Gravel Calculator
Enter your area dimensions or total square footage to find out how much gravel you need — in cubic yards, tons, and bag counts.
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Not sure how large your area is? Use our land area calculator to measure any yard, driveway, or path on a map.
Your Results
Volume needed
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Cubic feet
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Tons needed
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0.5 cu ft bags
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Estimated cost (bulk delivery)
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How We Calculate
Formula, assumptions, and sources
Inputs you provide
- Area — either length × width or a total square footage you already measured
- Depth — how deep to lay the gravel (default 3 inches / 7.5 cm; driveways typically need 4–6 inches)
Formula
Volume = area × depth, converted to the unit your supplier sells in.
- Imperial:
cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 - Metric:
cubic meters = area (sq m) × depth (cm) ÷ 100
Weight: tons = cubic yards × 1.4 (imperial) or tonnes = cubic meters × 1.68 (metric).
Bag count = total cubic feet ÷ 0.5 cu ft per bag, rounded up. Bagged gravel is almost always a bad deal above a few bags — use the cost range to compare.
Cost range: tons × $30–$55/ton for delivered bulk (imperial) or cubic meters × $40–$75/m³ (metric).
Assumptions
- Density of 1.4 short tons per cubic yard (1.68 tonnes/m³) is a middle-of-the-road figure for common crushed stone and pea gravel. Denser aggregates (granite, river rock) run closer to 1.5–1.6 tons/yd; lighter stones run closer to 1.2–1.35.
- Default depth of 3 inches is for paths and decorative areas. Driveways that handle vehicle traffic usually need 4–6 inches of compacted gravel, often over a compacted subbase.
- Cost range of $30–$55 per ton reflects typical US delivered-bulk prices in 2025. Delivery distance, stone type, and local demand push prices well outside that range in some regions.
- 0.5 cu ft is the most common retail bag size for gravel in the US.
Sources
- Aggregate density values (1.2–1.68 tons/yd depending on stone type) are industry standard and match published figures from commercial suppliers. For a specific stone, ask your supplier for the density they use.
- Driveway depth guidance aligns with gravel-driveway construction references from extension services and trade publications — see our how-much-gravel guide for specifics.
Limitations
- Density varies significantly by stone type, size, and moisture. If you know your supplier's exact density, the tonnage they quote will be more accurate than this calculator's estimate.
- Compaction reduces volume. A 3-inch compacted layer typically needs ~20% more loose material than the raw volume math suggests. For load-bearing layers, add a compaction allowance.
- Driveways and drainage projects usually need a base layer (crushed run, #57 stone) under the decorative top layer. This calculator sizes one layer at a time — run it twice for multi-layer builds.
- Cost estimates do not include delivery fees, which can add $50–$200+ per trip and often dwarf the per-ton price difference between nearby suppliers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need?
Gravel weighs approximately 1.4 short tons per cubic yard. Use the calculator above to enter your area and depth — it will show you cubic yards and tons together.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway or path?
For paths and decorative areas, 2–3 inches is typical. For driveways that handle vehicle traffic, plan for 4–6 inches of compacted gravel.
How much does a yard of gravel cover?
At 3 inches deep, 1 cubic yard of gravel covers about 108 square feet. At 2 inches deep it covers about 162 sq ft, and at 4 inches about 81 sq ft.
What does a ton of gravel cost?
Bulk gravel typically costs $30–$55 per short ton for delivery, depending on gravel type and your location. Pea gravel and crushed stone are usually at the lower end; decorative options cost more.