Gravel Calculator
Estimate cubic yards, tons, and bag quantities of pea gravel, #57 stone, crushed stone, river rock, decomposed granite, and other aggregates for driveways, walkways, drainage projects, French drains, and landscaping with depth recommendations and cost estimates.
To estimate gravel, calculate the project volume, adjust for compaction and waste, then convert the required volume to weight using the selected material density. For a rectangular Imperial project, multiply length × width × depth in feet and divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. Actual delivered weight varies by material grading, moisture, void content, and supplier.
- Walkways: 2–3″ deep
- Driveways: 4–6″ deep (with base layer)
- French drains: 6–12″ deep
- Coverage rule of thumb: A US short ton may cover roughly 90–110 sq ft at 2 inches deep, depending on material density. Verify coverage with the supplier.
Decorative rounded gravel. Density: 1.4 tons/cu yd. Recommended depth: 3″.
What This Calculator Does
This Gravel Calculator helps you estimate how much gravel, stone, or aggregate you need for landscaping, driveways, drainage, and construction projects. It calculates volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, converts to weight in tons, and provides bag quantities for multiple bag sizes.
The calculation features automatic density adjustment based on the selected gravel type—from pea gravel and #57 stone to decomposed granite and crusher run. It also outputs detailed cost breakdowns including material, delivery, labor, and optional add-ons like edging and weed barrier.
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
- Select your preferred measurement system (Imperial or Metric) and calculation method (compacted or loose depth).
- Choose your gravel type — this automatically sets density and recommended depth.
- Select the project shape (rectangle, circle, triangle, trapezoid, L-shape, ring, trench, direct area, or direct volume) and enter dimensions.
- Optionally use a project template to auto-fill common projects.
- Switch to Advanced Mode for multiple areas, deductions, layers, compaction, waste, settlement, safety, and detailed pricing.
- Enter pricing for gravel, delivery, labor, and accessories to generate a complete financial estimate.
- Click Calculate Gravel Needed.
Data and Calculation Methodology
- Calculations use SI units internally.
- Material densities are planning averages.
- Predefined densities are stored as US short tons per cubic yard and converted for Metric output.
- Custom density follows the selected measurement system.
- Gravel density varies with grading, moisture, void content, and supplier.
- Supplier scale-ticket weights override calculator estimates.
- Compaction, waste, settlement, and safety are separate allowances.
- Bag quantities are estimated from project weight and selected bag weight.
- Manufacturer bag coverage should be verified before purchase.
- Supplier minimum orders can create surplus volume.
- Cost examples are planning references, not live market prices.
- Local supplier prices, minimums, taxes, delivery charges, and availability vary.
- Results should be verified with the selected supplier before ordering.
Gravel Type Reference Chart
| Gravel Type | Density (tons/yd³) | Best Use | Standard Depth | Compaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel (3/8″) | 1.4 | Walkways, playgrounds, decorative | 2–3″ | Low |
| #57 Stone (3/4″) | 1.5 | Driveway base, drainage, paver base | 4″ | Medium |
| #8 Stone (1/2″) | 1.5 | Driveways, walkways, drainage | 3″ | Medium |
| Crushed Stone (1″) | 1.5 | Driveways, construction, drainage | 4″ | Medium |
| Crusher Run | 1.65 | Driveway base, road base, compactable | 4″ | High |
| Quarry Process | 1.7 | Paver base, compactable surfaces | 4″ | High |
| Decomposed Granite | 1.6 | Pathways, patios, dog runs | 3″ | High |
| River Rock (1–3″) | 1.5 | Decorative landscaping, dry creek beds | 2–3″ | Low |
| Drainage Gravel | 1.45 | French drains, septic fields | 6–12″ | Low |
| Lava Rock / Scoria | 0.65 | Lightweight mulch, fire pits | 2″ | Low |
| Marble Chips | 1.5 | Decorative, bright landscaping | 2″ | Low |
Gravel density varies with stone type, grading, moisture, void content, and supplier. Confirm delivered density or weight with your supplier before ordering.
Direct Answers
How much gravel covers 100 square feet?
At 2 inches deep, 100 square feet needs about 0.62 cubic yards of gravel, which typically weighs roughly 0.9 to 1.05 US short tons depending on density. Density varies by grading, moisture, void content, and supplier.
How many tons are in one cubic yard of gravel?
