Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much gravel you need in cubic yards and tons, with an estimated cost.
Results
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Quick Answer
Multiply length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the gravel’s weight per cubic yard. For a 20 ft by 10 ft area, 3 inches deep, you need 1.85 cubic yards, or about 2.59 tons at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
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Table of Contents
How This Gravel Calculator Works
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. This calculator works out the volume of your area, then converts it using a weight you can change. It works for rectangular and circular areas.
Quick explanation: Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27.
- Depth: enter inches, and the calculator converts them to feet.
- Gravel weight: 1.4 tons per cubic yard is a common estimate.
- Price: optional, for a quick cost estimate.
Core Formulas
- Rectangle area: length × width
- Circle area: π × diameter² ÷ 4
- Volume (cu ft): area × depth in inches ÷ 12
- Cubic yards: cubic feet ÷ 27
- Tons: cubic yards × tons per cubic yard
Published figures for pea gravel are around 1.4 tons per cubic yard, and crushed stone often ranges from about 1.35 to 1.8. A yard of gravel can weigh between 2,400 and 3,000 lb depending on stone, size and moisture.
Worked Example
You want to cover a circular area 10 ft across, 4 inches deep.
- Area = 3.1416 × 10² ÷ 4 = 78.5 sq ft
- Volume = 78.5 × 4 ÷ 12 = 26.2 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 26.2 ÷ 27 = 0.97 cu yd
- Weight = 0.97 × 1.4 = 1.36 tons
Planning Your Order
- Depth: paths and driveways usually need different depths, so check what suits your project.
- Settling: loose gravel packs down over time, so allow a little extra.
- Base layers: driveways often use a coarser stone below the top layer.
- Delivery: many suppliers add a delivery fee or a minimum order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiply length, width and depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply by about 1.4 for tons.
About 1.4 tons is a common estimate, but it can range from about 1.2 to 1.5 tons or more depending on the stone and moisture.
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, a ton covers about 77 square feet at 3 inches deep.
It depends on the project. Check guidance for your project, because a path and a driveway need different depths.
A little extra is sensible to allow for settling, uneven ground and waste. Ask your supplier what they suggest.
References & Sources
| Source | Used For | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Hunker, How to convert yards to tons in gravel | Conversion from cubic yards to tons. | https://www.hunker.com/12521292/how-to-convert-yards-to-tons-in-gravel/ |
| Hello Gravel, How much does a yard of gravel weigh | Typical weights per cubic yard. | https://hellogravel.com/posts/how-much-does-a-yard-of-gravel-weigh |