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Gravel Calculator

Calculating the right amount of gravel for your landscaping or construction project is crucial for both budget management and project success. Whether you're building a driveway, creating a garden path, installing a patio base, or establishing drainage around your foundation, ordering too little gravel means delays and additional delivery fees, while ordering too much wastes money and creates disposal challenges. Our gravel calculator takes the guesswork out of material estimation by converting your project dimensions into precise cubic yard measurements, weight in tons, and cost estimates based on gravel type. Different gravel types serve different purposes: pea gravel offers smooth, decorative coverage ideal for walkways and play areas; crushed stone provides excellent compaction for driveways and structural bases; river rock adds natural aesthetic appeal to water features and landscaping; limestone offers durability and natural drainage; and decomposed granite creates stable, permeable surfaces for modern landscapes. Understanding how much material you need before visiting the supply yard ensures you get the right quantity delivered, avoiding the common pitfall of underestimating volume or paying for excess material you'll never use.

100% Free
No Data Stored
Instant Results
ft
ft
in
Volume Needed
1.23
cubic yards
With 10% Waste
1.36
cubic yards
Weight
1.83
tons
Estimated Cost
$73
at $40/ton

Gravel Needed by Depth (cubic yards with 10% waste)

2" Deep1
4" Deep1
6" Deep2

Pro Tip: Always compact your base before adding gravel. For driveways, use 4-6 inches of crushed stone for a stable foundation. For walkways, 2-3 inches is typically sufficient. Order 1.36 cubic yards (includes 10% waste factor).

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The Gravel Volume Formula Explained

Calculating gravel volume follows a straightforward mathematical process, but unit conversions often trip up DIYers. Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Volume = Length × Width × Depth

The challenge is that we measure projects in feet and inches, but gravel suppliers sell by the cubic yard. Here's how to convert:

  1. Convert depth from inches to feet: Divide your depth by 12 (e.g., 4 inches = 0.333 feet)
  2. Calculate cubic feet: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) = cubic feet
  3. Convert to cubic yards: Divide cubic feet by 27 (since 1 yard = 3 feet, and 3³ = 27)
  4. Add 10% waste factor: Multiply by 1.1 to account for settling, spillage, and irregular ground

Example: A 10ft × 10ft driveway section at 4 inches deep:

10 × 10 × 0.333 = 33.3 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 1.23 cubic yards × 1.1 = 1.35 cubic yards needed

Different gravel types have different densities, affecting weight. Crushed stone weighs approximately 1.35 tons per cubic yard, while river rock can weigh up to 1.45 tons per cubic yard. This weight difference matters for delivery logistics and structural load calculations.

Choosing the Right Gravel Type and Depth

Not all gravel serves the same purpose. Selecting the wrong type can compromise your project's functionality and longevity:

Gravel Types and Their Best Uses:

  • Crushed Stone (3/4" or 3/8"): The workhorse of gravel projects. Angular edges lock together when compacted, making it ideal for driveway bases, foundation drainage, and any application requiring structural stability. Most cost-effective at around $40 per ton.
  • Pea Gravel (1/4" - 3/8" round): Smooth, rounded stones that won't compact tightly. Perfect for decorative pathways, playground surfaces, and areas where you want drainage without harsh edges. More expensive at $45 per ton but comfortable underfoot.
  • River Rock (1" - 3" round): Larger, decorative stones that resist displacement. Excellent for water features, dry creek beds, and landscape accents. Premium pricing at $55 per ton reflects aesthetic appeal.
  • Limestone: Naturally alkaline, helps with drainage, and compacts moderately well. Common for agricultural roads and base layers. Around $42 per ton.
  • Decomposed Granite: Finely crushed granite that compacts into a firm, permeable surface. Popular for modern landscapes and walking paths. Approximately $48 per ton.

Depth Recommendations:

  • 2 inches: Decorative coverage, light-traffic walkways, mulch alternative
  • 4 inches: Standard for residential driveways, patios, moderate-traffic paths
  • 6 inches: Heavy-duty driveways, commercial applications, areas with soft subsoil

For driveways subjected to vehicle traffic, never go below 4 inches. Areas with poor drainage or soft soil may require 6-8 inches for adequate support. Consider a two-layer system: larger crushed stone (3/4") as the base with smaller pea gravel or finer stone on top for a finished appearance.

