Gravel Calculator
Enter the length, width, and desired depth of the area you're covering to find how much gravel you need, in both cubic yards and tons — the two units most suppliers price by.
How the Gravel formula works
Volume, then converted to weight using gravel's typical density:
Volume (ft³) = Length(ft) × Width(ft) × Depth(in) / 12 Volume (yd³) = Volume (ft³) / 27 Tons ≈ Volume (yd³) × 1.4
1.4 tons per cubic yard is a standard estimate for typical crushed gravel; density varies somewhat by material type and compaction.
Step-by-step calculation
- Convert the desired depth from inches to feet.
- Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet.
- Divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
- Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to estimate tons, gravel's typical density.
Worked example
A driveway 40 ft long, 10 ft wide, covered 3 inches deep: Volume = 40 × 10 × (3/12) = 100 ft³ = 3.7 yd³. Tons ≈ 3.7 × 1.4 ≈ 5.2 tons.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a gravel driveway layer be?
A typical gravel driveway uses 4–6 inches of base material, sometimes in multiple compacted layers; a walking path can often get by with 2–3 inches.
Does gravel density really vary that much?
Yes, somewhat — depending on stone size and moisture, density can range from roughly 1.2 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard. 1.4 is a reasonable planning estimate; ask your supplier for their specific material's density for a precise order.