Gravel Calculator

Estimate how much gravel you need for your landscaping or construction project

Enter Your Measurements

Results

You will need approximately:
0 cubic feet
of gravel for your project
Volume in
0 cubic yards
Volume in
0 cubic meters
Weight approx.
0 tons
Bags needed (0.5 cu ft)
0 bags
Visual Representation
0" 6" 12"

Estimate Cost

Price per cubic yard:
$
Estimated Cost
$0

Helpful Tips

  • For driveways and walkways, use a depth of 2-3 inches for light traffic, 4+ inches for heavy traffic.
  • It's recommended to add 10% more material to account for settling and spreading.
  • Different gravel types have different weights - adjust estimates if working with weight limits.
  • Proper drainage is essential - consider adding a base layer under your gravel.

About Gravel Calculations

Calculating the right amount of gravel for your project requires understanding of area, volume, and material properties. Our gravel calculator helps you determine the exact quantity needed based on your project dimensions and gravel type.

Key Gravel Terms

  • Area: The surface measurement (square feet/yards) of the space to be covered with gravel
  • Depth: How thick the gravel layer should be, typically measured in inches
  • Volume: The three-dimensional space (cubic feet/yards) the gravel will occupy
  • Density: How heavy the gravel is per unit volume, varies by type of stone
  • Compaction Factor: The amount gravel will settle/compress after installation
  • Coverage Rate: How much area a specific volume of gravel will cover at a given depth

Types of Gravel

  • Pea Gravel: Small (1/4" to 3/8"), rounded stones ideal for walkways, patios, and playgrounds
  • Crushed Stone: Angular pieces that lock together, good for driveways and drainage
  • River Rock: Smooth stones (1" to 3") often used for decorative landscaping and water features
  • Marble Chips: Decorative white stones that reflect light and brighten landscapes
  • Limestone: Compacts well and is used for pathways, driveways, and road base
  • Decomposed Granite: Fine particles that create a natural-looking, firm surface
  • Slate Chips: Flat, angular pieces available in various colors for decorative use

Depth Guidelines

  • 1-2 inches: Light-duty decorative applications and top dressing
  • 2-3 inches: Standard depth for garden pathways and light-traffic areas
  • 4-6 inches: For driveways, heavy traffic paths, and drainage applications
  • 6+ inches: For road base, French drains, and severe drainage issues

Note: For best results, compact gravel layers thicker than 4 inches in 2-3 inch stages.

Gravel Calculation Formulas

To calculate the volume of gravel needed:

Volume (cubic yards) = (Area in square feet × Depth in inches) ÷ 324

To convert cubic yards to tons (approximate):

Weight (tons) = Volume (cubic yards) × 1.4

These formulas account for standard gravel density. For precise calculations, adjust based on your specific gravel type.

Coverage Guidelines

  • 1 cubic yard covers approximately 100 square feet at 3 inches deep
  • 1 ton of gravel typically covers about 80-100 square feet at a 2-inch depth
  • Gravel weighs between 2,400 to 2,900 pounds per cubic yard depending on the type

Installation Best Practices

  • Use landscape fabric under gravel to prevent weed growth and sinking
  • Create a slight crown or slope (1-2%) for proper drainage
  • Install edging to keep gravel contained in the desired area
  • For driveways, consider a base layer of larger stones topped with finer gravel
  • Add 10-15% extra material to account for natural compaction and displacement

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