Gravel Calculator

Calculate how many cubic yards or tons of gravel, crushed stone, sand, or landscaping rock you need for any project. Covers driveways, paths, drainage, and landscaping.

Area & depth
ft
ft
in
$
Avg delivered: $30–$60/ton
Select material type
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway? ›
A standard gravel driveway uses a 4-inch depth of compacted gravel. For a 50×12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, you need about 7.4 cubic yards or 11 tons of gravel (with 10% extra). Most driveways are actually built in two layers: a 4-inch base layer of larger crushed stone, then a 2-inch top layer of smaller decorative gravel. This calculator works for each layer separately.
How many cubic yards is a ton of gravel? ›
It depends on the material density. Most gravel and crushed stone weighs about 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard. So 1 ton = approximately 0.67–0.71 cubic yards. A standard dump truck carries 10–14 tons (7–10 cubic yards). Our calculator shows you both cubic yards and tons so you can order in whichever unit your supplier uses.
How deep should gravel be for different projects? ›
Driveways: 4–6 inches (base course) + 2 inches (surface). Walkways and paths: 2–3 inches. Landscaping and mulch replacement: 2–3 inches. Drainage (French drain): 6–12 inches depending on application. Foundation drainage: 12 inches or more. Decorative landscaping around shrubs: 2 inches is sufficient and helps retain moisture.
What is the difference between cubic yards and tons? ›
Cubic yards measure volume — how much space the material takes up. Tons measure weight. Suppliers may sell by either unit. Most bulk aggregate is sold by the ton when delivered by truck. Bagged gravel is typically sold by weight (50 lb bags) or volume (0.5 cubic ft bags). Converting between them requires knowing the material density, which this calculator handles automatically.
How many bags of gravel equals a cubic yard? ›
A standard 50 lb bag of gravel contains about 0.5 cubic feet. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet, so you need about 54 bags per cubic yard. Bags are much more expensive per cubic yard than bulk delivery — buying in bulk (by the yard or ton) is almost always far more economical for anything over 1–2 cubic yards.

About this gravel calculator

This calculator converts your area and depth into cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons of material using the correct density for each gravel and aggregate type. It supports 7 common materials plus a custom density option for specialty aggregates. The compaction factor accounts for the natural settling that occurs after installation.

Ordering gravel in bulk

Most gravel suppliers sell by the ton (for truck delivery) or by the cubic yard. A standard dump truck carries 10–14 tons. If you need less than 5 yards, consider whether a pickup truck haul from a local quarry is more economical than a delivery fee. Most pickups can carry 1 cubic yard safely in the bed.