravel Calculator

Estimate the cubic yards and tons of gravel needed for your project. Converts volume to weight using standard gravel density with a 10% waste factor.

LAST REVIEWED · APR 24, 2026 · BY D. MARQUEZ, P.E.
You need
3.80 tons
CoverageReset
AreaTotal coverage area
sq ft
Depth4" for driveways
in
Material & Cost
DensityTons per cubic yard
t/yd\u00b3
Price per tonDelivered
USD
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How the gravel calculator works

The calculator converts your area and depth into cubic yards, then multiplies by gravel density (1.4 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone) to get tonnage. Suppliers sell by the ton, so this conversion is essential for ordering accurately.

Recommended gravel depth

  • 2" — decorative ground cover, garden paths
  • 4" — driveways (top layer), drainage beds
  • 6–8" — driveway base, foundation drainage
  • 12" — heavy-duty base under concrete or asphalt

Types of gravel and their uses

Different gravel types serve different purposes. Crushed stone (#57) is the all-purpose base material. Pea gravel works for walkways and decorative beds. Crush-and-run (#21A) compacts firmly for driveways and is the best base material for pavers.

Methodology. Volume = Area (sq ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 cubic yards. Tons = Cubic yards × Density (default 1.4 tons/yd³ for crushed stone). Includes a 10% waste factor for settling, spreading loss, and subgrade irregularity.

Sources

  • Crushed stone density: 1.3–1.5 tons/yd³ depending on gradation
  • Pea gravel density: 1.35 tons/yd³
  • Average gravel price: $50–$80/ton delivered (2026 national average)
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Frequently asked questions

How many tons of gravel for a 10×20 driveway? +
At 4 inches deep: 200 sq ft × 4/12 = 66.7 cu ft = 2.47 yd³. With 10% waste: 2.72 yd³ × 1.4 tons/yd³ = 3.8 tons. At $65/ton, that's about $247.
What's the difference between cubic yards and tons? +
Cubic yards measure volume; tons measure weight. The conversion depends on material density. Crushed gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so 10 cubic yards = 14 tons. Suppliers price and deliver by weight (tons).
How thick should a gravel driveway be? +
A proper gravel driveway has three layers: 4–6 inches of large crushed stone base (#3 or #4), 3–4 inches of mid-size stone (#57), and 2–3 inches of fine gravel (#21A) on top. Total depth: 10–12 inches.
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