Free gravel calculator
Enter your project's length, width, and depth — this gravel calculator returns cubic yards and tons of crushed stone needed using a 1.4 ton/yd³ bulk density, updated live, as you type.
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Density assumed at 1.4 ton/yd³. Actual varies by stone type. Add 10% overage when ordering.
Results are estimates. Consult a professional.
How the gravel calculator works
The calculator converts your project's length, width, and depth into cubic feet, then into cubic yards — the unit gravel suppliers use for pricing. Multiplying by the material's density gives the weight in tons. A 10–15% settling allowance is built in because gravel compacts and migrates after delivery, and a light underestimate means a return trip to the quarry.
Worked example: 500 sq ft gravel driveway at 4-inch depth
Sarah is refreshing a 20 ft × 25 ft gravel driveway with 4 inches of 3/4-inch crushed stone (density 1.4 ton/yd³). She adds a 10% settling buffer to her order.
Gravel tonnage for common project areas
All figures use 3/4-inch crushed stone density (1.4 ton/yd³) and include a 10% settling allowance. For pea gravel, multiply by 0.86; for dense-grade base, multiply by 1.07.
| Project area | 2-in depth (tons) | 4-in depth (tons) | 6-in depth (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft² | 0.95 | 1.90 | 2.85 |
| 200 ft² | 1.90 | 3.80 | 5.70 |
| 500 ft² | 4.76 | 9.50 | 14.26 |
| 1,000 ft² | 9.50 | 19.01 | 28.52 |
| 2,000 ft² | 19.01 | 38.02 | 57.04 |
Based on 3/4-in crushed stone at 1.4 ton/yd³ + 10% settling buffer. Source: Engineering ToolBox bulk density data.
Tips for buying and placing gravel
Choosing the right gravel type and depth for the application makes a larger difference than most homeowners expect — the wrong material in the wrong layer washes out, sinks, or shifts within a season.
- Layer your driveway correctly — a properly built gravel driveway uses three layers: 4–6 in of large base rock (3–4 in crushed stone) at the bottom, 4 in of dense-grade base (crusher run) in the middle, and 2–3 in of finish gravel (pea gravel or 3/4-in crushed stone) on top. Skipping the base layers leads to rutting.
- Match gravel type to the application — 3/4-in crushed stone is the all-purpose workhorse for driveways and paths. Pea gravel is soft underfoot but migrates easily; use edging to contain it. Dense-grade base compacts firm and is ideal for sub-base layers. French drains need washed, rounded stone (no fines) to allow drainage.
- Order in tons, not bags — bulk delivery from a local quarry costs 50–70% less per ton than bagged stone from a home-improvement store. Most quarries have a 3-ton minimum delivery; anything smaller may be cheaper to pick up in a pickup truck.
- Add edging before you spread — plastic, steel, or stone edging installed before gravel is placed saves significant material. Without containment, gravel spreads into lawn and flower beds within one season, especially on sloped sites.
- Plan for drainage — gravel is permeable, which is one of its advantages over asphalt. Avoid compacting gravel so tightly that fines fill all the voids; this defeats the drainage benefit and turns the surface hard rather than forgiving underfoot.
Accuracy and limitations
The formula is geometrically exact for the dimensions entered. The main variable is density: the 1.4 ton/yd³ factor is a reliable industry standard for 3/4-inch crushed stone, but density varies by aggregate type, moisture content, and particle gradation. Wet gravel is heavier than dry; rounded pea gravel is lighter than angular crushed stone. If your supplier provides a density spec, use that figure instead of the default.
This calculator assumes a flat, rectangular area. For sloped or irregular sites, break the project into rectangular sections and sum the results. Add extra material for high-traffic areas, steep slopes (gravel migrates downhill), or sites prone to frost heave. Always confirm tonnage with your supplier before ordering — they can verify local material weights and delivery minimums.
Gravel and aggregate terms defined
About this gravel calculator
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