Gravel Calculator — How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Enter your project's area and depth to get the exact amount of gravel in cubic yards and tons. No sign-up, no data stored.
Gravel needed
How gravel quantity is calculated
The math is simple and exact — no assumptions to adjust for:
- Area = length × width (in square feet).
- Volume = area × depth in inches ÷ 12 (this converts inches to feet).
- Cubic yards = volume ÷ 27 (there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard).
- Tons = cubic yards × density (most gravel is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard).
- Cost = cubic yards × price per cubic yard (only if you enter a price).
Gravel compacts and settles, so adding 10% more is common, especially for driveways and bases.
Gravel coverage & weight chart
How far a cubic yard of gravel goes at common depths, and how heavy materials are.
Coverage per cubic yard
| Depth | Sq ft covered by 1 cu yd |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | ~324 sq ft |
| 2 inches | ~162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | ~108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | ~81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | ~54 sq ft |
Typical density
| Material | Tons per cu yd |
|---|---|
| Sand | ~1.1 |
| Light crushed stone | ~1.3 |
| Gravel / standard crushed stone | ~1.4 |
| River rock | ~1.5 |
Last updated: October 2026 · Depth guidance reflects common landscaping and driveway practice. Density ranges are typical; confirm the exact weight with your supplier before ordering.
Gravel calculator FAQ
A typical driveway gets about 4 inches of gravel. For a 12×40 ft driveway (480 sq ft) at 4 inches deep, you need about 5.9 cubic yards, or roughly 8.3 tons. Add 10% for settling.
At 3 inches deep, a ton (about 0.7 cubic yards) covers roughly 75 square feet. At 2 inches deep it covers about 113 sq ft; at 4 inches deep about 57 sq ft.
Most suppliers sell by the cubic yard, and many also quote price per ton. Weight varies by material, so always convert with the supplier's density for an exact quote.
Gravel compacts under traffic and rain, especially in driveways. Ordering 10% extra and compacting in layers (a few inches at a time) gives a stable, long-lasting base.
Yes. For a paver patio or walkway, use 4–6 inches of compacted gravel base topped with sand or stone dust. The same volume math applies — just plan a deeper base than simple ground cover.