Gravel Calculator

Landscaping
Gravel Calculator

Estimate cubic yards, tons, bags and cost for gravel, crushed stone or river rock.

Project Details

Recommended Gravel
2.04 yd³
Includes 10% waste allowance
Approx. Tons2.75 tons
Metric Volume1.56 m³
0.5 ft³ Bags111 bags
Estimated Cost—
Bulk delivery is usually more practical for larger gravel projects. Confirm local material density before ordering.

How Much Gravel Do I Need?

To estimate gravel, enter the length and width of the project area and the depth of gravel you plan to install. The calculator converts the measurements into cubic yards, cubic meters and an approximate tonnage.

Density matters: Gravel weight varies by stone type, moisture content, particle size and compaction. Tonnage should be treated as an estimate.

How the Gravel Calculation Works

The basic volume formula is:

Volume = Length × Width × Depth

For US measurements, cubic feet are divided by 27 to convert the result to cubic yards.

Common Gravel Types

Crushed Stone

Crushed stone is commonly used for driveways, compacted bases, drainage and construction projects. Angular particles tend to lock together when compacted.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel contains smaller rounded stones and is often used for paths, patios and decorative landscaping.

River Rock

River rock is typically rounded and decorative. Because sizes vary widely, weight and coverage can differ from other gravel types.

Example Gravel Calculation

For an area measuring 20 feet by 10 feet with a gravel depth of 3 inches:

20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet

That equals about 1.85 cubic yards before adding waste. With a 10% allowance, the project requires about 2.04 cubic yards.

Bulk Gravel vs Bags

Bagged gravel can be convenient for small garden or repair projects. For driveways and larger landscape areas, bulk delivery is usually more practical and may reduce the cost per cubic foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic feet are in one cubic yard?

One cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet.

How many 0.5 ft³ bags make one cubic yard?

One cubic yard would require about 54 bags of 0.5 cubic feet each.

How deep should driveway gravel be?

The required depth depends on the subgrade, traffic load, gravel layers and local conditions. Follow the design for your specific project.

Why can supplier tonnage differ from this calculator?

Material density varies. The supplier's measured or published density is more accurate for the exact product being purchased.

Planning estimate: Confirm material density, compaction and required project depth with your gravel supplier before ordering.

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