Gravel Calculator
Enter your project area and depth to get gravel in both cubic yards and tons — the units suppliers actually use.
Enter your measurements to see what to buy.
How to calculate it
Enter your project area and depth to get gravel in both cubic yards and tons — the units suppliers actually use.
Source: Volume in cubic yards × density. Crushed stone averages ~1.4 tons/yd³; pea gravel ~1.3, dense crushed stone up to 1.5.
A 20×10 ft driveway base at 4 in deep = 66.7 ft³ = 2.47 yd³. With 5% waste: 2.59 yd³ × 1.4 = 3.63 tons.
Want the full step-by-step walkthrough? Read our How to Plan and Pour a Concrete Patio Slab.
Gravel coverage & weight
Gravel is sold by the ton or the cubic yard, and the two are not interchangeable. This table shows how much area one cubic yard covers at common depths and the typical weight by gravel type.
| Gravel depth | Coverage per cubic yard | Gravel type | Tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in (path) | 162 ft² | Pea gravel | ~1.3 tons |
| 4 in (walkway/base) | 81 ft² | Crushed stone | ~1.4 tons |
| 6 in (driveway) | 54 ft² | Dense crushed stone | ~1.5 tons |
| 8 in (heavy use) | 40 ft² | Wet sand/gravel mix | ~1.5 tons |
Density varies by material and moisture — confirm with your supplier for large orders. One cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the length and width of the area and the depth in inches.
- The result gives both cubic yards and tons, using a default crushed-stone density of 1.4 tons/yd³.
- Adjust the density if your supplier quotes a different figure for pea gravel or dense stone.
- Enter your per-ton price for an optional material cost estimate.
Purchasing & waste guidance
- Driveways: 4–6 in total, often in two layers (base + surface).
- Walkways and paths: 2–3 in of pea gravel or crushed stone.
- Drainage behind retaining walls: 6–12 in of clean stone.
- One cubic yard covers about 81 ft² at 4 in deep.
- Density varies — pea gravel ~1.3 tons/yd³, dense crushed stone up to 1.5. Confirm with your supplier for large orders.
Waste factor guidance
- 5–10% covers compaction and spillage for a typical base or path.
- Use 15% for loose pea gravel that shifts and rakes out over time.
- Order closer to the exact amount for compacted crushed-stone bases that pack firmly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing tons and cubic yards — suppliers quote both, and they are not interchangeable.
- Using round pea gravel for a driving surface — it shifts under tires; use crushed stone with fines.
- Forgetting to compact the base in layers, which leaves the gravel loose and rut-prone.
Assumptions & what’s included
- Density uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard (typical crushed stone).
- Waste allowance covers compaction, spillage and uneven subgrade.
- Price is per ton and optional.
Sources & references
- Density values (crushed stone ~1.4 tons/yd³, pea gravel ~1.3, dense crushed stone up to 1.5) follow typical aggregate-supplier specifications.
- Depth guidance (4–6 in driveways, 2–3 in paths, 6–12 in drainage) follows common hardscape and drainage practice.
- Density varies by material and moisture — confirm with your supplier for large orders.
Learn more about how every calculator works on our methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A 20×10 ft driveway at 4 in deep needs about 2.6 cubic yards, or roughly 3.6 tons of crushed stone. The calculator gives both units for any size.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lb). Pea gravel is closer to 1.3 tons and dense crushed stone up to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
4–6 in total, ideally in two layers — a coarse base and a finer surface. For paths, 2–3 in is usually enough.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
At a typical crushed-stone density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 0.71 cubic yards. The calculator shows both units so you can order in whichever your supplier quotes.
How much gravel do I need for a 12×12 patio base?
A 12×12 ft patio at a 4 in compacted gravel base needs about 1.78 cubic yards, or roughly 2.5 tons of crushed stone with a 5% allowance. Add a 1 in bedding sand layer on top under the pavers.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
At 6 in deep, one ton of crushed stone (about 0.71 cubic yards) covers roughly 38 ft². At 4 in deep it covers about 57 ft², and at 2 in about 115 ft². Coverage rises as the layer gets thinner.
Related guides
Step-by-step project guides that use this calculator.