Gravel Calculator

Calculate gravel volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and estimated cost for driveways, paths, and landscaping.

Last updated: September 2026 · Volume-to-tons math and common density presets reviewed (not a pavement or drainage design service)

Best for a single rectangular or circular area at one depth. Run the calculator once per layer if you need a base course and a surface course. This is a material-planning estimate — not an engineered pavement design.

Length

Width

Depth

Waste Factor

Gravel Type (Density)

Price per Ton (optional)

Quick Answer: Gravel Volume & Weight Formula

Cubic yards ≈ (length × width × depth in feet) ÷ 27 × (1 + waste%).

Tons ≈ cubic yards × density (often 1.4 for standard gravel).

Driveways commonly use 4–6 inches depth; paths 2–3 inches
Add about 10% waste for compaction and uneven ground
Circular areas use π × (radius)² × depth instead of length × width

How to Use This Gravel Calculator

Select shape: Rectangular or Circular
Enter length, width (or diameter) and depth with the correct units
Choose a waste factor — 10% is recommended
Select gravel type so the weight (tons) is accurate
Optionally enter price per ton to see estimated cost
Click Calculate Gravel to see cubic yards, tons, and cost

How Much Gravel Do I Need? (Examples)

Quick reference using standard gravel (1.4 ton/yd³) and 10% waste. Re-calculate with your size, depth, and gravel type.

Project	Size	Depth	Volume	Weight
Walkway	3 × 20 ft	3 in	~0.61 yd³	~0.86 tons
Small driveway	10 × 20 ft	4 in	~2.72 yd³	~3.80 tons
Medium driveway	12 × 24 ft	4 in	~3.91 yd³	~5.48 tons
Standard driveway	12 × 40 ft	4 in	~6.52 yd³	~9.12 tons
Parking pad	20 × 20 ft	6 in	~8.15 yd³	~11.4 tons

Figures include 10% waste. Compaction and uneven subgrade can increase real usage.

Worked example (12 × 40 ft driveway, 4 in deep)

Volume = 12 × 40 × (4 ÷ 12) = 160 ft³
÷ 27 ≈ 5.93 yd³ (before waste)
× 1.10 (10% waste) ≈ 6.52 yd³
× 1.4 ton/yd³ ≈ 9.12 tons

Circular example (10 ft diameter patio, 3 in deep)

Volume = π × (5)² × (3 ÷ 12) ≈ 19.63 ft³
÷ 27 ≈ 0.73 yd³ (before waste)
× 1.10 ≈ 0.80 yd³
× 1.4 ≈ 1.12 tons of standard gravel

Use the Circular tab above for round patios, fire-pit pads, and similar shapes.

Recommended Gravel Depth

Use Case	Recommended Depth
Walkways / Paths	2 – 3 inches
Driveways	4 – 6 inches
Parking Areas	6 – 8 inches
French Drains	8 – 12 inches
Decorative Landscaping	1.5 – 3 inches

Gravel Weight: Tons per Cubic Yard

Weight depends on rock type and moisture. These presets match the calculator dropdown; your quarry may publish a slightly different number.

Gravel type	Typical density
Standard gravel	~1.4 ton/yd³
Pea gravel	~1.35 ton/yd³
Crushed stone	~1.5 ton/yd³
River rock	~1.25 ton/yd³

If the supplier prices by the ton, use their density (or ask for tons per yard) so the weight estimate matches what you will be billed.

Formulas Used

Rectangular volume (ft³) = Length × Width × Depth (all in feet)

Circular volume (ft³) = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × Depth

Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27

With waste = Cubic yards × (1 + Waste%)

Tons = Cubic yards with waste × Density (tons per yd³)

Depth entered in inches is converted to feet (÷ 12) before volume is calculated.

A waste factor (usually 5–10%) is added for compaction and uneven ground.

Driveway, Path & Gravel Type Guide

Whether you are building a driveway, laying a garden path, or filling a French drain, ordering the right amount of gravel saves money and avoids multiple trips to the supplier.

Driveways

Most driveways need 4–6 inches of gravel (or more for soft soils). Example: a 10 × 20 ft driveway at 4 inches with 10% waste and standard gravel is about 2.72 yd³ (~3.80 tons) — same as the examples table above.

