CalcMaterials

Gravel Calculator

Work out how much gravel to order for a driveway, path, or pad — in cubic yards and tons — for crushed stone, #57, pea gravel, or crusher run.

Calculate your materials

What you'll need to buy

  • Crushed stone / #57 gravelBulk gravel by the yard or tonShop
  • Landscape fabricStops gravel sinking into soft soilShop
  • Edging / restraintKeeps gravel from spreading at the edgesShop
  • Plate compactor (rent)Compacts each layer for a firm surfaceShop
  • Geotextile / base gridStabilizes the base over weak groundShop

Links marked Shop open a retailer search (Home Depot) and are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

How the math works

A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway (200 sq ft) at 4" deep = 200 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 cu ft. With 10% waste: 73.3 cu ft ÷ 27 ≈ 2.7 cubic yards ≈ 3.8 tons of crushed stone.

Formula

cubic feet = area × depth in feet cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 tons = cubic yards × 1.4 (crushed stone)

Reference values

Gravel density & depth reference
Material / itemValue
Crushed stone≈ 1.4 tons / yd³
Pea gravel≈ 1.45 tons / yd³
Crushed concrete≈ 1.35 tons / yd³
Driveway layer4" compacted (6" new)
1 cubic yard= 27 cubic feet

Step by step

  1. Measure the area length and width for square footage.
  2. Choose a depth (4" typical, 6" for new or heavy-use driveways).
  3. Multiply area × depth in feet for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
  4. Add 10% waste, multiply yards by 1.4 for tons, and round up.

Waste allowance

Always add a waste factor: more for diagonal, herringbone, or irregular layouts and for trenches in rocky soil. It's cheaper to round up than to pay for a second delivery.

Bags vs. bulk

Bagged material is convenient for small jobs, but loose/bulk delivery is almost always cheaper per unit once you pass roughly 1–3 cubic yards. Compare the per-cubic-yard price before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

Multiply area × depth in feet for cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 for tons. A 200 sq ft driveway at 4" deep needs about 2.7 cubic yards (≈3.8 tons) of crushed stone with waste.

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

About 1.4 tons for crushed stone or #57, and roughly 1.45 tons for pea gravel. Density varies with stone type and moisture, but 1.4 t/yd³ is the standard estimate.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

A 4" compacted layer is typical for a residential driveway; go 6" or more for soft ground or heavy vehicles. New driveways often use two layers — a coarse base and a finer top.

Is gravel sold by the ton or the yard?

Both. Bulk gravel is quoted by the cubic yard or the ton (1 yd³ ≈ 1.4 tons). This calculator gives you both numbers so you can compare your supplier's price either way.

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