🪨 Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel needed
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Area Dimensions
Input the length and width of your gravel area in feet. For example, a 20×10 foot driveway would be 20 feet for length and 10 feet for width.
Specify Gravel Depth
Enter the desired depth of gravel in inches. Standard depths are 4 inches for driveways, 2-3 inches for pathways, and 6-8 inches for drainage areas.
Calculate Gravel Needs
Click "Calculate Gravel" to see results in cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons. The calculator shows the volume needed for your project.
Order Materials
Use the cubic yards result to order from suppliers. Add 10% extra for compaction, settling, and waste. Gravel is typically ordered in cubic yards or tons.
Formula
Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Cubic Yards × Density (typically 1.4 tons/yd³)
Example 1: Driveway (20 ft × 10 ft × 4 inches)
Step 1: Convert depth to feet: 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet
Step 2: Calculate volume: 20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.67 cubic feet
Step 3: Convert to yards: 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards
Step 4: Calculate weight: 2.47 × 1.4 = 3.46 tons
Example 2: Pathway (50 ft × 3 ft × 2 inches)
Step 1: Convert depth: 2 ÷ 12 = 0.167 feet
Step 2: Calculate volume: 50 × 3 × 0.167 = 25 cubic feet
Step 3: Convert to yards: 25 ÷ 27 = 0.93 cubic yards
Step 4: Calculate weight: 0.93 × 1.4 = 1.30 tons
About Gravel Calculator
The Gravel Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, landscapers, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts who need to accurately determine how much gravel is required for their projects. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise measurements in cubic yards (the standard unit for gravel delivery), cubic feet, and tons, helping you order the right amount of materials without waste or shortages.
When to Use This Calculator
- Driveway Construction: Calculate gravel needed for new driveways, parking areas, or access roads
- Landscaping Projects: Determine material requirements for pathways, walkways, or decorative features
- Drainage Solutions: Estimate gravel for French drains, drainage ditches, or foundation drainage
- Garden Beds: Plan gravel for garden paths, patios, or outdoor entertainment areas
- Base Material: Calculate gravel needed as base material for concrete slabs or asphalt
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Measurements: Precise calculations prevent over-ordering or running short
- ✅ Multiple Units: Get results in cubic yards (for delivery), cubic feet, and tons
- ✅ Weight Estimates: Provides weight calculations for shipping and handling
- ✅ Cost Savings: Order the exact amount needed plus waste allowance to avoid excess material
- ✅ Time Efficient: Instant calculations save hours of manual math and measurements
- ✅ Professional Results: Industry-standard formulas ensure contractor-quality estimates
Common Applications
Driveway Projects: Homeowners and contractors planning gravel driveways use this calculator to order the correct quantity of gravel. Standard driveways require 4-6 inches of compacted gravel, which this calculator helps determine accurately.
Landscaping Work: Landscapers and homeowners planning pathways, walkways, or decorative gravel features use this tool to estimate materials needed. Gravel is typically applied 2-3 inches deep for pathways.
Drainage Systems: Contractors installing French drains or drainage solutions use this calculator to determine gravel quantities needed for proper drainage installation, typically 6-8 inches deep.
Tips for Best Results
- Add Waste Allowance: Always add 10% extra to account for compaction, settling, and waste
- Standard Depths: Use 4 inches for driveways, 2-3 inches for pathways, 6-8 inches for drainage
- Gravel Types: Crushed stone (~1.4 tons/yd³), pea gravel (~1.35 tons/yd³), river rock (~1.3 tons/yd³)
- Compaction Factor: Gravel compacts 10-15% when compacted, account for this in depth calculations
- Order by Volume: Gravel is typically ordered in cubic yards; verify with supplier for weight-based orders
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a 20×10 foot driveway at 4 inches deep?
A 20×10 foot driveway at 4 inches deep requires approximately 2.47 cubic yards of gravel, weighing about 3.46 tons. Always add 10% extra for compaction and waste, so plan for about 2.7 cubic yards or 3.8 tons.
What's the difference between cubic yards and tons?
Cubic yards measure volume (how much space gravel takes up). Tons measure weight (how heavy the gravel is). Gravel typically weighs 1.3-1.4 tons per cubic yard depending on type. Suppliers may quote prices in either unit.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Standard gravel driveways require 4-6 inches of compacted gravel. The base layer should be 4-6 inches of larger crushed stone, topped with 2-3 inches of smaller gravel for smooth driving. Check local building codes for requirements.
Do I need to add extra gravel for compaction?
Yes! Gravel compacts 10-15% when compacted. Always add 10% extra to account for compaction, settling, and waste. If you need 2.5 yards after compaction, order about 2.75 yards.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs 1.3-1.4 tons (2,600-2,800 pounds), depending on the type. Crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons/yd³, pea gravel about 1.35 tons/yd³, and river rock about 1.3 tons/yd³.
Can I calculate gravel for an irregular shape?
Divide irregular shapes into rectangles, calculate each separately, then add the volumes together. For circular areas, use π × radius² × depth (all in feet). For complex shapes, break them into multiple simple geometric shapes.