Answer: Enter your values and the Gravel Calculator returns the exact result instantly — formula, worked example, and a plain-English explanation are included below the tool.
Cubic yards and tons from area and depth
Enter the length and width of the area in feet plus the desired depth in inches, and the calculator converts that volume into cubic feet and cubic yards, then into an estimated tonnage using the density of the material you select. Gravel is sold by the ton at quarries and by the bag at home centers; supplier weights vary, so tonnage here is a planning estimate built from typical in-place densities.
The math is straightforward: volume in cubic feet = length × width × (depth ÷ 12), cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 (because one cubic yard is exactly 27 cubic feet), and tons = cubic yards × density in tons per cubic yard. Multiplying tons by a price per ton gives a material budget.
The material dropdown sets the conversion density: pea gravel and #57 stone at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, crushed stone at 1.5, sand and topsoil at 1.35, and dense limestone at 1.7. These are typical bulk densities; actual delivered weight varies with moisture and stone gradation, so treat the ton figure as a close planning number rather than an invoice.
For coverage checking, one cubic yard of gravel covers 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 at 2 inches, 108 at 3 inches, and 81 at 4 inches — useful when you know the area but are deciding how deep to spread.
The table below shows how far one cubic yard (27 cubic feet) goes at common depths, computed directly from the 27-cubic-foot definition. Depth is the single biggest lever on how much material a project needs.
Worked example with the calculator defaults: a 20 ft × 10 ft driveway base at 3 inches deep is 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet = 1.85 cubic yards. At the pea gravel density of 1.4 tons per yard that is about 2.59 tons, and at $45 per ton the material budget is roughly $117.
| Depth | Area Covered by 1 yd³ | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft | Top-dressing, fill |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | Decorative paths |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | Walkways, dog runs |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | Driveway surface |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | Driveway base, drainage |
For decorative paths and top-dressing, 2–3 inches is usually enough. Driveways typically need 4–6 inches total — a compacted base of larger stone (often crusher run or #3) topped with 2–3 inches of surface gravel such as #57. Drainage trenches and French drains usually call for 6–12 inches of clean #57 stone wrapped in landscape fabric.
Because gravel settles and compacts after spreading, contractors commonly order 5–10% extra to keep the finished depth on spec. Rounded pea gravel shifts under traffic; crushed angular stone locks together and holds its shape better under vehicle loads.
Bulk gravel is typically delivered in dump trucks that hold roughly 10–15 cubic yards, with many suppliers setting a minimum delivery of 1–3 yards. Below that, bagged product or a trailer pickup often makes more sense. When ordering, quote both yards and tons — quarries bill by weight, and giving the tonnage from this calculator (based on the density you selected) keeps estimates and invoices aligned.
Compaction matters more than most DIY projects expect. Crushed stone with fines compacts significantly when vibrated or driven over; order the extra 5–10% so the finished surface doesn't fall below the target depth after settling. For driveways, compact the base layer before spreading the surface stone rather than compacting everything at once.
Weed barrier under decorative gravel cuts maintenance: landscape fabric separates the stone from soil so seeds rooting in the ground can't push through. Skip fabric under drainage installations, however, where water must move freely through the stone — there, use non-woven geotextile specified for drainage rather than standard weed fabric.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
At the typical density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard used for pea gravel and #57 stone, one ton is about 0.71 cubic yards — roughly 19 cubic feet. Dense limestone at 1.7 tons/yd³ makes a ton closer to 0.59 yards.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Roughly 2,400–2,900 lb (1.2–1.45 tons) for common gravel and crushed stone, depending on stone type and moisture. Dense limestone can exceed 3,000 lb per yard.
How do I calculate gravel for an irregular area?
Break the shape into rectangles, run each through the calculator, and add the volumes. Alternatively, enter the total square footage as length × 1 in the length and width fields to use your measured area directly.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
4–6 inches total for passenger vehicles: a compacted base layer of larger angular stone plus a 2–3 inch surface layer of #57. Heavier traffic calls for a thicker base.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes — 5–10% is the usual allowance for settling, compaction, and uneven excavation, since gravel packs down after installation.