Gravel Calculator
Enter the size of your driveway, path or bed and the gravel depth to see how many cubic yards and tons to order, plus an optional cost. The weight per cubic yard is editable because it changes with the type of stone.
How to use this gravel calculator
- Measure the length and width of the area. Choose feet or meters.
- Enter the depth of the gravel layer and choose inches or centimeters.
- Leave the waste and compaction box at 10 percent, or change it. A bigger number gives a bigger safety margin.
- Check the weight per cubic yard. The default is a typical figure for gravel, not a promise, so use the number your supplier gives you if it differs.
- Add a price per ton if you want a cost estimate, then press Calculate. Use Export CSV or Print to keep a copy.
How to calculate how much gravel you need
First find the volume of the area as a box, then turn that volume into weight using the density of the gravel.
- Volume (cubic feet) = length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (in) / 12
- Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27
- Order quantity = cubic yards x (1 + extra % / 100)
- Tons = order quantity x tons per cubic yard
- Cost = tons x price per ton
Gravel is sold by the ton in many places and by the cubic yard in others, so the calculator shows both.
Worked example
You are laying a gravel path 30 ft long and 4 ft wide, 3 inches deep. Depth in feet = 3 / 12 = 0.25 ft. Volume = 30 x 4 x 0.25 = 30 cubic feet = 1.11 cubic yards. With 10% extra: 1.11 x 1.10 = 1.22 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, that is 1.22 x 1.4 = 1.71 tons. If gravel costs $45 per ton, the estimate is about $77.00 (1.71 tons x $45; the calculator uses unrounded numbers).
Assumptions & limits
- The area is a flat rectangle with an even depth. Slopes, curves and thick edges change the result, so split the area into parts.
- The default of 1.4 tons per cubic yard is an editable starting point. Different stone, size and moisture change the weight, so ask your supplier before ordering.
- Tons here are US short tons of 2,000 pounds. Some suppliers sell by the metric tonne or by the load.
- The extra percentage covers compaction and spillage. It is not a standard and you can change it.
- Prices are your own input. The calculator does not look up prices. This is a maths tool and not professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need?
Multiply length by width in feet by the depth in feet (inches divided by 12), then divide by 27. A 10 ft by 10 ft area at 3 inches deep is 25 cubic feet, or about 0.93 cubic yards.
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
It depends on the stone and moisture. 1.4 tons per cubic yard is a commonly used rough figure, which is why the field is editable. Ask your supplier for their number.
How deep should a gravel layer be?
It depends on the use, the ground and the stone size. Paths often use a thinner layer than driveways. Follow your supplier or contractor advice for your site.
Should I order extra gravel?
Many people allow some extra for compaction and uneven ground. The calculator starts at 10 percent and you can change it.
Can I enter metric measurements?
Yes. Choose meters for length and width and centimeters for depth. The order quantity is still shown in cubic yards and US tons.
Does the calculator include delivery?
No. Add delivery or minimum-load charges from your supplier separately.
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Last updated: November 2026