How to use the gravel calculator
- Choose a Shape: rectangle, circle, triangle, or I know the area.
- Enter the dimensions, then the Depth in inches (paths 2–3 in, driveways 4–6 in in layers).
- Pick the Material: gravel, crushed stone (#57), pea gravel or river rock.
- Adjust the Extra for compaction & spillage (10% by default) and choose a Bag size if buying bags.
- Optionally enter a bulk price per ton or a price per bag to estimate cost.
How it works
The calculator finds the area from your shape, multiplies by depth and adds the extra allowance for compaction and spillage. Weight uses typical bulk densities: about 2,800 lb per cubic yard (1.4 tons) for gravel, 2,700 lb (1.35 tons) for crushed stone and river rock, and 2,600 lb (1.3 tons) for pea gravel.
Real densities change with stone size and moisture, so treat tonnage as an estimate and confirm with your supplier, who may sell by the ton or by the yard. Bag counts use 0.5, 0.75 or 1 ft³ bags.
Volume (ft³) = area (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 12 × (1 + extra %)
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × density (lb/yd³) ÷ 2,000
Bags = cubic feet ÷ bag size (ft³), rounded up
Worked example
With the default inputs, a 10 × 10 ft area covered 4 in deep is 33.3 ft³. Adding 10% gives 36.7 ft³, or 1.36 cubic yards.
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard that is about 1.9 tons of gravel, or 74 bags of 0.5 ft³. Above roughly 1 yd³, bulk delivery is usually cheaper than bags.
Tips before you buy
- Lay driveway gravel in 2–3 in layers and compact each one, rather than dumping the full depth at once.
- Use angular crushed stone for bases and driveways because it locks together. Rounded pea gravel and river rock shift underfoot.
- Put landscape fabric under decorative gravel to slow weeds and keep the stone from sinking into the soil.
- Ask your supplier whether they price by the ton or the cubic yard, and use the matching number from the results.
- Call 811 before excavating for a driveway or path.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Typically about 1.4 tons (2,800 lb), which is what this calculator uses for general gravel. Crushed stone is closer to 1.35 tons and pea gravel about 1.3 tons; wet stone weighs more, so check with your supplier.
How many square feet does a yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard (27 ft³) covers about 162 ft² at 2 in deep, 108 ft² at 3 in and 81 ft² at 4 in, before any allowance for compaction.
How deep should gravel be?
Walking paths usually need 2–3 in. Driveways need 4–6 in, laid and compacted in layers, and paver bases 4–6 in depending on use.
How do I convert tons of gravel to cubic yards?
Divide tons by the density in tons per cubic yard. At 1.4 tons per yard, 10 tons is about 7.1 cubic yards.
How many bags of gravel make a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 ft³, so it takes 54 bags of 0.5 ft³ or 27 bags of 1 ft³. For anything over a yard, bulk delivery is usually more economical.
Results are estimates based on the measurements you enter and typical material properties. Products vary, so check quantities with your supplier and follow product labels and your local building codes. Read the full disclaimer. Last reviewed October 9, 2026.