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Material Calculator

Free Gravel Calculator

Gravel Needed
2.47cubic yards
≈ 3.46 tons
Cubic Feet66.67 ft³
Cubic Meters1.89 m³

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What Is a Gravel Calculator?

A gravel calculator converts your project dimensions—length, width, and depth—into the cubic yards and tons you need to order. Instead of guessing and risking a second delivery or wasted material, you get an instant estimate based on standard gravel density.

How to Use This Gravel Calculator

  1. Enter length and width of the area in feet, yards, or meters.
  2. Set the depth in inches, feet, or meters (4 inches is common for driveways).
  3. Adjust density if your supplier provides a specific tons-per-yard figure (default 1.4).
  4. Add price per ton optionally to see an estimated project cost.

Gravel Volume Formula

Volume (yd³) = (L × W × D in feet) ÷ 27

Tons = Cubic Yards × Density (default 1.4 tons/yd³ for crushed stone)

Convert depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12 before multiplying.

Example

You are graveling a 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep. Convert depth: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft. Volume = 20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.7 ft³. Divide by 27 → 2.47 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons/yd³ → about 3.5 tons of gravel.

Common Use Cases

  • Driveway and parking pad base material estimates
  • Walkway, patio, and garden path gravel orders
  • Drainage trenches and French drain fill calculations
  • Comparing supplier quotes by ton vs. cubic yard

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how much gravel I need?

Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by density (~1.4 tons/yd³) for weight.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

Most gravel driveways use 4–6 inches of base gravel. Footpaths often need 2–3 inches. Add 10–15% extra for compaction.

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

Dry gravel typically weighs about 1.4 tons (~2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. Confirm density with your supplier.

How many cubic yards for a 20×10 area?

At 4 inches deep, a 20 ft × 10 ft area needs about 2.47 cubic yards (~3.5 tons at 1.4 tons/yd³).

Should I order by the ton or cubic yard?

This calculator shows both so you can compare supplier quotes. Always confirm the density your supplier uses.

What gravel density should I use?

Use 1.4 tons/yd³ as a default. Dense limestone may reach 1.5–1.6—ask your supplier for the exact figure.

Can I estimate gravel cost?

Yes. Enter your supplier's price per ton and the calculator multiplies estimated tons for a quick cost estimate.