Gravel & Stone Calculator
Estimate the total cubic yards and tons required for your landscaping or driveway project.
Calculation Results:
Total Area: 0 sq. ft.
Volume Required: 0 Cubic Yards
Estimated Weight: 0 Tons
*We recommend ordering 10% extra to account for compaction and uneven subgrades.
How to Calculate Gravel for Your Project
Whether you are building a new driveway, a decorative garden path, or a base for a shed, accurately estimating the amount of gravel you need is crucial for budgeting and logistics. Ordering too little means paying for extra delivery fees, while ordering too much leaves you with a pile of stone you don't need.
The Gravel Formula
Calculating gravel involves three primary dimensions: length, width, and depth. Because gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by weight (tons), we must convert all measurements into consistent units.
- Calculate Cubic Feet: Multiply Length (ft) × Width (ft) × [Depth (in) ÷ 12].
- Convert to Cubic Yards: Divide the total cubic feet by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard).
- Convert to Tons: Multiply cubic yards by the material density (typically 1.4 tons per yard for standard gravel).
Realistic Example
Imagine you have a driveway that is 50 feet long and 10 feet wide. You want a solid coverage depth of 4 inches.
- Area: 50 × 10 = 500 sq. ft.
- Depth in Feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft.
- Cubic Feet: 500 × 0.333 = 166.5 cu. ft.
- Cubic Yards: 166.5 ÷ 27 = 6.17 yards.
- Tonnage (at 1.4 density): 6.17 × 1.4 = 8.64 tons.
Recommended Depths by Project Type
| Project Type | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Walking Paths | 2 – 3 Inches |
| Residential Driveways | 4 – 6 Inches |
| Shed or Hot Tub Base | 4 – 6 Inches |
| Decorative Mulch Replacement | 2 Inches |
Important Considerations
Compaction: When you spread and pack gravel (especially with a plate compactor), the material settles. This reduces the volume. It is standard industry practice to order 10% to 15% more than your exact calculation to ensure full coverage.
Weight Variations: Not all stone weighs the same. A "clean" stone (no dust) has more air gaps and weighs less per yard than a "minus" or "crusher run" gravel which includes fine dust that fills the gaps, making it heavier.