Gravel Calculator
Enter your area, depth, and gravel type. We'll give you cubic yards, tons, and a shopping list.
Advanced options
- Area
- 0 sq ft
- Volume
- 0 cu ft
- Cubic yards
- 0
- Tons
- 0
- Estimated cost
- —
How the gravel calculator works
We calculate the area (length × width), multiply by the depth converted to feet (depth ÷ 12), and divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Tons come from multiplying cubic yards by the gravel type's density — this varies because the crushed stone has lots of air, while tightly packed roadbase is heavier per yard.
Typical depths by use
- Drainage layer — 2"; under pavers or behind retaining walls.
- Walkway — 2–3"; compacted on a geotextile.
- Patio base — 4–6"; compacted in two lifts.
- Driveway base — 4" (subgrade) + 2" (surface dressing) = 6" total.
- French drain — fill to within 2" of the surface; depends on trench depth.
Tons vs cubic yards — how suppliers quote
Bulk suppliers typically price by the ton (delivered) but quote space required in cubic yards. We give you both so you can match whatever your local yard uses. For small orders (under 0.5 cu yd), you'll usually buy bagged gravel at a home center — which quotes by cubic feet. 27 cu ft = 1 cu yd.
Why the waste factor is smaller (5%)
Gravel is dumped and spread, not cut. The main loss is over-spill at edges and slight compaction-driven settling. 5% is plenty unless you have very irregular geometry.
Delivery vs pick-up
Most suppliers have a minimum order for delivery (typically 1 cu yd and a $50–$100 fee). Under that, a pickup truck trip is usually cheaper. A half-ton pickup can safely carry 1 cu yd of dry crushed stone at a time — check your truck's payload spec.