Gravel Calculator
Updated 2026-10-14
Enter the length, width and depth of the area you want to cover. The calculator gives the volume of gravel, its approximate weight (gravel is often sold by the ton), and how many bags that would be.
How the gravel calculator works
Gravel is measured by volume and usually sold by volume (cubic yards or cubic meters) or by weight (tons or tonnes). The calculator first finds the volume of the area you're filling: length × width × depth. Depth is entered in inches or centimeters, so it's converted to feet or meters first. Then it adds extra for compaction, because loose gravel settles when it's raked, rolled or driven on. Finally it multiplies the volume by the weight of the gravel to estimate tons.
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard
Worked example
A garden path 20 ft long and 10 ft wide, covered 3 inches deep, is 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet. Adding 10% for light compaction makes 55 cubic feet, which is 2.04 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, that's about 2.85 tons of gravel. Bought in 0.5 cubic foot bags it would be 110 bags, so for a job this size, a bulk delivery is the sensible choice.
How deep should gravel be?
| Use | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative top layer in flower beds | 2 in (5 cm) |
| Garden path or walkway | 2–3 in (5–8 cm), on a firm base |
| Base under pavers or a shed | 4–6 in (10–15 cm), compacted |
| New gravel driveway | Often 8–12 in (20–30 cm) in total, built in 2–3 layers of different sizes |
| Top-up of an existing driveway | 2–3 in (5–8 cm) |
A driveway is usually built in layers: large stone at the bottom for strength and drainage, a middle layer of smaller stone, and a top layer of finer gravel. Run the calculator once for each layer with its own depth, then add the results. Soil type and traffic make a big difference, so if you're building a new driveway, ask a local supplier or contractor what works in your area.
How much does gravel weigh?
Weight varies with the type of stone, the size of the pieces and how wet it is. A cubic yard of typical gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (around 2,800 lb), and a cubic meter weighs about 1.5–1.8 tonnes. Gravel mixed with fine dust (often called crusher run or road base) packs tighter and weighs more than clean, uniform stone such as pea gravel. If your supplier quotes a different figure, enter it in the weight box.
Ordering tips
- Ask how they sell it. Some yards sell by the ton, others by the cubic yard. The calculator gives you both, so you can compare prices fairly.
- Check the minimum and the delivery fee. Many suppliers have a minimum load. If your job is small, ask about half loads or collecting it yourself in a trailer.
- Plan where the truck tips. A dump truck needs firm ground and overhead clearance. Moving several tons by wheelbarrow takes hours, so have it dropped as close to the job as possible.
- Use landscape fabric. A weed barrier under decorative gravel and paths stops the stone sinking into the soil and keeps weeds down.
- Edge it. Edging made of timber, steel or stone keeps gravel from spreading onto lawns and beds.
Frequently asked questions
- How many tons of gravel do I need for a 100 ft driveway?
- It depends on the width and depth. A 100 × 10 ft driveway topped up 3 inches deep needs 250 cubic feet, about 9.3 cubic yards, which is roughly 13 tons at 1.4 tons per cubic yard (more if you allow for compaction).
- How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
- At 1.4 tons per cubic yard and 2 inches deep, one ton covers about 116 sq ft. At 3 inches deep it covers about 77 sq ft.
- Is a cubic yard the same as a ton?
- No. A cubic yard is a volume and a ton is a weight. For most gravel, one cubic yard weighs a bit more than one ton, typically around 1.4 tons.