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Gravel & Aggregate Calculator

Standard Gravel/Crushed Stone (1.4 tons/yard³) Pea Gravel (1.2 tons/yard³) River Rock / Heavy Aggregate (1.5 tons/yard³) Topsoil/Fill Dirt (1.25 tons/yard³)

Estimation Results

0 Cubic Yards
0 Tons

Note: We recommend ordering 10% extra to account for compaction and uneven subgrades.

function calculateGravel() { var len = document.getElementById("g_length").value; var wid = document.getElementById("g_width").value; var dep = document.getElementById("g_depth").value; var density = document.getElementById("g_type").value; if (len > 0 && wid > 0 && dep > 0) { var areaSqFt = parseFloat(len) * parseFloat(wid); var depthFt = parseFloat(dep) / 12; var cubicFeet = areaSqFt * depthFt; var cubicYards = cubicFeet / 27; var tons = cubicYards * parseFloat(density); document.getElementById("res_yards").innerHTML = cubicYards.toFixed(2); document.getElementById("res_tons").innerHTML = tons.toFixed(2); document.getElementById("g_result_box").style.display = "block"; // Scroll to result document.getElementById("g_result_box").scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' }); } else { alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for all dimensions."); } }

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

Whether you are building a new gravel driveway, a French drain, or a decorative garden path, calculating the correct amount of aggregate is crucial. Ordering too little leads to extra delivery fees, while ordering too much leaves you with a massive pile of rocks you don't need.

How the Calculation Works

Gravel is typically sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. Our calculator uses the three-dimensional volume of your project space to determine the quantity:

  1. Calculate Square Footage: Multiply the length (ft) by the width (ft).
  2. Convert Depth: Convert your desired depth from inches to feet (divide by 12).
  3. Determine Cubic Feet: Multiply the square footage by the depth in feet.
  4. Convert to Cubic Yards: Divide the total cubic feet by 27 (since there are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard).
  5. Estimate Tonnage: Multiply the yards by the material density (usually 1.4 for standard crushed stone).

Common Project Depth Guide

  • Driveways: 4 to 6 inches of 3/4″ crushed stone.
  • Walking Paths: 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel or decomposed granite.
  • Flower Beds/Mulch: 2 to 3 inches for weed suppression and aesthetics.
  • Sub-base for Pavers: 4 to 8 inches of compactable base rock.
SEO Pro Tip: Always account for compaction. When you spread gravel and drive over it or use a plate compactor, the volume will settle. We recommend adding a 10% "buffer" to your final calculation to ensure complete coverage.

Example Calculation: Driveway Project

Imagine you have a driveway that is 50 feet long and 10 feet wide, and you want a depth of 4 inches.

  • Area: 50 ft x 10 ft = 500 sq. ft.
  • Depth in Feet: 4 in / 12 = 0.333 ft.
  • Cubic Volume: 500 x 0.333 = 166.5 cubic feet.
  • Cubic Yards: 166.5 / 27 = 6.17 cubic yards.
  • Weight in Tons: 6.17 x 1.4 = 8.64 tons.

Choosing the Right Aggregate

The type of stone you choose affects the weight. Pea gravel is round and smooth, often used for playgrounds, and weighs less per yard than crushed limestone, which has sharp edges and packs down tightly. If you are building a structural base for a shed or patio, always opt for "crushed" rather than "rounded" stone for better stability.

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