Inputs to result
Volume (cu ft) = length × width × (depth ÷ 12); cubic yards = cu ft ÷ 27; order yards = cubic yards × (1 + waste% ÷ 100); tons = order yards × material density (tons/cu yd).
Concrete & Masonry
Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel, crushed stone, or pea gravel needed in tons and cubic yards from project length, width, depth, and waste allowance.
Enter project dimensions in feet and depth in inches, then select material type. The result estimates volume in cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons.
Calculation and worked example reviewed 2026-11-12. See our calculation methodology.
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Concrete & Masonry
US UNITSEnter your measurements
YOUR ESTIMATE
2.85 tons to order2.04 cu yd incl. waste1.85 cu yd (50 cu ft) before 10% allowance.
Estimated at 1.4 tons/cu yd; verify compacted weight with supplier.
Formula and example
How this calculation works
This estimator converts your entered jobsite inputs (area length, area width, depth, material type, waste & compaction allowance) into consistent US trade units, computes the exact geometric baseline first, and then applies any selected waste or order allowance so you can verify both numbers before purchasing materials.
How does the gravel calculator formula work?
Volume (cu ft) = length × width × (depth ÷ 12); cubic yards = cu ft ÷ 27; order yards = cubic yards × (1 + waste% ÷ 100); tons = order yards × material density (tons/cu yd).
(Gravel Calculator)where:
- Area length – Entered in ft (default reference: 20 ft);
- Area width – Entered in ft (default reference: 10 ft);
- Depth – Entered in in (default reference: 3 in);
- Material type – Entered in selected option (default reference: gravel );
- Waste & compaction allowance – Entered in % (default reference: 10 %);
Check the math
A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway area at 3 in depth needs 50 cu ft (1.85 cu yd). With 10% allowance and 1.4 tons/yd³ gravel, order 2.04 cu yd or 2.85 tons.
Quick lookup chart
Gravel & Crushed Stone Volume & Weight Estimates (3 in Depth)
Estimates for common rectangular areas at 3 in depth using standard 1.4 tons/cu yd density and 10% allowance.
| Area Dimensions | Square Footage | Cubic Yards (w/ 10%) | Estimated Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft × 10 ft | 100 sq ft | 1.02 cu yd | 1.43 tons |
| 20 ft × 10 ft | 200 sq ft | 2.04 cu yd | 2.85 tons |
| 40 ft × 10 ft | 400 sq ft | 4.07 cu yd | 5.70 tons |
| 50 ft × 12 ft | 600 sq ft | 6.11 cu yd | 8.56 tons |
Before you use this result
Aggregate densities vary by quarry, rock size, and moisture content. Standard construction gravel weighs 1.35 to 1.5 tons/yd³. Mechanically compacted road bases may require 15% to 20% extra volume.
- Order 10% to 15% extra for footpaths, or 15% to 20% extra for driveways requiring vibratory plate compaction.
- Excavate topsoil and install a woven geotextile fabric membrane beneath gravel to prevent aggregate sinking into subgrade soil.
- Verify quarry pricing unit (ton vs. cubic yard); delivery dump trucks typically haul 10 to 14 tons per tandem axle load.
Questions answered
Calculator FAQ
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?+
Most construction gravel and crushed stone weighs between 1.35 and 1.5 US short tons (2,700 to 3,000 lbs) per cubic yard, depending on moisture, rock size, and compaction.
How much does 1 cubic yard of gravel weigh?+
One cubic yard of clean gravel or crushed stone typically weighs between 2,700 and 3,000 pounds (1.35 to 1.5 US short tons). Wet or dense crushed stone road base can weigh up to 3,200 pounds (1.6 tons) per yard.
How deep should a gravel driveway or walkway be?+
A typical gravel driveway requires a 3 to 4 inch top layer over a stable base. Garden pathways and decorative landscaping typically use 2 to 3 inches of gravel.
How much extra gravel should I order for compaction?+
Order 10% to 15% extra material for uncompacted decorative pea gravel, or 15% to 20% extra for crusher run and crushed stone bases that will be mechanically compacted.