Material estimator

Gravel Calculator

Calculate gravel cubic yards, tons, bags, and cost for driveways, paths, shed bases, drainage, and landscape beds.

How This Calculator Works

Gravel is sold by the cubic yard, ton, or bag, but most projects start with a length, width, and depth. This calculator converts those measurements into practical buying units.

Formula

Gravel volume = length x width x depth in feet. Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27. Tons = cubic yards x tons per cubic yard.

Assumptions

The default density is 1.4 tons per cubic yard, a useful planning value for common gravel. Supplier density varies by stone type, moisture, and compaction.

Practical Examples

A 20 ft by 10 ft gravel area at 4 inches deep with 10% overage needs about 2.72 cubic yards, or about 3.80 tons at 1.4 tons per yard.
A 40 ft by 3 ft path at 3 inches deep with 10% overage needs about 1.22 yd^3, or about 1.71 tons at 1.4 tons per yard.
A 12 ft by 16 ft shed base at 4 inches deep with 10% overage needs about 2.35 yd^3, or about 3.29 tons.
A 20 ft by 20 ft driveway top layer at 2 inches deep with 10% overage needs about 2.72 yd^3, or about 3.80 tons.

Before You Buy

Buying Guidance

Bulk gravel is usually the practical choice for paths, driveways, bases, and drainage because bag counts become high quickly.
Ask the supplier whether they quote by ton or cubic yard, then keep the density field aligned with that quote.
Match the stone type to the job: decorative gravel, compactable base rock, drainage stone, and pea gravel do not behave the same.

Waste Rules

Use 10% overage for small DIY jobs, uneven excavation, or areas that will be compacted.
Use a separate base-layer estimate when a driveway or shed pad has both compacted base rock and a decorative top layer.

Common Mistakes

Do not treat every gravel as the same weight. Moisture, stone size, and fines can change tons per yard.
Do not skip delivery access. A good quantity estimate still fails if the truck cannot dump where the material is needed.

Plan the Rest of the Job

Common Questions

How deep should gravel be?

Paths often use 2-3 inches for a top layer, while driveways, shed bases, and drainage layers may need more depth and a proper base.

Should I order gravel by tons or yards?

Use the unit your supplier quotes. Cubic yards measure volume, while tons depend on stone density and moisture.

Is bagged gravel practical?

Bags work for small patches and planters. For driveways, shed bases, and larger paths, bulk delivery is usually more practical.