Two-layer driveways: Many installs use a thicker base of larger angular stone, then a surface course. This calculator estimates one layer at a time. Run it twice (base depth + surface depth) and add the results if your design uses two courses.

Paths & walkways

Walkways usually need only 2–3 inches of depth. Pea gravel or smaller crushed stone looks attractive and is comfortable underfoot. Use landscape edging so the stone does not migrate into lawns or beds.

Choosing the right gravel type

Crushed stone / angular gravel – best for driveways and parking (locks together)
Pea gravel – decorative, good for paths and landscaping; can shift under vehicles
River rock – decorative, larger stones, lower density
Standard gravel – general purpose, good balance of cost and performance

For planting beds use the mulch calculator instead. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles or use the square footage calculator, then convert with depth here.

Loose vs Compacted Gravel

Suppliers usually sell by loose cubic yards or by the ton. After spreading and compacting, the same material occupies less volume — so a finished 4-inch depth often requires more stone than a pure geometry calculation without waste.

Why 10% waste is common: compaction, uneven subgrade, and edge losses.
Heavy compaction or soft ground: consider 15% or a thicker design depth.
Ordering tip: if the yard quotes tons, match the density they use so your tonnage and their ticket align.

Tips for Ordering Gravel

Always add 5–10% waste for compaction and uneven ground.
Compaction: Ordered cubic yards are typically “loose.” After compaction you may need the waste allowance (or more) to hit the finished depth.
Measure carefully — length and width of the area, plus desired depth.
Consider delivery — many suppliers have minimum order quantities or delivery fees.
Base layer first — for driveways, a compacted base of larger stone under the surface gravel improves longevity.
Check local availability — density and price vary by region and quarry.

Important: This calculator estimates loose volume and weight from area, depth, density, and waste. It does not design base layers, drainage, or compaction specs. Delivered and compacted depth can differ — confirm with your supplier and local practice before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

For a typical driveway, use 4–6 inches of gravel depth. Multiply length × width × depth (in feet), divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by the density (usually 1.4 tons per cubic yard) to get the weight in tons. This calculator does it automatically.

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

It depends on the type:

Standard gravel ≈ 1.4 tons per cubic yard
Pea gravel ≈ 1.35 tons
Crushed stone ≈ 1.5 tons
River rock ≈ 1.25 tons

What depth of gravel do I need?

Walkways: 2–3 inches
Driveways: 4–6 inches
Parking areas: 6–8 inches
French drains: 8–12 inches
Decorative landscaping: 1.5–3 inches

Should I add a waste factor when ordering gravel?

Yes. Always add 5–10% extra. Compaction, uneven ground, and spillage mean you will use more gravel than the exact calculated volume.

How much does a ton of gravel cost?

Gravel typically costs $30–$60 per ton depending on type, location, and delivery. Decorative gravel and river rock are usually more expensive than standard crushed gravel.

What is the best gravel for a driveway?

Crushed stone or angular gravel works best for driveways because the pieces lock together and provide good traction. Pea gravel is more decorative but can shift under vehicle traffic.

How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?

Multiply cubic yards by the density of your gravel type. Example: 5 cubic yards of standard gravel × 1.4 = 7 tons. This calculator shows both volume and weight automatically.

Should I order gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard?

Either works if you convert correctly. Many quarries sell by the ton; landscapers often think in cubic yards. Use density (tons per yd³) to convert. This calculator outputs both so you can match how your supplier prices the load.

Does gravel compact after delivery?

Yes. Loose gravel settles when spread and compacted, so finished depth is less than a naive volume implies. That is why a 5–10% waste factor (or more on soft ground) is recommended when ordering.

Can I use this calculator for sand or stone dust?

You can estimate volume the same way (area × depth ÷ 27). Weight will be wrong unless you change density to match that material — sand and stone dust are not the same as the gravel presets. Ask the supplier for tons per cubic yard when ordering by weight.

How do I measure a circular gravel area?

Measure the diameter across the circle, enter it on the Circular tab with your depth, and calculate. For rings (around a fire pit), calculate the outer circle and subtract the inner circle, or approximate with average width × path length.

Related measurements

For concrete pads under gravel or footings use the concrete calculator. Landscape beds: mulch calculator. Area size: square footage calculator. Browse all construction calculators.