Gravel Calculator

Find how much gravel to order for a driveway, path or patio, in tons and cubic yards. Add your price per ton to estimate the cost.

Most gravel is about 1.3 to 1.5. Use your supplier's number if you have it.
Gravel needed
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Cubic yards–
Cubic feet–
Weight (lb)–
Estimated cost–

How the gravel calculator works

Gravel is measured by volume but often sold by weight, so the calculator does two steps. First it finds the volume of your area in cubic yards. Then it multiplies by the density of gravel, the weight of one cubic yard, to get tons.

Cubic yards = length ft × width ft × (depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard

Worked example: a gravel driveway

A driveway is 50 feet long and 10 feet wide, and you want 4 inches of gravel.

  • Volume: 50 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 166.7 cubic feet
  • In cubic yards: 166.7 ÷ 27 = 6.17 cubic yards
  • Weight at 1.4 tons per yard: 6.17 × 1.4 = 8.64 tons
  • With 10% extra for compaction: about 9.5 tons

Choosing the right gravel

  • Crushed stone: angular pieces lock together when compacted, which makes a firm base for driveways and walkways.
  • Pea gravel: small, smooth and rounded. Comfortable to walk on and good for paths, play areas and patios, but it shifts under car tires.
  • River rock: larger rounded stones used for drainage and decoration rather than surfaces you walk or drive on.
  • Crusher run: a mix of crushed stone and stone dust that packs down hard. It is often used as a base layer.

Tips for a long-lasting gravel surface

  • Remove grass and topsoil and compact the ground before adding gravel.
  • Lay landscape fabric to slow weeds and keep gravel from sinking into the soil.
  • Add edging along paths and driveways so the gravel stays in place.
  • Spread gravel in layers and compact each one, especially for driveways.

Last reviewed October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

Most gravel and crushed stone weighs roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, and this calculator uses 1.4 by default. Wet gravel, larger stone and dense rock types can be heavier, so use your supplier's figure if they give one.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

Driveways are usually built in layers, often a base of larger crushed stone with a few inches of smaller gravel on top, for a total of several inches. The right depth depends on your soil, climate and the vehicles using it, so ask a local supplier or contractor.

How deep should a gravel path or patio be?

Foot paths and patios are often given a couple of inches of gravel over a compacted base and landscape fabric. Pea gravel and decorative stone are usually laid thinner than driveway gravel.

Is gravel sold by the ton or by the yard?

Both. Quarries and many landscape suppliers price gravel by the ton, while others sell by the cubic yard. The calculator shows both numbers, so you can compare prices either way.

How much gravel do I need for a 10 × 10 area?

At 2 inches deep, a 10 × 10 foot area needs about 16.7 cubic feet, or 0.62 cubic yards, which is roughly 0.86 tons at 1.4 tons per yard. At 4 inches deep you need twice as much.

Should I order extra gravel?

Yes, ordering a little extra is common because gravel compacts when it is tamped and driven on. Many people add about 5% to 10%.