Gravel Calculator
Calculate tons and cubic yards of pea gravel, crushed stone, and road base aggregate for driveways, pathways, and drainage.
= 4.89 Cubic Yards (6.21 Metric Tonnes)
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What Is a Gravel Calculator?
A gravel calculator determines the total volume in cubic yards and weight in US tons required for landscaping beds, driveways, french drains, and pathways. It factors in aggregate density (typically 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard) and soil compaction.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter length and width of the project area in feet.
- Enter the desired gravel depth in inches (typically 2–3" for walkways, 4–6" for driveways).
- Select the gravel aggregate type (Pea Gravel, #57 Crushed Stone, or Road Base DGA).
- View the required weight in US tons, volume in cubic yards, and 50-lb retail bag count.
Gravel Tonnage Formula
\text{Tons} = \frac{\text{Length (ft)} \times \text{Width (ft)} \times \left(\frac{\text{Depth (in)}}{12}\right)}{27} \times 1.10 \times \rho_{\text{gravel}}Where ρ_gravel is the aggregate bulk density (~1.40 tons/yd³ for pea gravel, ~1.45 tons/yd³ for crushed stone, and ~1.55 tons/yd³ for dense grade base). A 10% compaction factor is included.
Worked Example
Scenario: Paving a 50 ft by 10 ft residential driveway with 3 inches of #57 crushed stone.
Square footage: 50 × 10 = 500 sq ft.
Cubic feet: 500 × (3 ÷ 12) = 125 cu ft.
Cubic yards: 125 ÷ 27 = 4.63 cu yds (with 10% settling = 5.09 cu yds).
Calculate weight: 5.09 cu yds × 1.45 tons/yd³ = 7.38 US tons.
Tips & Key Notes
- Lay commercial-grade landscape fabric under your gravel to prevent weeds and stop stones from sinking into the subsoil.
- For driveways, construct a 4-inch base of dense graded aggregate (DGA / crusher run) before applying 2 inches of decorative top gravel.
- Bulk delivery by tri-axle dump truck (15–20 tons) is dramatically cheaper than purchasing individual 50-lb retail bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet does 1 ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel covers approximately 100 square feet at a 2-inch depth, or 50 square feet at a 4-inch depth.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
Because gravel weighs approximately 2,800 lbs per cubic yard, 1 ton (2,000 lbs) equals approximately 0.71 cubic yards (or 1.4 tons per cubic yard).
How deep should driveway gravel be?
A standard gravel driveway should have a total depth of 6 to 8 inches: a 4-inch compacted subbase of coarse #3 stone or road base, followed by 2 to 3 inches of #57 crushed stone on top.
How many tons of gravel can a standard dump truck haul?
A standard single-axle dump truck hauls 5 to 7 tons. A tandem dump truck hauls 12 to 15 tons, and a large tri-axle truck delivers 20 to 22 tons.
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