Gravel is a fundamental material in construction, landscaping, and drainage projects. Whether you are building a driveway, creating a French drain, preparing a base for a concrete slab, or covering a garden path, accurately calculating the amount of gravel needed saves time and money. Our free gravel calculator provides precise volume, weight, and cost estimates for any project.

Simply enter the length, width, and depth of your project area, and our calculator instantly provides the volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, and the estimated weight in tons and pounds.

Volume Measurements

Gravel is typically sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. Understanding volume measurements is essential for accurate ordering:

• Cubic feet: Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)
• Cubic yards: Cubic feet divided by 27
• One cubic yard: Covers approximately 100 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 324 square feet at 1 inch deep

Weight Estimates

Gravel density varies by type, but general estimates are:

• Pea gravel: 2,800-3,000 lbs per cubic yard (1.4-1.5 tons)
• Crushed stone (#57): 2,400-2,900 lbs per cubic yard (1.2-1.45 tons)
• River rock: 2,400-2,600 lbs per cubic yard (1.2-1.3 tons)
• Decomposed granite: 2,600-2,800 lbs per cubic yard (1.3-1.4 tons)

Pea Gravel

Description: Small, rounded stones approximately 3/8 inch in diameter

• Best for: Walkways, playgrounds, decorative ground cover, dog runs
• Drainage: Excellent
• Compaction: Poor (stones roll and shift)
• Coverage: 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep per cubic yard

Crushed Stone (#57)

Description: Angular crushed rock, 3/4 to 1 inch in size

• Best for: Driveways, drainage, concrete base, French drains
• Drainage: Very good
• Compaction: Good (angular edges lock together)
• Most versatile gravel type

Crusher Run (Quarry Process)

Description: Mix of crushed stone and stone dust

• Best for: Driveway base, patio base, road base
• Drainage: Moderate
• Compaction: Excellent (dust fills voids)
• Best choice for solid base

River Rock

Description: Smooth, rounded stones 1-3 inches in size

• Best for: Decorative landscaping, dry creek beds, drainage areas
• Drainage: Good
• Compaction: Poor
• More expensive than crushed stone

Decomposed Granite

Description: Finely weathered granite with a sandy texture

• Best for: Pathways, patios, xeriscaping
• Drainage: Moderate
• Compaction: Good when stabilized
• Natural, earthy appearance

The Basic Formula

Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)

Volume (cubic yards) = Cubic feet / 27

If your depth is in inches: Depth (ft) = Depth (inches) / 12

Coverage Chart by Depth

• 1 inch deep: 324 sq ft per cubic yard
• 2 inches deep: 162 sq ft per cubic yard
• 3 inches deep: 108 sq ft per cubic yard
• 4 inches deep: 81 sq ft per cubic yard
• 6 inches deep: 54 sq ft per cubic yard

Example Calculations

10x10 foot area, 3 inches deep:

• Volume: 10 x 10 x 0.25 = 25 cubic feet
• Cubic yards: 0.93 cubic yards
• Weight (crushed stone): approximately 2,500 lbs (1.25 tons)

Driveway 12 feet wide, 50 feet long, 4 inches deep:

• Volume: 12 x 50 x 0.33 = 200 cubic feet
• Cubic yards: 7.41 cubic yards
• Weight (crushed stone): approximately 20,000 lbs (10 tons)

French drain trench 1 foot wide, 50 feet long, 2 feet deep:

• Volume: 1 x 50 x 2 = 100 cubic feet
• Cubic yards: 3.70 cubic yards
• Weight (#57 stone): approximately 10,000 lbs (5 tons)

Why You Need Extra Gravel

Gravel settles and compacts after installation. Always order 10-20% more than calculated to account for:

• Initial compaction: Gravel settles when walked or driven on
• Settling into subgrade: Stones work into soil below
• Vibration compaction: Heavy equipment compresses gravel significantly
• Washing: Rain can shift gravel, especially on slopes

Compaction Factors by Type

• Loose pea gravel: Add 15-20% for settling
• Crushed stone: Add 10-15% for compaction
• Crusher run: Add 5-10% (compacts tightly)
• River rock: Add 15% for settling

Driveways

Residential driveway:

• Base layer (crusher run): 4-6 inches
• Top layer (crushed stone or pea gravel): 2-3 inches
• Total depth: 6-9 inches

Heavy-use driveway (trucks, RVs):

• Base layer: 6-8 inches
• Top layer: 3-4 inches
• Total depth: 9-12 inches

Walkways and Paths

• Decorative path: 2-3 inches pea gravel over compacted base
• High-traffic path: 3-4 inches crushed stone
• Stabilized path: 2-3 inches decomposed granite with stabilizer

Drainage Projects

• French drain: Fill trench with 1-2 inches of gravel around perforated pipe
• Foundation drainage: 4-6 inches gravel against foundation wall
• Dry well: Fill completely with #57 stone

Concrete and Paver Base

• Concrete slab base: 4-6 inches crusher run or crushed stone
• Paver patio base: 4-6 inches crusher run + 1 inch sand
• Retaining wall base: 6-8 inches crushed stone

How much gravel do I need for a 200-foot driveway, 10 feet wide?

For a 4-inch depth with crusher run:

• Volume: 10 x 200 x 0.33 = 667 cubic feet
• Cubic yards: 24.7 cubic yards
• Weight: approximately 35-40 tons
• With 15% compaction factor: order 28-29 cubic yards

What is the best gravel for a driveway?

Crusher run (quarry process) is the best driveway base because:

• Angular stones lock together firmly
• Stone dust fills voids for solid compaction
• Creates a stable, durable surface
• Top with #57 stone or pea gravel for appearance

How do I convert cubic yards to tons?

• Multiply cubic yards by the density factor
• Crushed stone: cubic yards x 1.4 = approximate tons
• Pea gravel: cubic yards x 1.5 = approximate tons
• River rock: cubic yards x 1.3 = approximate tons
• These are estimates; actual weight varies by moisture and gradation

Can I put gravel directly on soil?

For best results, no. Instead:

• Clear vegetation and organic material
• Install landscape fabric (geotextile) over soil
• This prevents gravel from sinking into mud
• Fabric allows drainage while separating layers
• Extends the life of your gravel surface significantly

How much does a cubic yard of gravel cover?

Coverage depends on depth:

• At 2 inches: approximately 162 square feet
• At 3 inches: approximately 108 square feet
• At 4 inches: approximately 81 square feet
• At 6 inches: approximately 54 square feet

Accurate gravel calculation prevents the frustration of running short or the expense of ordering too much. Use our calculator to estimate your volume and weight, then add 10-15% for compaction and settling.

Remember: The key to a long-lasting gravel surface is proper base preparation. Remove organic material, install landscape fabric, and compact each layer thoroughly before adding the next. A well-prepared base will serve you for years with minimal maintenance.