MeasureMaterial

Gravel Calculator

Calculate how much gravel you need in cubic yards and approximate tons for driveways, paths, and pads.

Compacted depth target for your project.

Extra material for cuts, spillage, and irregular areas.

Tons per cubic yard for your material. Ask your supplier — pea gravel, crushed stone, and recycled base differ.

How to use

Enter area dimensions and depth, set waste, enter density for your material (or start from the planning default), then calculate.

How the calculation works

Enter area dimensions and depth, apply waste, then convert volume to tons using a density you can edit for your material.

Formula

volume_ft³ = length_ft × width_ft × depth_ft; volume_yd³ = volume_ft³ ÷ 27; adjusted = volume_yd³ × (1 + waste%/100); tons = adjusted_yd³ × density_tons_per_yd³

Example calculation

A 20 ft × 10 ft path at 4 in deep is about 2.47 yd³ before waste.

Assumptions

  • Shape

    Simple rectangular area

    Material: gravel · Key: geometry

    Does not model crowns, ditches, or irregular edges.

    Source: Geometric model

  • Default density (tons / yd³)

    1.4 tons per cubic yard

    Material: gravel · Key: density

    Common crushed-stone planning range is often cited near 1.2–1.4 ton/yd³; moisture and rock type change real tonnage.

    Source: Planning default — confirm with your product label or supplier quote. Not a lab or manufacturer certification.

  • Compaction

    Not modeled separately

    Material: gravel · Key: compaction

    If your supplier quotes loose vs compacted yards, adjust depth or volume accordingly.

    Source: Model limitation

Practical notes

  • Suppliers may sell by the ton or by the cubic yard — confirm before ordering.
  • Heavier crushed stone needs a higher density than lighter decorative gravel.
  • Uneven subgrade can increase the volume you actually place.

Limitations

  • Density defaults are planning estimates, not lab measurements.
  • Compaction, moisture, and aggregate type change delivered tons.
  • This is not a civil engineering design tool.

FAQ

Why do I need density?
A cubic yard of different gravels can weigh different amounts. Tons = yards × tons per yard for your material.
What depth should I use?
Use the finished depth you want after placement/compaction guidance from your supplier or project plan.

Related calculators

Results are planning estimates. See the Calculator Disclaimer.