Gravel Calculator
Work out exactly how many tons or cubic yards of gravel you need for a driveway or path, based on your area, depth and gravel type. Add your own price for a full cost estimate.
How this calculator works
The calculator finds the volume of gravel needed, converts it to cubic yards, then uses your gravel type's density to convert that into tons:
cubic yards = ( area × (depth ÷ 12) ) ÷ 27 tons = cubic yards × density
Tons and cubic yards shown here are calculated from the same rounded cubic yard figure, so the two numbers line up exactly if you check them against each other by hand.
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway section, 4 inches deep, crushed stone:
- Area: 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft.
- Volume: 200 × (4 ÷ 12) ≈ 66.7 cu ft.
- Cubic yards: 66.7 ÷ 27 ≈ 2.47, rounded up to 2.47 cu yd.
- Tons: 2.47 × 1.4 ≈ 3.46, rounded up to 3.46 tons.
Choosing depth and gravel type
| Use | Typical depth | Common gravel type |
|---|---|---|
| Garden path, stepping area | 2–3" | Pea gravel, river rock |
| Driveway base layer | 4" | Crushed stone |
| Driveway finish layer | 1–2" | Smaller crushed stone or pea gravel |
| Drainage bed | Varies | River rock, larger crushed stone |
A driveway that carries regular vehicle weight benefits from a compacted base layer under a thinner, more decorative top layer — run this calculator once per layer with its own depth and gravel type, then add the totals.
Tons vs cubic yards
Most gravel suppliers price and deliver by the ton, particularly for bulk orders, though some quote cubic yards instead. Since a cubic yard of gravel weighs a different amount depending on the type — denser crushed stone versus lighter, more rounded pea gravel — this calculator converts between the two using your selected gravel's density, so you can order in whichever unit your supplier actually uses.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A driveway typically needs 4 to 6 inches, often built as a compacted base of larger crushed stone topped with a thinner finishing layer of smaller stone. A garden path can usually get by with 2 to 3 inches, since it only needs to support foot traffic.
Tons vs cubic yards — which do suppliers usually sell by?
Most gravel suppliers sell and price by the ton, especially for bulk delivery, though some quote cubic yards instead. This calculator gives both, converting between them using a density figure for your gravel type.
Do I need a base layer and a top layer separately?
For a driveway or anything carrying vehicle weight, yes — a compacted base of larger crushed stone provides structure, with a thinner top layer of smaller, more attractive stone as the finished surface. A light-duty path often only needs one layer.
What is the difference between crushed stone, pea gravel and river rock for coverage?
The three have slightly different densities, so the same volume weighs a different amount, which this calculator accounts for. Crushed stone locks together well underfoot and suits driveways and bases, while pea gravel and river rock are rounder and more decorative, better suited to paths, beds or drainage.