Gravel Calculator: How Much Do You Really Need for Your Project?
Ordering too little gravel means another delivery fee. Too much means wasted money. Get it right the first time with these simple calculations—no guesswork required.
What You'll Learn
- How to calculate gravel needed for any project
- Understanding cubic yards, tons, and coverage
- Proper depth recommendations for different uses
- Cost estimation and money-saving tips
- Common mistakes that waste money
The Simple Formula: How to Calculate Gravel
Volume = Length × Width × Depth
Cubic Yards = (L × W × D) ÷ 27
(When L, W, D are in feet. Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards)
Example:
20 ft long
10 ft wide
0.5 ft deep (6")
Calculation:
20 × 10 × 0.5 = 100 ft³
100 ÷ 27 = 3.7 yd³
Result:
You need 3.7 cubic yards
Or about 5 tons
Pro Tip: Always Order 5-10% Extra
Ground isn't perfectly level, shapes aren't perfect, and compaction happens. Adding 5-10% extra ensures you don't run short and need another expensive delivery.
How Deep Should Your Gravel Be?
Decorative/Light Use
Best for: Flower beds, around plants, light foot traffic paths
Minimal depth works when aesthetics matter more than durability. Not for vehicles or heavy traffic.
Walkways & Patios
Best for: Garden paths, patio bases, moderate foot traffic
Standard depth for pedestrian areas. Provides good stability without excessive material cost.
Driveways (Light Use)
Best for: Residential driveways, occasional vehicle traffic
Minimum depth for car traffic. Fine for 1-2 cars, but upgrade to 6-8" for daily use or heavy vehicles.
Driveways (Heavy Use)
Best for: Daily traffic, multiple vehicles, RVs, trucks
Professional-grade depth. Prevents rutting and shifting under heavy loads. Worth the extra cost.
Parking Lots & Commercial
Best for: Commercial parking, equipment yards, heavy machinery
Industrial-strength application. Often includes sub-base layers. Consult engineer for commercial projects.
Types of Gravel & Stone (And When to Use Each)
Crushed Stone / Gravel
Angular rocks that lock together when compacted.
- Best for: Driveways, parking areas, base layers
- Sizes: 3/4" to 1.5" (most common for driveways)
- Weight: ~1.4 tons per cubic yard
- Pro: Excellent compaction and drainage
Pea Gravel
Small, smooth, rounded stones (1/4" to 3/8").
- Best for: Walkways, playgrounds, decorative areas
- Appearance: Attractive, comes in various colors
- Weight: ~1.3 tons per cubic yard
- Con: Shifts easily, NOT for driveways
River Rock
Smooth, rounded stones (1" to 3"+).
- Best for: Water features, dry creek beds, landscaping
- Appearance: Natural, polished look
- Weight: ~1.2 tons per cubic yard
- Con: More expensive, decorative only
Crusher Run / Road Base
Mix of crushed stone and stone dust (fines).
- Best for: Driveway base, under pavers, parking lots
- Compaction: Excellent—dust fills gaps
- Weight: ~1.5 tons per cubic yard
- Pro: Creates almost pavement-like surface
Cost Estimation & Budgeting
Typical Gravel Costs (2024-2025)
Note: Prices vary by location, season, and quantity. Buying in bulk (10+ tons) often gets better rates.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Order in bulk: Larger orders = lower per-ton cost
- Pick up yourself: Skip delivery fee if you have a truck/trailer
- Shop around: Compare quarries, landscape suppliers, and big-box stores
- Time it right: Off-season (late fall/winter) often has better prices
- Calculate precisely: Avoid over-ordering (that's why you're here!)
5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Skipping Landscape Fabric
Problem: Weeds grow through gravel, gravel sinks into soil, mixing with dirt.
Solution: Always lay landscape fabric or weed barrier first. Add $0.10-$0.30 per sq ft.
Mistake #2: Wrong Gravel Type
Problem: Using pea gravel for driveways (shifts), or crusher run for decorative beds (ugly).
Solution: Match gravel type to purpose. See our guide above!
Mistake #3: Inadequate Depth
Problem: 2-3" deep driveway quickly develops ruts and bare spots.
Solution: Follow depth guidelines: 4-6" minimum for driveways, 6-8" for heavy use.
Mistake #4: No Compaction
Problem: Loose gravel shifts, settles unevenly, washes away.
Solution: Compact in 2-3" layers with a plate compactor. Rent one for $50-$100/day.
Mistake #5: Poor Drainage Planning
Problem: Water pools, gravel washes away, creates muddy mess.
Solution: Grade for 2% slope (¼" per foot). Install edging to contain gravel.
Calculate Your Gravel Needs Now
Use our free gravel calculator to get exact quantities in cubic yards, tons, and cost estimates for your project.
Quick Reference Chart
Coverage Per Ton (at 2" depth)
The Bottom Line
Getting your gravel calculation right saves money, time, and headaches. Too little means another delivery fee and project delays. Too much means wasted materials sitting in a pile.
Use our calculator, follow the depth guidelines for your project type, add 5-10% extra for good measure, and you'll nail it the first time. Your wallet (and your back) will thank you.