Cost-Saving Tips and Installation Best Practices

Smart planning can significantly reduce your gravel project costs without compromising quality:

Reduce Material Costs:

  • Buy in bulk: Suppliers charge less per ton for full truckload deliveries (typically 10+ tons) versus small quantities
  • Coordinate with neighbors: Split a large delivery to access wholesale pricing
  • Use native stone: Locally quarried gravel costs less than imported decorative rock
  • Consider crushed recycled concrete: Often 20-30% cheaper than virgin stone for base layers

Minimize Waste:

  • Proper base preparation: Excavate to consistent depth—uneven subgrade consumes extra material
  • Install edging first: Metal, plastic, or wooden borders contain gravel and prevent migration into lawn areas
  • Compact in layers: For depths over 4 inches, add and compact gravel in 2-inch lifts. This prevents excessive settling that would require topping off
  • Use landscape fabric: Installing geotextile fabric between soil and gravel prevents mixing and extends material life

Professional Secrets:

Contractors know that proper installation matters more than material quantity. Before adding gravel, excavate to proper depth, grade for drainage (minimum 2% slope), and compact the soil base. Adding gravel to uncompacted, ungraded soil guarantees ruts, puddles, and premature failure. For driveways, crown the center slightly higher than the edges so water sheds to the sides.

The 10% waste factor isn't optional—it accounts for settling (gravel compacts 10-15% after installation), spillage during delivery and spreading, and irregular excavation depth. Running short mid-project means paying delivery fees twice, often costing more than the extra material would have.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
For a residential driveway, 4-6 inches of gravel is standard. Light-use driveways can use 4 inches, while driveways with frequent heavy vehicle traffic or areas with soft subsoil should use 6 inches or more. Always install in layers: larger crushed stone (3/4" to 1") as the base layer for stability, topped with smaller gravel (3/8" or pea gravel) for a smooth finish. This two-layer approach provides both structural integrity and a comfortable driving surface.
How many tons of gravel do I need?
To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by the density of your chosen gravel type. Crushed stone typically weighs 1.35 tons per cubic yard, pea gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, and river rock weighs approximately 1.45 tons per cubic yard. For example, if you need 5 cubic yards of crushed stone: 5 × 1.35 = 6.75 tons. Always round up when ordering to ensure you have enough material.
Should I put landscape fabric under gravel?
Yes, for most applications. Landscape fabric (geotextile) creates a barrier between soil and gravel, preventing them from mixing over time. This is especially important for driveways and paths where gravel would otherwise sink into the soil, requiring frequent replenishment. The fabric also prevents weeds from growing up through the gravel. Skip fabric only in drainage applications where you want water to percolate freely into the soil below.
What is the difference between crushed stone and pea gravel?
Crushed stone has angular, irregular edges created by mechanical crushing of larger rocks. These edges interlock when compacted, creating a stable, firm surface ideal for driveways and structural applications. Pea gravel consists of small, naturally rounded stones that do not compact tightly. The smooth surface makes it comfortable for walking and suitable for decorative applications, but it shifts under vehicle traffic and is not recommended for driveways. Crushed stone costs less and performs better for high-traffic areas, while pea gravel excels in decorative landscaping.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel cost?
Gravel costs vary by type and location, typically ranging from $30 to $65 per ton ($40-$88 per cubic yard depending on density). Crushed stone averages $40 per ton, pea gravel runs $45 per ton, and decorative river rock can reach $55 per ton. Delivery fees add $50-$150 depending on distance. Buying in bulk (10+ tons) often reduces per-ton costs by 15-25%. Local quarried stone is cheaper than imported decorative varieties. Always get quotes from multiple suppliers and ask about delivery minimums.
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Estimate Disclaimer

All calculations are estimates only. Actual material requirements may vary based on job site conditions, waste factors, and installation methods. Always verify quantities with a qualified contractor before purchasing materials. We are not responsible for over or under-ordering based on these estimates.