Use this gravel calculator to find how many cubic yards and tons of gravel you need. Enter your area and depth, pick a gravel type, and the calculator converts volume to weight using the density of each material — from loose pea gravel to compacted crusher run.
How to calculate gravel by hand
Gravel is priced by the cubic yard or, more often, by the ton. Two steps: volume first, then weight.
cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27\ntons = cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard)Worked example: a 24 ft × 12 ft parking pad at 4 inches deep. Depth is 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft. Volume: 24 × 12 × 0.333 = 96 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 3.56 cubic yards. With 3/4" crushed stone at 1.45 tons/yd³, that is 3.56 × 1.45 ≈ 5.2 tons.
Gravel weight and coverage by type
| Gravel type | Density (tons/yd³) | Coverage per ton at 2" | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.40 | ~115 sq ft | Paths, playgrounds, drainage |
| 3/4" crushed stone (#57) | 1.45 | ~110 sq ft | Driveway surface, French drains |
| Crushed limestone | 1.50 | ~108 sq ft | Driveways, walkways |
| Crusher run / road base | 1.70 | ~95 sq ft | Compacted base layers |
| River gravel 1"–2" | 1.50 | ~108 sq ft | Decorative beds, drainage |
| Decomposed granite | 1.40 | ~115 sq ft | Paths, xeriscaping |
Densities are averages for dry material; moisture and compaction can push real-world weight up by 10% or more. When your supplier lists a tons-per-yard figure for the exact product, use theirs.
How deep should gravel be?
| Project | Recommended depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New driveway | 8–12" in 3 layers | Base stone + crusher run + surface |
| Driveway resurfacing | 2–3" | Surface stone only |
| Walkway / path | 2–3" | Over compacted soil or fabric |
| Patio / shed base | 4–6" | Compact in 2" layers |
| Drainage / French drain | varies | Surround pipe with 3"+ of #57 |
| Decorative ground cover | 2" | Over landscape fabric |
For driveways and bases, always build in compacted layers of about 2 inches at a time — a thick loose layer never firms up properly and ruts quickly under vehicle weight.
FAQ
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
About 2,800–3,400 lbs (1.4–1.7 tons) depending on type. Pea gravel ~1.4, crushed stone ~1.45, crusher run up to 1.7 tons/yd³.
How do I convert yards to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by density. 3 yards of 3/4" crushed stone ≈ 3 × 1.45 = 4.35 tons.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
New builds need 8–12" in three compacted layers; resurfacing takes 2–3" of new surface stone.
How much does a ton cover?
Roughly 100–110 sq ft at 2", 70 sq ft at 3", or 50 sq ft at 4" driveway depth.
Gravel vs crushed stone?
Gravel is rounded (stays loose, good for paths and drainage); crushed stone is angular (locks when compacted, good for driveways and bases).
Building a patio? The paver calculator figures your base gravel too. More tools: river rock calculator, mulch calculator, topsoil calculator, or browse all landscape material calculators.