Gravel Calculator
Calculate cubic yards and estimated tons of gravel needed for driveways, paths, drainage, and landscaping projects.
How to use this gravel calculator
- Measure the area length and width in feet.
- Choose depth: 2 inches for decorative paths, 4 inches for standard driveways, 6 inches for heavy vehicle areas.
- Add 10% to account for compaction and settling — gravel compresses under traffic and over time.
- Order by the ton from quarries for large projects; by the bag for small accent areas.
- Confirm the density factor with your supplier — different stone types have different weights per cubic yard.
Formula
Volume = L × W × (depth ÷ 12). Cubic yards = volume ÷ 27. Tons ≈ yards × 1.4 (typical crushed stone density).
About the Gravel Calculator
Gravel and crushed stone are among the most versatile and durable materials in residential landscaping and hardscaping. Unlike concrete and asphalt, gravel driveways and paths are permeable (allowing rainwater to infiltrate rather than run off), self-draining, easy to repair, and DIY-installable without specialized equipment. These advantages make gravel an excellent choice for many residential applications.
The variety of available stone types serves different purposes: angular crushed stone for compactable base and driveway applications, smooth river rock for decorative beds and drainage features, pea gravel for comfortable barefoot paths and playground areas, and decomposed granite for a fine-textured path surface that compacts nearly as firm as pavement. Understanding which stone serves which purpose prevents the common mistake of selecting stone based on appearance alone without considering functional requirements.
For drainage applications — French drains, dry creek beds, and gravel-filled trenches around foundations — proper gravel selection is critical for function. Washed river rock or pea gravel (not crusher run or bank run with fines) allows water to flow freely through the void spaces between stones. Wrapping drainage gravel in landscape fabric (geotextile) prevents surrounding soil from migrating into the gravel and reducing drainage over time.
Long-term gravel driveway maintenance requires periodic replenishment as material migrates to the edges and compacts down over time. Planning for annual or biannual top-dressing with an inch or two of fresh gravel maintains surface depth and appearance. Edge restraints — metal landscape edging, timber borders, or concrete curbs — significantly reduce lateral migration and reduce the amount of gravel lost over time.
Frequently asked questions
+How many tons of gravel do I need per cubic yard?
Gravel and crushed stone density varies by rock type. Common weights per cubic yard: pea gravel (about 1.4 tons per cu yd), crushed limestone (about 1.5 tons), crushed granite (about 1.5 tons), crushed concrete (about 1.35 tons), river rock (about 1.35 tons), sand and gravel mix (about 1.45 tons). The 1.4 tons per cubic yard used in this calculator is a good average for most crushed stone products. Always confirm with your supplier, as variations matter when ordering large quantities — a 0.1 ton per yard difference on a 20-yard order is 2 tons of potential over or under-ordering.
+What type of gravel is best for driveways?
For driveways, crushed stone (crusher run, also called compacted gravel or road base) is the most practical and durable choice. Crusher run contains angular particles of various sizes that lock together and compact firmly under traffic, creating a solid, stable surface. Standard driveway construction uses a base layer of 4–6 inches of crusher run followed by a 2-inch top layer of #57 stone (golf ball-sized) or #4 stone (half-inch chips). Pea gravel and river rock are attractive but not ideal for driveways — the smooth, round particles do not lock together, shifting under vehicle tires and migrating out of the drive area. For areas where vehicles turn frequently, edging is essential to contain any gravel type.
+How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A properly constructed gravel driveway typically requires 4–6 inches total depth. The layered approach produces the best results: excavate 6–8 inches deep, lay 4 inches of compacted base gravel (crusher run or compactible fill), then top with 2 inches of decorative or finish gravel. In areas with heavy clay soils that drain poorly, excavating deeper and adding landscape fabric before the base layer prevents the base from sinking into the clay. In freeze-thaw climates, deeper base material (6–8 inches) prevents frost heaving from disrupting the surface. Traffic frequency matters: occasional-use driveways can use 4 inches total; daily multi-vehicle driveways benefit from 6 inches.
+Does gravel need to be compacted?
Yes — compaction is essential for driveways and any load-bearing gravel application. Uncompacted gravel settles unevenly under load, creating ruts and low spots. A plate compactor (available for daily rental from equipment rental stores) compacts gravel efficiently. Compact gravel in 2–3 inch lifts (layers) for best results — trying to compact deeper layers produces only surface compaction with loose material underneath. Decorative garden path gravel and mulch-replacement gravel does not require formal compaction but should be raked level and allowed to settle naturally. Add a thin layer on top after initial settling has occurred.