What is a gravel calculator?
A gravel calculator is a volume calculator that estimates the amount of gravel, crushed stone, or aggregate needed to cover an area to a desired depth. Enter your dimensions and the tool returns cubic yards, tonnes, and an estimated cost -- removing the guesswork from driveway resurfacing, walkway projects, landscape beds, and construction projects of any scale.
Use it any time you need to fill with gravel, resurface a path, or order landscaping materials -- it prevents both shortages and costly surplus by giving you the exact volume of gravel and weight before you call a supplier.
Quickly answer how much gravel do I need for any shape or area.
Convert between cubic yard, tonne, and weight of the material using gravel density.
Estimate the amount of gravel required for different types of gravel: pea gravel, crushed stone, cobble, and rock fragments.
Calculate the total price per cubic yard and compare suppliers before ordering.
Account for compaction, extra material, and delivery allowances.
How the gravel calculator works
The calculator runs three sequential steps to find the volume needed and convert it to weight and cost:
Volume (cubic feet) = Length x Width x Depth
Divide cubic feet by 27 to find the volume in cubic yards. The inch calculator helper converts depth entered in inches to feet automatically.
Weight (tons) = Volume (cubic yards) x Gravel density
Multiplying the volume by gravel density gives you the weight of material in tons or tonnes. Density varies by gravel type -- crushed stone is denser than pea gravel.
Total cost = Volume x Price per cubic yard
Enter your supplier's price per cubic yard or per tonne to calculate the total before ordering. Add a compaction allowance of 5--15% depending on the material.
How to use our gravel calculator
- 1
Enter length and width
Measure the area you need to fill. For a 10 feet wide driveway that is 50 feet long, enter those values directly. For irregular beds, break the area into rectangles and sum the totals.
- 2
Set the desired depth
Enter depth in inches -- use the inch calculator helper to convert automatically. A standard driveway uses 4 inches; a decorative landscape layer typically uses 2--3 inches.
- 3
Select the type of gravel
Choose pea gravel, crushed stone, decomposed granite, river rock, lava rock, marble chips, bank run, or mixed aggregate. This sets the gravel density used to determine how many tons the order will weigh.
- 4
Choose output units
Select cubic yard or tonne output -- or both. Use our gravel calculator to find the volume in cubic yards and the weight in tonnes side by side for supplier comparison.
- 5
Review and adjust
Use the calculator results to know the approximate amount of gravel you need, then add 5--15% for compaction and gravel needed to complete edges and transitions. Round up to the nearest delivery unit before ordering.
Choosing the right gravel type
Different types of gravel have different densities, which changes your ton of gravel estimate and price per unit. Gravel is also sold by the cubic yard in some markets and by the tonne in others -- confirm the unit before entering a price.
| Type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | Walkways, decorative top layers | Rounded, loose -- not ideal for driveways without edging |
| Crushed stone | Driveways, solid foundation bases | Angular aggregate, locks together and compacts well |
| Decomposed granite | Paths, patios | Fine texture, compacts firmly with moisture |
| River rock / cobble | Drainage, decorative borders | Larger rock fragments, lower coverage per ton |
| Lava rock / marble chips | Landscape beds, topsoil cover | Lightweight options; adjust density in the calculator |
Use our free gravel calculator now
Use the free gravel calculator above to estimate gravel needed for landscaping and hardscape, driveways, and construction projects. Enter your dimensions, select a gravel type, and get the amount of gravel you need in cubic yards or tonnes -- with a cost estimate ready to compare across suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the amount of gravel needed?
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Measure the area, set your desired depth, then use the calculator to find the volume in cubic yards. Multiply by gravel density to determine how many tons you need, then add 5--15% for compaction and waste.
How many cubic yards in a ton of gravel?
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It depends on gravel density. Crushed stone weighs roughly 1.4 tonnes per cubic yard; pea gravel is slightly lighter at around 1.2 to 1.3 tonnes per cubic yard. Enter your gravel type and the calculator applies the correct density automatically.
How much gravel do I need for a 10 feet wide driveway?
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Multiply 10 feet wide by the length in feet by the depth in feet to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards. For a 50 feet long driveway at 4 inches (0.33 ft) deep: 10 x 50 x 0.33 = 165 cubic feet / 27 = approximately 6.1 cubic yards.
Should I account for compaction?
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Yes -- add 5 to 10% for most aggregate and crushed stone installs, and up to 15% for materials that compact significantly under load. Use the calculator's waste field to include this in your order total.
What is the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?
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Pea gravel is rounded and decorative, making it better suited for walkways and landscape beds. Crushed stone is angular and compacts tightly, which makes it the better choice for driveways and base layers that need a solid foundation.