Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and estimated cost for driveways, paths, and landscaping.
Last updated: September 2026 · Reviewed for driveway and landscaping gravel estimating
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
Common Gravel Examples (Standard Gravel 1.4 ton/yd³, 10% Waste)
Quick reference for popular projects. Re-calculate with your exact size, depth and gravel type.
| Project | Size | Depth | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walkway | 3 × 20 ft | 3 in | ~0.61 yd³ | ~0.9 tons |
| Small driveway | 10 × 20 ft | 4 in | ~2.4 yd³ | ~3.4 tons |
| Standard driveway | 12 × 40 ft | 4 in | ~5.9 yd³ | ~8.2 tons |
| Parking pad | 20 × 20 ft | 6 in | ~8.1 yd³ | ~11.4 tons |
Figures include 10% waste. Compaction and uneven subgrade can increase real usage.
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 |
Formulas Used
Rectangular: Volume = Length × Width × Depth
Circular: Volume = π × (Diameter ÷ 2)² × Depth
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (tons per cubic yard)
A waste factor (usually 5–10%) is added for compaction and uneven ground.
How Much Gravel Do I Need?
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.
Driveway Gravel Calculator
Most driveways need 4–6 inches of gravel. For a 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, you will need roughly 2.5 cubic yards (about 3.5 tons of standard gravel) before adding waste.
Path & Walkway Gravel
Walkways usually need only 2–3 inches of depth. Pea gravel or smaller crushed stone looks attractive and is comfortable underfoot.
Choosing the Right Gravel Type
- Crushed stone / angular gravel – best for driveways and parking (locks together)
- Pea gravel – decorative, good for paths and landscaping
- River rock – decorative, larger stones, lower density
- Standard gravel – general purpose, good balance of cost and performance
Tips for Ordering Gravel
- Always add 5–10% waste for compaction and uneven ground.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Standard gravel ≈ 1.4 tons per cubic yard
- Pea gravel ≈ 1.35 tons
- Crushed stone ≈ 1.5 tons
- River rock ≈ 1.25 tons
Driveways: 4–6 inches
Parking areas: 6–8 inches
French drains: 8–12 inches
Decorative landscaping: 1.5–3 inches
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.