How much gravel do you need for that driveway or path? This free gravel calculator uses your area and depth to estimate cubic yards, tons, and total cost.
Uses a general density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard, typical for crushed stone – exact density varies by gravel type.
How the Gravel Calculator Works
The Gravel Calculator converts a driveway, path, or bed’s length, width, and depth into a volume, then converts that volume into the tons of gravel you’ll actually order — since gravel is almost always sold by weight, not by the cubic yard.
Formula: Cubic feet = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12). Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27. Tons = Cubic yards × 1.4. Estimated cost = Tons × Price per ton. The 1.4 figure is a general density estimate for crushed stone — actual density varies by gravel type and moisture content.
- Length — the length of the area to be covered, in feet
- Width — the width of the area to be covered, in feet
- Depth — how deep the gravel layer will be, in inches
- Price per ton — the dollar cost of gravel per ton, from your supplier
Example Scenarios
| Length (ft) | Width (ft) | Depth (in) | Price per ton | Cubic yards | Tons | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 10 | 6 | $45 | 3.70 | 5.19 | $233 |
| 10 | 10 | 3 | $50 | 0.93 | 1.30 | $65 |
| 27 | 10 | 12 | $40 | 10.00 | 14.00 | $560 |
| 30 | 20 | 4 | $45 | 7.41 | 10.37 | $467 |
| 54 | 10 | 6 | $35 | 10.00 | 14.00 | $490 |
Gravel Calculator FAQ
Where does the 1.4 tons-per-cubic-yard figure come from?
It’s a commonly used general density estimate for crushed stone gravel. Actual density varies by stone size, type, and how compacted or wet the material is, so a supplier can confirm the specific conversion factor for the exact product you’re buying.What depth should I use for a driveway versus a walkway or path?
Driveways that need to support vehicle weight typically use a deeper gravel base than a simple walking path, which can often get by with a thinner layer. Depth needs also depend on your soil and sub-base, so check local guidance or ask a contractor for your specific project.Should I order extra gravel beyond what the calculator shows?
Many people add a small buffer beyond the calculated amount to account for compaction settling, uneven sub-grade, and spillage during spreading. Ordering exactly to the estimate can leave you short if the surface isn’t perfectly level.Why does the calculator need depth in inches instead of feet?
Gravel depth is almost always described in inches in practice since it’s a relatively shallow measurement, so the input field matches how people naturally think about and order gravel. Internally, the calculator converts that inch value to feet before computing volume.Does the density change for different gravel types like pea gravel or crushed limestone?
Yes — different stone types, sizes, and shapes pack and weigh differently, so the tons-per-cubic-yard ratio isn’t identical across all gravel products. This calculator uses one general-purpose figure; for a precise order, ask your supplier for the density of the specific material you’re buying.Do I need a compacted base layer under the gravel?
For driveways and heavily trafficked areas, a compacted sub-base is common practice before adding the top gravel layer, while lighter-use paths may not need one. This calculator estimates total gravel volume for the layer you specify — it doesn’t distinguish between base and surface layers, so calculate each separately if your project uses both.Related Calculators
Gravel is often just the base layer for a bigger project — if you’re pouring a concrete slab or footing on top of it, the concrete calculator for estimating bags needed by slab size is a natural next step. Laying gravel along a new fence line? The fence calculator for estimating posts and material cost can help plan that alongside it, and the square footage calculator for measuring an irregular driveway or path is useful for nailing down your area first.