Gravel Calculator
Estimate the gravel you need for driveways, paths and beds — volume, weight in tons, truck loads and bags.
Gravel Calculator — input your values
What does this construction calculator do?
The gravel calculator estimates how much gravel, stone, sand or topsoil you need for driveways, patios, paths and garden beds — in cubic feet, cubic yards and cubic meters.
It converts the volume into weight in tons using the density of the material you pick, then tells you how many standard dump truck loads or half-cubic-yard bags to order, with a waste allowance for settling and compaction.
Formula and variables
Densities vary by source and moisture — dry loose gravel weighs less than settled gravel.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 27 cubic feet |
| 1 short ton | 2000 lb |
| Crushed stone | ≈ 100 lb/ft³ (1602 kg/m³) |
| Washed gravel | ≈ 105 lb/ft³ (1688 kg/m³) |
| Dump truck | ≈ 12 tons per load |
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway, 4 inches of crushed stone deep, ordered by dump truck with 10% waste.
- Area = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft.
- Depth = 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft.
- Volume = 200 × 0.333 = 66.7 ft³ = 2.47 yd³.
- Weight = 66.7 × 100 lb/ft³ = 6,670 lb = 3.33 tons.
- With 10% waste: 3.33 × 1.1 = 3.67 tons, which is 1 truck load (3.67 ÷ 12 ≈ 1).
Answer: Order ≈ 3.7 tons of crushed stone (1 dump truck load).
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Compact gravel in 4–6 in layers with a plate compactor for a stable driveway base.
- For drainage beds, washed gravel holds more air space than crushed stone of the same size.
- Order slightly more than the estimate — gravel is cheap compared with the cost of a second delivery.
- Measure depth at the middle of the area, not the edges; driveways are usually thicker at the center.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering by volume alone and ignoring the weight limit of the truck.
- Using the depth of the gravel before compaction, which overfills the order.
- Forgetting that pea gravel and crushed stone have different densities and therefore different weights per yard.
Gravel Calculator — frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
It depends on the material: crushed stone weighs about 1.35 tons per yard, washed gravel about 1.42 tons, and sand about 1.35 tons. Multiply cubic yards by the density to get tons.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A residential driveway usually needs 4–6 inches of compacted gravel, often placed in two layers over a compacted sub-base.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of crushed stone covers about 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or about 50 sq ft at 4 inches deep, depending on the density.
Can I order gravel by the bag instead of the truck?
Yes — bags are practical for small areas and paths. A half-cubic-yard bag of crushed stone weighs roughly 1,350 lb, so a couple of bags usually covers a small path.
Should I use washed or crushed gravel?
Crushed stone interlocks and compacts well, making it better for driveways. Washed pea gravel stays looser and suits paths, play areas and drainage.
How much more gravel should I order for settling?
Add 5–10% for a lightly used path and 10–15% for a driveway that will be driven on, since gravel compacts and settles into the sub-base.