Professional Gravel & Stone Estimator
Calculate the volume and weight of gravel needed for your driveway, path, or landscaping project.
Imperial (Feet/Inches)
Metric (Meters/Centimeters)
Crushed Stone / Standard Gravel (1.4 tons/yd³)
Pea Gravel (1.25 tons/yd³)
River Rock (1.35 tons/yd³)
Dense Grade / Road Base (1.6 tons/yd³)
Lava Rock (1.1 tons/yd³)
Estimated Material Needed
Total Volume (Cubic Yards):
0.00
Total Volume (Cubic Feet/Meters):
0.00
Estimated Weight (Tons):
0.00
Estimated Weight (Pounds/KG):
0.00
*Estimation includes a standard 5% waste factor. Actual requirements may vary based on compaction.
How to Calculate Gravel for Your Project
Whether you are building a new driveway, a garden path, or a base for a shed, accurately calculating the amount of gravel required is essential to avoid overspending or running out of material mid-project. Gravel is typically sold by the cubic yard or by the ton.
The Basic Formula
To find the volume of gravel needed, you must calculate the area and then multiply it by the desired depth. The standard formula is:
- Volume = Length × Width × Depth
When working with imperial units, you usually measure length and width in feet and depth in inches. To get cubic yards, you divide the cubic feet by 27.
Density and Weight Considerations
Gravel isn't just about volume; weight is a major factor for delivery. Different types of stone have different densities:
- Crushed Stone: Approximately 2,800 lbs per cubic yard (1.4 tons).
- Pea Gravel: Roughly 2,500 lbs per cubic yard (1.25 tons).
- River Rock: Usually around 2,700 lbs per cubic yard (1.35 tons).
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
Imagine you are installing a gravel driveway that is 30 feet long, 10 feet wide, and you want a depth of 4 inches.
- Convert depth to feet: 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet.
- Calculate Cubic Feet: 30 ft × 10 ft × 0.333 ft = 100 cubic feet.
- Convert to Cubic Yards: 100 ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards.
- Calculate Weight (Tons): 3.7 yd³ × 1.4 tons/yd³ = 5.18 tons.
Pro-Tips for Success
Account for Compaction: When you spread gravel and drive over it, it settles and packs down. It is widely recommended to add 5-10% extra to your total to account for this compaction and potential spillover during installation.
Choosing Depth: For walking paths, 2-3 inches is usually sufficient. For driveways where heavy vehicles will pass, a minimum of 4-6 inches is recommended, often spread in multiple layers.