Gravel Calculator — Tons, Cubic Yards & Coverage
Whether for driveways, drainage beds, or landscaping, gravel quantity estimation requires knowing volume and bulk density. This calculator converts your project dimensions into cubic yards and tons for over a dozen gravel types—from pea gravel to #57 stone.
Why This Construction Metric Matters
Why: Gravel is sold by the ton but measured by volume—getting the conversion right prevents expensive over-delivery (you can't return bulk gravel) or costly second deliveries. Different gravel types have different bulk densities, so a cubic yard of pea gravel weighs significantly less than a cubic yard of crushed limestone.
How: Calculate your project volume (length × width × depth), convert to cubic yards (÷ 27), then multiply by the material's bulk density to get tons. Standard gravel averages 2,700 lbs per cubic yard (1.35 tons). Add 5–10% for compaction, settling, and edge spillover.
- ●Gravel compacts 10–15% after placement—order extra to account for settling.
- ●A standard dump truck carries 10–14 tons; a tandem-axle carries 15–20 tons.
- ●#57 stone (3/4"–1") is the most common driveway gravel in the US.
- ●For drainage applications, use clean (unwashed) angular stone for maximum void space.
Sample Projects - Click to Load
Garden Walkway
3 ft wide × 20 ft long pea gravel path
Small Patio
10×10 ft decorative patio area
Residential Driveway
12 ft wide × 40 ft long gravel driveway
Fire Pit Area
8 ft diameter circular decorative area
French Drain
50 ft drainage trench with gravel
Parking Pad
20×30 ft vehicle parking area
Landscape Bed
15×4 ft decorative rock border
Paver Base
12×12 ft base layer for patio pavers
Custom Project
Enter your own dimensions
Crushed Gravel (#411)
Mix of crushed stone and dust
📏 Dimensions (feet)
⚙️ Advanced Options
💰 Pricing
Planning estimates only. Verify with a licensed engineer or contractor before construction.
📐 Construction Industry Facts
The US produces over 1.5 billion tons of crushed stone annually—the largest non-fuel mineral commodity.
— USGS 2024
A standard tri-axle dump truck can carry 15–18 tons of gravel per load.
— FHWA
Crushed stone is used in 96% of asphalt pavement and 80% of concrete as aggregate.
— National Stone Association
#57 stone has a void ratio of approximately 40%, making it excellent for drainage applications.
— ASTM D422
📋 Key Takeaways
- • Volume | L × W × D (cu ft); cu yd = cu ft ÷ 27
- • Tons | cu yd × tons/cu yd (1.35–1.7 typical)
- • Compaction | Add 10–30% by type
- • Depth | Walkway 2–3"; Driveway 4–6"
Did You Know?
1 cu yd = 27 cu ft. Gravel ordered by ton or cu yd.
Source: Volume
Crushed stone ~1.4 tons/cu yd. Pea gravel ~1.35.
Source: Density
Compaction: crushed 15–20%; round pea 10–15%.
Source: Compaction
Circle: π × (D/2)² × depth. Convert to cu yd.
Source: Circle
Add 5–10% waste for spillage and uneven base.
Source: Waste
Driveway: 4–6". Walkway: 2–3". Patio: 3–4".
Source: Depth
What is a Gravel Calculator?
A gravel calculator determines volume (cu ft, cu yd) and weight (tons) for driveways, walkways, patios, and landscaping. Accounts for gravel type, compaction, and waste.
🔬 Key Concepts
Volume
L × W × D; cu yd = cu ft ÷ 27
Tons
cu yd × tons/cu yd (1.35–1.7)
Compaction
10–30% by type
Types
Pea, crushed, river rock; density varies
How to Calculate Gravel Needed
- 1
Measure
L × W or π(D/2)²; depth in inches
- 2
Volume
cu ft = area × (depth/12); cu yd = cu ft ÷ 27
- 3
Compaction
Add 10–30% by gravel type
- 4
Tons
cu yd × tons/cu yd; add waste
When to Use a Gravel Calculator
🚗 Driveway
Vehicle-rated surface
Depth: 4"
🚶 Walkway
Foot traffic path
Depth: 2"
🏡 Patio
Outdoor living space
Depth: 3"
🌿 Landscaping
Decorative ground cover
Depth: 2"
💧 Drainage
Water drainage system
Depth: 6"
🧱 Base Layer
Foundation under pavers/concrete
Depth: 4"
🅿️ Parking Area
Heavy vehicle parking
Depth: 6"
🎪 Playground
Safety surface for play areas
Depth: 9"
Gravel Formulas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gravel calculator?
A gravel calculator determines volume (cubic yards), weight (tons), and cost for driveways, walkways, patios, drainage, and landscaping. It accounts for gravel type density, compaction (10–30%), and waste factors.
How is gravel volume calculated?
Volume = Area × (Depth ÷ 12) in cubic feet. Rectangle: L × W. Circle: π × (D/2)². cu yd = cu ft ÷ 27. Multiply by tons per cubic yard (1.35–1.7 by type) for weight.
What gravel for driveways vs walkways?
Driveways: crushed gravel, quarry process (4–6" depth). Walkways: pea gravel or decomposed granite (2–3" depth). Use angular stone for stability.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Crushed stone ~1.4 tons/cu yd. Pea gravel ~1.35. Quarry process ~1.7. Lava rock ~0.7. A standard dump truck carries 10–18 tons.
What compaction factor for gravel?
Add 10–30% by type. Crushed stone: 15–20%. Pea gravel: 10–15%. Quarry process: 25–30%. Round stone compacts less than angular.
How many tons per cubic yard of gravel?
Typical range 1.35–1.7 tons/cu yd. #57 stone ~1.4. Pea gravel ~1.35. Bank run ~1.6. Density varies by source and moisture.
Gravel Type Reference
| Type | Density | Tons/cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 96 lbs/cu ft | 1.4 |
| Crushed Stone (#57) | 100 lbs/cu ft | 1.4 |
| Crushed Gravel (#411) | 105 lbs/cu ft | 1.5 |
| River Rock | 90 lbs/cu ft | 1.35 |
| Marble Chips | 95 lbs/cu ft | 1.4 |
| Decomposed Granite | 100 lbs/cu ft | 1.4 |
| Bank Run Gravel | 110 lbs/cu ft | 1.6 |
| Lava Rock | 50 lbs/cu ft | 0.7 |
| Quarry Process (QP) | 115 lbs/cu ft | 1.7 |
Important Considerations
⚠️ Avoid
- • Under-ordering (delays)
- • Wrong depth for application
- • Ignoring compaction
✓ Best Practices
- • Add 10–30% compaction
- • Add 5–10% waste
- • Verify with supplier
⚠️ Disclaimer: Estimates for planning. Actual yield varies by moisture, compaction, and supplier. Order slightly extra.
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