Gravel Calculator
Use this gravel estimator to calculate cubic yards and US tons from your area and depth. Adjust the material density and extra allowance, then calculate material cost using your supplier’s price.
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How Much Gravel Do I Need?
To figure out yards of gravel, measure the length, width and depth of the layer you want to add. For an uneven outline, split the area into rectangles, calculate each section and add the volumes together.
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324
Example: 20 ft × 10 ft × 3 in = 50 ft³, or 1.85 yd³ before any extra allowance. The calculator keeps the full value until the result is displayed.
How Much Gravel Do I Need for My Driveway?
Use this gravel driveway calculator to estimate the volume of the layer you plan to add. A 40 ft × 12 ft area with a 3 in layer needs 4.44 yd³ before extra allowance. The 3 in depth is an example input, not a recommended driveway thickness. For resurfacing, measure only the layer being added; the correct depth depends on your existing surface and project requirements.
Gravel Coverage Chart
Use this chart for a uniform layer before extra allowance or compaction. The depths below are calculation examples, not installation recommendations.
| Layer depth | Area covered by 1 yd³ | Volume for 100 ft² |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 162 ft² | 0.62 yd³ |
| 3 in | 108 ft² | 0.93 yd³ |
| 4 in | 81 ft² | 1.23 yd³ |
| 6 in | 54 ft² | 1.85 yd³ |
Coverage (ft²) = 324 ÷ depth (in). Volume (yd³) = area (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 324.
How Many Yards in a Ton of Gravel?
A cubic yard measures volume (27 ft³); a US short ton measures weight (2,000 lb). There is no single conversion factor for every aggregate: rock mineralogy, particle gradation and moisture change how much one cubic yard weighs. To compare a quote priced per cubic yard with one priced per US ton, convert both quotes to the same basis using the supplier’s stated bulk density.
yd³ = US tons ÷ density (US tons/yd³)
Equivalent price per yd³ = price per US ton × density (US tons/yd³)
Example only: at a hypothetical loose bulk density of 1.4 US tons/yd³, one US ton equals about 0.71 yd³, and a quote of $45 per US ton equals $63 per yd³ ($45 × 1.4). Confirm whether each supplier’s density describes loose truck volume or compacted in-place volume.
| Conversion | Using your inputs |
|---|---|
| Weight of 1 yd³ | Density required |
| Volume of 1 US ton | Density required |
| Coverage of 1 US ton | Density and depth required |
These conversions exclude extra allowance. Coverage also requires a layer depth.
Pea Gravel and Crushed Stone Estimates
The same dimensions give the same geometric volume, but different aggregates behave and weigh differently. The calculator accepts your supplier’s custom bulk density rather than assigning a fixed weight to a stone name.
| Product | Typical shape & role | What to confirm with your supplier |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | Smooth, rounded stones; shifts underfoot unless contained by edging. | Bulk density for the specific size range and whether washed or damp. |
| Crushed stone / #57 | Angular screened stone without fines; drains freely for top layers and drain trenches. | The exact gradation and bulk density; a sieve number alone is not a weight conversion. |
| Crusher run / quarry process | Angular stone blended with stone dust; compacts into a firm base for pavers or driveways. | Loose vs compacted bulk density and recommended compaction allowance. |
How Much Pea Gravel Do I Need?
Calculate the layer volume from your bed area and depth using the formula above. If your yard sells pea gravel by the US ton, enter its bulk density under Material density to convert cubic yards into tons.
How Much Does Gravel Cost?
Gravel cost depends on the aggregate type, local quarry rates and whether you buy by volume or weight. Enter your quoted price per cubic yard or US ton to estimate the material subtotal for your order quantity (including any extra allowance you entered).
How Much Is a Yard of Gravel?
Multiply the order volume in yd³ by the quoted price per yd³. Example only: 2 yd³ × $60/yd³ = $120 for material before delivery.
How Much Is a Ton of Gravel?
Multiply the estimated order weight in US short tons by the quoted price per US ton. On a scale delivery ticket, check the net weight (gross truck weight minus empty tare weight, divided by 2,000 lb); surface moisture from rain or washing and subgrade settling can make the delivered weight or spread depth differ slightly from a dry geometric estimate.
The example price is hypothetical. Delivery, tax, labor, excavation and minimum-order charges are excluded; request a delivered quote for the total you will pay.
