Gravel Calculator
Calculate how many tons and cubic yards of gravel, crushed stone, or pea gravel you need for driveways, paths, and landscaping.
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How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the area length and width in feet.
- Enter the depth in inches.
- Select the material type for accurate density-based tonnage.
Formula
Cubic yards = Area (sq ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic yards × Density (tons/yd³)
Example
Example: 20×40 ft driveway, 4 in deep, crushed stone → 9.88 yd³ → 13.8 tons.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Use the formula: Cubic Yards = Area (sq ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. For example, a 10 × 20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep = (200 × 4) ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards. This calculator handles the conversion automatically. Always add 10% extra to account for compaction — gravel compacts 10–15% after settling and vehicle traffic, so a 4-inch layer may end up only 3.5 inches after compaction. Order 10–15% more than the calculated volume to maintain the desired final depth.
- Multiply cubic yards by the material density in tons per cubic yard. Crushed stone (limestone or granite) averages about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is slightly lighter at about 1.3 tons per cubic yard. River rock is about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Wet gravel is heavier than dry. For example, 5 cubic yards of crushed limestone = 5 × 1.4 = 7 tons. This calculator shows the ton equivalent in the results. Suppliers typically sell by the ton for delivery, so knowing the weight is essential for ordering.
- A properly built gravel driveway has two layers. The base layer (crusher run or 3/4-inch crushed stone) should be 4–6 inches compacted depth for residential driveways that handle only passenger vehicles. Heavy vehicle traffic — pickups, delivery trucks, RVs — requires 6–8 inches of compacted base. The top layer (pea gravel or decorative stone) is typically 2–3 inches. Total driveway depth is commonly 6–10 inches. In cold climates, frost heave can disrupt thin gravel. Edging the driveway with timber or steel landscape edging prevents gravel from spreading onto grass.
- A standard single-axle dump truck carries about 10–12 tons of gravel (roughly 7–9 cubic yards). A tandem-axle dump truck carries 14–18 tons (10–13 cubic yards). A tri-axle truck can carry up to 20 tons. Supplier capacities vary by region — always confirm the truck size with your supplier. Knowing your project volume in both cubic yards and tons helps you compare pricing, since some suppliers quote by the cubic yard and others by the ton. Use the density conversion: 1 cubic yard of crushed stone ≈ 1.4 tons.
- For driveways, crusher run (also called road base or compacted gravel) is the best base material because its mix of crushed stone and stone dust packs tightly under traffic. For the top surface, 3/4-inch crushed limestone or granite gives good traction and drains well. Pea gravel (3/8 inch, smooth) is attractive but migrates under tires and is better for decorative beds than driveways. River rock is too rounded and slippery. In cold climates, angular crushed stone is preferred over rounded stone because it locks together rather than shifting. Avoid smooth round stone on any sloped driveway.