Gravel Calculator
Find out how much gravel you need in cubic yards, tons and bags for a driveway, walkway, patio or drainage project – and what it will cost.
Formulas shown on this page · Last reviewed October 2026
Gravel formula
cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × density (tons per yd³)
Suppliers sell gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard, so the calculator shows both. Prices typically range from $30 to $75 per ton before delivery, depending on stone type and region.
Recommended gravel depth
| Project | Depth | Common stone |
|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 2–3 in | Pea gravel |
| Patio base | 4 in | Crusher run |
| Driveway top layer | 2–3 in | #57 crushed stone |
| Driveway base | 4–6 in | Road base |
| French drain | Fill trench | #57 or river rock |
Gravel density by type
Pea gravel ≈ 1.4 tons/yd³, crushed stone ≈ 1.35 tons/yd³, river rock ≈ 1.35 tons/yd³, road base ≈ 1.5 tons/yd³ once compacted. Wet stone weighs more, so a delivered ton may cover slightly less than calculated – adding 5–10% is a safe margin.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Most gravel weighs 1.3–1.5 US tons (2,600–3,000 lb) per cubic yard depending on stone type, size and moisture. Pea gravel is about 1.4 tons per yard.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, one ton covers about 100–120 sq ft. At 4 inches deep it covers roughly 50–60 sq ft.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A durable gravel driveway has 4–6 inches of compacted base (road base or crusher run) topped with 2–3 inches of finishing gravel – around 8–12 inches in total for heavy traffic.
How many bags of gravel equal a yard?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes 54 bags of 0.5 cu ft gravel. For anything over about half a yard, bulk delivery is usually cheaper.