Gravel Calculator
Instantly calculate the exact amount of gravel, crushed stone, or river rock you need in cubic yards, tons, and bags. Save money and time by buying the perfect amount for your project.
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How to Calculate Gravel
Measure the Area
Find the length and width of your driveway, pathway, or patio. If it's irregular, break it into smaller sections using the "Multiple" tab.
Choose the Depth
Decide how thick you want the gravel. 2-3 inches is ideal for decorative pathways, while driveways require 4+ inches of depth.
Get Your Results
Enter the numbers above. We'll tell you exactly how many tons, cubic yards, or bags to buy for your project.
(Sq Ft Area × Depth in inches) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards
To find cubic yards manually, you first find your square footage (Length × Width in feet). You multiply your square footage by your depth in feet (inches divided by 12), and then divide by 27. The shortcut is dividing by 324! To find Tons, multiply your cubic yards by ~1.4.
Everything You Need to Know About Buying Gravel
Why Use Gravel or Crushed Stone?
Gravel is a durable, low-maintenance solution for driveways, garden pathways, French drains, and patio bases. It provides excellent drainage, prevents soil erosion, and offers an affordable hardscaping alternative to concrete or pavers.
How to Measure Your Space
For rectangular paths, measure the length and width in feet. For circular fire pit areas, measure straight across the middle (the diameter). Always add about 5% extra to your calculation to account for settling into the dirt and uneven ground.
Bags vs. Bulk vs. Tons
Small bags of gravel (usually 0.5 cu ft or 50 lbs) are perfect for tiny touch-ups. For larger projects, gravel is sold in bulk by the cubic yard or by the ton. One cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 tons (2,600 - 3,000 lbs) depending on the stone type.
Recommended Depths
If you are laying a decorative garden path, 2 to 3 inches is usually plenty. For a gravel driveway, you will need a stronger base, typically requiring at least 4 to 6 inches of crushed stone over a compacted sub-base.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard cubic yard of gravel or crushed stone weighs approximately 2,800 lbs, or 1.4 tons. This can vary slightly based on the size of the stone and moisture content.
At a standard depth of 2 inches (common for pathways), one cubic yard of gravel covers exactly 162 square feet.
Driveways require a solid foundation to handle vehicle weight. It is recommended to use at least 4 to 6 inches of gravel, often placed over a larger base rock layer.
Bulk gravel (sold by the cubic yard or ton) is significantly cheaper per unit of volume than bagged gravel. If your project requires more than 1 cubic yard, scheduling a bulk delivery is almost always the most cost-effective route.
Yes, laying heavy-duty commercial weed barrier or geotextile fabric beneath your gravel is highly recommended. It prevents the gravel from sinking into the mud over time and blocks weed growth.
What Users Say
See how others are using our gravel calculator for their hardscaping projects.
Super quick and easy. Confirmed exactly how many tons I needed for my new crushed stone driveway, no math required on my end.
I love using this for my client's patios. The multiple areas tab is a fantastic feature when calculating complex wrap-around walkways.
Having the Ton conversion built right in is a lifesaver. Most quarries sell by the ton, so this saves a big headache.
This was incredibly accurate! It calculated my pea gravel yardage perfectly for my backyard fire pit area.
A sleek and simple tool. Perfect for figuring out exactly how many 50lb bags to grab at the hardware store.
Love the modern look! Getting the visual depth guide alongside the numbers makes it the ultimate DIY tool.
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