Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel, stone, or aggregate needed for your project
How to Use This Gravel Calculator
- Measure the length of your project area in feet
- Measure the width of your project area in feet
- Determine the desired depth in inches (typically 2-4 inches for driveways, 1-2 for paths)
- Select the type of gravel or stone you'll be using
- Enter the price per ton from your supplier for cost estimates
- Click 'Calculate Gravel' to see volume needed and estimated cost
Example: For a 50-foot long by 12-foot wide driveway with 4 inches of crushed stone at $50/ton, you'll need approximately 7.41 cubic yards (10.37 tons), costing about $518.52 in materials.
Tip: Order 10% extra to account for compaction, spillage, and uneven ground. Gravel compacts 10-15% when tamped down.
Why Use a Gravel Calculator?
Ordering the right amount of gravel prevents costly extra delivery fees and ensures your project has adequate coverage without expensive waste.
- Building or resurfacing a gravel driveway
- Creating garden paths and walkways
- Installing a French drain or drainage system
- Landscaping with decorative stone beds
- Preparing a base layer for pavers or concrete
- Filling raised garden beds with drainage material
Understanding Your Results
Results show volume in cubic yards (for bulk delivery) and tons (how suppliers typically sell). Cost estimates help with budgeting.
| Result | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 cubic yards | Small project | Consider buying bagged gravel from a home improvement store - often more convenient for small quantities. |
| 2-5 cubic yards | Medium project | Bulk delivery is cost-effective. Most suppliers have minimum delivery of 2-3 yards. |
| 5-15 cubic yards | Large project | Full bulk delivery. Request multiple quotes and check delivery fees. |
| Over 15 cubic yards | Major project | Consider multiple deliveries if you lack staging space. Negotiate volume discounts. |
Meaning: Small project
Action: Consider buying bagged gravel from a home improvement store - often more convenient for small quantities.
Meaning: Medium project
Action: Bulk delivery is cost-effective. Most suppliers have minimum delivery of 2-3 yards.
Meaning: Large project
Action: Full bulk delivery. Request multiple quotes and check delivery fees.
Meaning: Major project
Action: Consider multiple deliveries if you lack staging space. Negotiate volume discounts.
Note: Weight varies significantly by gravel type. Pea gravel weighs about 1.3 tons/yard, while limestone can reach 1.5 tons/yard.
About Gravel Calculator
Formula
Tons = (Length x Width x Depth/12) / 27 x Density Factor Length and width in feet, depth in inches converted to feet. Dividing by 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards. The density factor (tons per cubic yard) varies by material type.
Current Standards: Standard driveway depth is 4-6 inches for vehicle traffic. Walkways need 2-3 inches. Add 2-4 inches of base material beneath decorative stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
For vehicle traffic, install 4-6 inches of gravel: a 4-inch base layer of larger crushed stone (1-2 inch) topped with 2 inches of smaller gravel (3/8 to 3/4 inch). This creates a stable, well-draining surface that handles car and light truck traffic.
What's the difference between cubic yards and tons?
Cubic yards measure volume while tons measure weight. Suppliers often price by the ton but deliver by the truckload (volume). Crushed gravel typically weighs 1.35-1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on type. Always confirm which unit your quote uses.
How much does gravel delivery cost?
Delivery typically runs $50-$150 depending on distance and quantity. Many suppliers offer free delivery over certain minimums (often 5-10 tons). The gravel itself ranges from $25-$75 per ton depending on type - decorative stone costs more than basic crushed rock.
Should I use landscape fabric under gravel?
Yes, for decorative beds and pathways, landscape fabric prevents gravel from sinking into soil and reduces weed growth. For driveways, skip the fabric - it can actually reduce stability. Instead, use a compacted base layer of larger stone.
How much gravel do I need for a French drain?
French drains typically need 12-18 inches of gravel depth in a trench that's 6-12 inches wide. For a 50-foot drain that's 12 inches deep and 8 inches wide, you'd need about 1.2 cubic yards of 3/4-inch drainage gravel.