Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much gravel, crushed stone, pea gravel or sand you need in cubic yards and tons for a driveway, path, patio base or drainage bed.
By CalcBuilt Editorial TeamUpdated September 9, 2026Formulas checked against manufacturer specs, see how we calculate.
Results
- Gravel / crushed stone needed
- 2.47 cu yd
- 66.7 cu ft
- Weight
- 3.46 tons
- 6,914 lb at 1.4 tons per cubic yard
- 0.5 cu ft (20 kg) bags
- 134 bags
- Typical 50 lb retail bag
- Area covered
- 200 sq ft
- At 4 in deep
Gravel formula
Cubic feet = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (in) / 12
Cubic yards = Cubic feet / 27
Tons = Cubic yards x density (1.4 for gravel or crushed stone, 1.35 pea gravel, 1.3 sand)Worked example
A 40 x 12 ft gravel driveway topped with 4 in of crushed stone: 40 x 12 x (4 / 12) = 160 cubic feet = 5.93 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per yard that is 8.3 tons. At $45 per ton, about $373 for material plus delivery.
Quick reference
| Depth | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 16.7 | 0.62 | 0.86 |
| 3 in | 25.0 | 0.93 | 1.30 |
| 4 in | 33.3 | 1.23 | 1.73 |
| 6 in | 50.0 | 1.85 | 2.59 |
| 8 in | 66.7 | 2.47 | 3.46 |
How to calculate gravel
Multiply length by width in feet for the area, then multiply by depth in feet (inches divided by 12) to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. A 20 by 10 foot area at 4 inches deep needs 66.7 cubic feet, or 2.47 cubic yards.
Suppliers sell bulk gravel by the ton, so the calculator converts using a typical density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone. Density varies with moisture and stone size, so add 5 to 10 percent if you want to be safe.
How deep should gravel be?
Garden paths and decorative beds need 2 to 3 inches. A gravel driveway needs 4 to 6 inches in total, usually laid in two or three layers of different sizes. A base for pavers or a shed is typically 4 inches of compacted crushed stone.
Order in bulk for anything over about a yard. A standard pickup truck safely carries about half a cubic yard of gravel (roughly 1,400 lb).
Key facts
- Crushed stone and gravel weigh about 1.4 tons (2,800 lb) per cubic yard.
- One ton of gravel covers about 100 sq ft at 2 in deep or 50 sq ft at 4 in deep.
- A gravel driveway needs 4 to 6 in of total depth; a paver base needs 4 in of compacted crushed stone.
- A half-ton pickup truck can safely carry about half a cubic yard of gravel.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 tons for crushed stone or gravel. Pea gravel and river rock are around 1.35 tons, sand about 1.3 tons, and topsoil around 1.1 tons.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, one ton covers about 100 square feet. At 4 inches, about 50 square feet.
How much does a yard of gravel cost?
Typically $30 to $60 per ton for plain crushed stone, plus delivery. Decorative stone like river rock or pea gravel costs more.
Sources and references
- Construction aggregates calculator (cubic yards to tons) (Vulcan Materials)
- Tech Spec 10: Application Guide for Interlocking Concrete Pavements (aggregate base thickness) (Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association)
- Chapter 5 Floors, Section R506.2.2 Base (gravel base under slabs), 2021 IRC (ICC)
Next steps for this project
The usual order for a landscaping & outdoor project. See all landscaping & outdoor calculators.
Results are estimates based on standard formulas and typical product specifications. Confirm quantities with your supplier and local code before ordering.