Gravel & Aggregate Calculator
Estimate the amount of gravel, stone, or sand needed for your landscaping project.
*Estimation includes a standard 5% waste factor for compaction and spill.
How to Calculate Gravel for Your Project
Whether you are building a new driveway, a decorative garden path, or a base for a patio, knowing exactly how much material to order is crucial. Ordering too little leads to project delays and extra delivery fees, while ordering too much is a waste of money.
The Mathematical Formula
To calculate gravel, you must find the volume of the space you wish to fill. The standard unit for purchasing bulk aggregate is Cubic Yards or Tons.
- Step 1: Multiply Length (ft) × Width (ft) to get Area in square feet.
- Step 2: Convert Depth from inches to feet (Depth ÷ 12).
- Step 3: Multiply Area × Depth (ft) to get Cubic Feet.
- Step 4: Divide Cubic Feet by 27 to get Cubic Yards (since there are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard).
Example Calculation
If you have a driveway that is 30 feet long and 10 feet wide, and you want a gravel depth of 4 inches:
- 30 ft × 10 ft = 300 sq. ft.
- 4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet.
- 300 sq. ft. × 0.333 ft = 100 cubic feet.
- 100 ÷ 27 = 3.7 cubic yards.
Tons vs. Cubic Yards
Most quarries sell gravel by the ton. On average, 1 cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 2,800 pounds, or 1.4 tons. However, this varies by material. Crushed stone is denser and heavier than mulch or loose topsoil. Our calculator allows you to select the specific material density to ensure a more accurate tonnage estimate.
Common Gravel Depths
- Pedestrian Walkways: 2–3 inches.
- Driveways: 4–6 inches (requires a sturdy base).
- Decorative Mulch/Stone: 2 inches.
- Drainage Trenches: 12+ inches depending on local code.