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Gravel Volume & Weight Calculator

Standard driveways typically use 2-4 inches.

Calculation Results:

Total Volume: Cubic Yards

Estimated Weight: Tons

*Calculations are based on a standard gravel density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard. It is recommended to order 10% extra for settling and uneven terrain.

function calculateGravelVolume() { var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('gravel_length').value); var width = parseFloat(document.getElementById('gravel_width').value); var depthInches = parseFloat(document.getElementById('gravel_depth').value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('gravel_result'); if (isNaN(length) || isNaN(width) || isNaN(depthInches) || length <= 0 || width <= 0 || depthInches <= 0) { alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for length, width, and depth."); return; } // Convert depth to feet var depthFeet = depthInches / 12; // Calculate Cubic Feet var cubicFeet = length * width * depthFeet; // Convert to Cubic Yards (27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard) var cubicYards = cubicFeet / 27; // Average gravel density: ~1.4 tons per cubic yard var tons = cubicYards * 1.4; document.getElementById('res_yards').innerText = cubicYards.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('res_tons').innerText = tons.toFixed(2); resultDiv.style.display = 'block'; }

How to Calculate Gravel for Your Landscaping Project

Planning a new driveway, walkway, or garden bed requires precision. Ordering too little gravel leads to delivery delays and extra shipping costs, while ordering too much leaves you with a heavy pile of stone to relocate. This Gravel Calculator is designed to help you estimate both the volume (cubic yards) and the weight (tons) needed for any rectangular area.

The Gravel Calculation Formula

To calculate gravel manually, you follow a three-step mathematical process:

  1. Find the Area: Multiply the length by the width (Length × Width = Square Footage).
  2. Determine Volume in Cubic Feet: Convert your desired depth from inches to feet (Depth in inches / 12) and multiply it by the square footage.
  3. Convert to Cubic Yards: Since gravel is sold by the cubic yard, divide the total cubic feet by 27.

Example Calculation: If you have a driveway that is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and you want 3 inches of gravel:
20′ × 10′ = 200 sq. ft.
3″ / 12 = 0.25 ft.
200 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet.
50 / 27 = 1.85 Cubic Yards.

Cubic Yards vs. Tons

Most quarries and landscaping suppliers sell gravel by weight (tons) rather than volume. While different types of stone have different densities, the industry standard for "crushed stone" or "pea gravel" is approximately 2,800 lbs per cubic yard, which is 1.4 tons. If your project requires 5 cubic yards, you should expect to purchase roughly 7 tons of material.

Recommended Depths for Common Projects

  • Walking Paths: 2 to 3 inches. This provides adequate coverage without making the ground feel "mushy" to walk on.
  • Driveways: 4 to 8 inches. Typically, a driveway needs a base layer of larger stones (4 inches) and a top finish layer of smaller gravel (2-4 inches).
  • Mulch Alternative: 2 inches. Using gravel as a ground cover in flower beds requires just enough depth to block light and prevent weed growth.
  • Drainage/French Drains: 12+ inches. Drainage projects usually require significant depth to allow water to filter through the stone effectively.

Expert Tips for Buying Gravel

Before you place your order, consider these professional recommendations:

  • The 10% Rule: Always add 10% to your final total. Gravel settles over time, and if your sub-base isn't perfectly level, you will have "low spots" that consume more material.
  • Compaction: If you are using a plate compactor to harden the surface (common for driveways), the gravel will compress. Increase your order by 20% to account for this volume loss.
  • Delivery Access: Ensure the delivery truck has a clear path. A full dump truck is extremely heavy and can crack thin concrete or damage soft lawns.

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