Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel needed for driveways, pathways, and landscaping. Get cubic yards, tons, bags, and cost estimates.
Project Area
Gravel Depth
Select a common depth or enter a custom value
Gravel Type
Different gravels have different densities
Gravel Calculation Results
Cubic Yards Needed
0
cu yd
For bulk delivery orders
Total Area
0
sq ft
Cubic Feet
0
cu ft
Weight
0
tons
50 lb Bags
0
bags
Recommended with 10% Buffer
Add 10% extra for compaction, spillage, and uneven ground
0 cu yd / 0 tons
Coverage Visualization
Cost Estimate (Optional)
$
Typical range: $30-$75 per ton
Gravel Reference Guide
Recommended Depths
| Application | Depth |
|---|---|
| Walkways & pathways | 2-3 inches |
| Patio base | 4 inches |
| Residential driveway | 4-6 inches |
| Commercial driveway | 6-8 inches |
| Drainage areas | 6+ inches |
Gravel Weights
| Type | lbs/cu ft | tons/cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 96 | 1.30 |
| Crushed Stone | 100 | 1.35 |
| River Rock | 90 | 1.22 |
| Decomposed Granite | 95 | 1.28 |
Gravel Types
- Pea Gravel: Smooth, rounded stones ideal for walkways and gardens
- Crushed Stone: Angular edges, compacts well for driveways
- River Rock: Decorative, smooth stones for landscaping
- Decomposed Granite: Fine texture, great for patios and paths
Installation Tips
- Compact every 2 inches of gravel before adding more
- Install landscape fabric under gravel to prevent weeds
- Use edging to keep gravel contained
- Order 10% extra for compaction and spillage
- For driveways, use larger base gravel topped with smaller finish gravel
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Measure the length and width of your area in feet, multiply to get square footage, then multiply by the depth in feet. Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. For example, a 10x20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep: (10 x 20 x 0.33) / 27 = 2.44 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Gravel weight varies by type: Pea gravel weighs about 2,600 lbs (1.3 tons) per cubic yard, crushed stone about 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons), river rock about 2,430 lbs (1.21 tons), and decomposed granite about 2,565 lbs (1.28 tons) per cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
For driveways, use 4-6 inches of gravel. Pathways and walkways need 2-3 inches. Patio bases require 4 inches. For drainage areas, use 6 or more inches. Always compact each 2-inch layer before adding more.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes, always order 10% extra gravel to account for compaction, spillage, uneven ground, and settling. Our calculator includes a 10% buffer recommendation. Running short during installation can delay your project.