Easily calculate how much gravel you need for your project. Input length, width, and depth to get cubic yards, tons, and number of bags needed.
Our Gravel Calculator helps you estimate the amount of gravel needed for your driveway, path, landscaping, or construction project. By calculating the volume based on area and depth, and accounting for gravel density, this tool provides accurate measurements to help you purchase the right amount of materials.
| Application | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Walkways | 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) |
| Driveways | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) |
| Patio bases | 4 inches (10 cm) |
| Drainage layers | 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) |
| Decorative beds | 2 inches (5 cm) |
| Gravel Type | Approx. Weight per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | ~2,600 lbs (1,180 kg) |
| Crushed Stone | ~2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| River Rock | ~2,500 lbs (1,135 kg) |
| Decomposed Granite | ~2,400 lbs (1,090 kg) |
Gravel driveways are cost-effective and durable alternatives to paved surfaces. They provide excellent drainage and can support vehicle traffic when properly installed with adequate depth and base preparation.
Create attractive and functional walkways in gardens and landscapes. Gravel paths are easy to install, provide good drainage, and can be shaped to fit any landscape design.
Use gravel as a decorative element in garden beds, around plants, or as a ground cover. It helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and adds visual interest to outdoor spaces.
Gravel is essential in French drains, drainage trenches, and other water management solutions. Its permeable nature allows water to flow through while preventing erosion.
In construction, gravel serves as a stable base for concrete slabs, foundations, and roads. It provides excellent compaction and load-bearing capabilities.
Gravel around pools creates a clean, slip-resistant surface that drains quickly. It's an attractive alternative to concrete or pavers in poolside areas.
For a standard residential driveway, you'll typically need 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of gravel. Using our calculator, enter your driveway dimensions and desired depth to get an accurate estimate. Remember to account for compaction, which may increase the amount needed by 10-20%.
For driveways, angular crushed stone (typically 3/4" to 1.5" in size) works best as it locks together when compacted. Avoid rounded gravel like pea stone for driveways as it doesn't compact well and can shift under vehicle weight.
Our calculator simplifies this process. Measure the area you want to cover (either by total area or length × width), determine the desired depth, and select the type of gravel. The calculator will provide the volume in various units and the estimated weight needed.
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 2,400 to 2,900 pounds (1,080 to 1,315 kg), depending on the type of gravel and moisture content. Our calculator uses standard densities based on gravel type to provide accurate weight estimates.
Yes, for best results, prepare the area by removing topsoil, adding a base layer of larger crushed stone, and installing landscape fabric to prevent weed growth. Proper base preparation ensures longevity and stability of your gravel surface.
Always order 5-10% more gravel than calculated to account for compaction and settling. It's better to have a little extra than to run short before completing your project.
For driveways, use larger gravel at the bottom (3-4") and smaller gravel on top (1-2"). This creates a stable base with a smooth finished surface.
Use metal, plastic, or stone edging to contain the gravel and prevent it from spreading into adjacent areas. This maintains a clean, defined appearance.
Rake your gravel periodically to redistribute material and maintain an even surface. Top up with fresh gravel every 1-2 years to compensate for settling and displacement.
Plan for proper water runoff by creating a slight slope (1-2%) away from buildings. This prevents water pooling and extends the life of your gravel surface.
Install quality landscape fabric beneath the gravel to prevent weed growth while allowing water to drain through. This reduces maintenance significantly.
Challenge yourself with these 10 questions about gravel calculations and real-world scenarios.
To calculate the amount of gravel needed:
Adding 10% for compaction: 6.22 × 1.1 = 6.84 tons
The closest answer is 6.75 tons (option c).
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