Most gravel is roughly 1.4 to 1.7 US short tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is near 1.4; #57 and crushed stone near 1.5; decomposed granite near 1.6. Confirm with the supplier.
How many tons are in five cubic yards?
At a planning density of 1.4 to 1.7 US short tons per cubic yard, five cubic yards is roughly 7 to 8.5 US short tons. Actual weight varies.
How much gravel is needed for a 10 × 20 ft driveway?
A 10 × 20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 2.47 cubic yards of gravel before compaction, waste, or minimum-order adjustments.
Should gravel be ordered by weight or volume?
Bulk gravel is commonly ordered by volume and confirmed by the supplier’s scale-ticket weight at delivery. Use volume for planning and verify with the delivered weight.
Does gravel density change with moisture?
Yes. Moisture, grading, and void content all affect density. This calculator uses planning averages; supplier scale tickets override them at delivery.
Does the calculator include compaction?
Yes. If the entered depth is a final compacted depth, the calculator adds material for compaction. If the entered depth is a loose installation depth, the calculator estimates the compacted result without adding compaction a second time.
What is the difference between compacted volume and loose volume?
Compacted volume is the finished, densified volume after rolling or tamping. Loose volume is the material as delivered before compaction. Compaction typically reduces volume by roughly 10–25%.
How does a supplier minimum order affect the result?
A supplier minimum order can increase the billable order volume above the physical project requirement. The minimum-order surplus is shown separately so it is not confused with required material.
Does changing the currency convert prices?
No. The currency selector only changes the displayed symbol. It does not convert entered prices or apply any exchange rate.
Common Gravel Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
How many tons of gravel per cubic yard?
How deep should gravel be for different applications?
What’s the difference between #57 stone and pea gravel?
How many bags of gravel equal a cubic yard?
Should I use bulk gravel or bagged gravel?
Pro Tips for Gravel Projects
- Order 5–10% more gravel than calculated to account for settling, spreading, and irregular surfaces. Our calculator includes separate compaction, waste, settlement, and safety margins.
- Use #57 stone as a base layer (4″) + pea gravel as a top layer (2″) for decorative driveways that drain well and look great.
- Lay weed fabric BEFORE gravel to prevent weed growth through your installation and reduce maintenance over time.
- Edge gravel beds with steel, plastic, or stone edging to keep stones contained and maintain clean lines.
- Compact base layers with a plate compactor for driveways and patios — expect 15–20% compaction volume reduction.
- For French drains: wrap perforated pipe in geotextile fabric, then surround with drainage gravel (1.5″ clean stone).
- Avoid pea gravel for driveways — it shifts under tires; use angular #57 stone or crusher run instead for a stable surface.
Complete Guide to Gravel Estimation & Costs
Gravel is one of the most versatile landscaping and construction materials. From driveways and walkways to drainage systems and decorative beds, gravel projects come in all shapes and sizes. Estimating the right amount of gravel helps you avoid running short mid-project or over-paying for unused material.
Understanding Gravel Types
Each gravel type has unique properties that affect its performance. Pea gravel is smooth and rounded, ideal for walkways and decorative beds but not for driveways. #57 stone is angular and interlocking, perfect for base layers and drainage. River rock is large and decorative, great for dry creek beds. Decomposed granite compacts well for pathways and patios. Crusher run is a mix of stone and fines that compacts into a solid surface for driveways.
How Deep Should Gravel Be? (By Application)
Depth requirements vary by application. Walkways need 2–3 inches, driveways need 4–6 inches (with a base layer), French drains need 6–12 inches, and playgrounds need 6 inches of pea gravel for safety. Always check local building codes for minimum depths.
Bulk vs Bagged Gravel: When to Use Each
Bulk delivery is usually the most cost-effective option for projects over 1 cubic yard. Bagged gravel is more convenient for small projects, repairs, and DIYers without trucks. Bag coverage varies by manufacturer and material, so always check the label. These are example US planning ranges only, not live market prices. Local supplier prices, product grades, delivery minimums, taxes, and availability vary.
Hidden Costs in Gravel Projects
Beyond the gravel itself, budget for delivery fees, minimum order surcharges (if under 3–5 yards), compaction equipment rental, edging materials, weed fabric, and spreading service. Our calculator includes all these optional cost fields. These are example US planning ranges only, not live market prices. Local supplier prices, product grades, delivery minimums, taxes, and availability vary.