Enter the length, width and depth of your path, patio or driveway to estimate gravel in cubic yards and tons. Add a price per ton to estimate the cost. Works in US units or metric.
Gravel Calculator
Estimates only. Check with your supplier before you order, and always buy a little extra.
How to calculate gravel
- Volume in cubic feet: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12.
- Cubic yards: divide cubic feet by 27.
- Tons: multiply cubic yards by the weight of your gravel per cubic yard.
The calculator uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a starting point, a common estimate for typical gravel. Real weight varies with the stone type, size and moisture, so ask your supplier for their figure and type it in.
Example: a 20 × 10 ft patio base, 3 inches deep
- 20 × 10 × 3 ÷ 12 = 50 cubic feet
- 50 ÷ 27 = about 1.85 cubic yards
- 1.85 × 1.4 = about 2.6 tons (about 2.85 tons with 10% extra)
How deep should gravel be?
Depth depends on the job and the ground underneath. As a rough guide, decorative paths and patios are often 2–3 inches deep, while driveways need a thicker, compacted base built up in layers. For anything that carries vehicles, follow your supplier’s or contractor’s advice.
Gravel tips
- Buy a little extra. Gravel compacts and ground is rarely perfectly level, so around 10% extra is common. The calculator adds this when the box is ticked.
- Use a weed barrier. Landscape fabric under paths and patios helps keep weeds down and stops gravel sinking into soil.
- Edge it. Edging keeps gravel where it belongs and makes the depth easier to judge.
- Delivery minimums. Many suppliers have a minimum order for bulk delivery. For very small jobs, bags may be simpler.
Frequently asked questions
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard and 3 inches deep, one ton covers roughly 77 sq ft. At 2 inches deep, roughly 116 sq ft.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 0.71 cubic yards. Check your supplier’s weight for your stone.
Can I use this for crushed stone or pea gravel?
Yes. The volume is the same; only the weight per cubic yard changes. Enter the figure your supplier gives you.