Gravel Calculator
To find how much gravel you need, multiply your area in square feet by the depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. This gravel calculator does that for a driveway, a pea gravel path, or any landscaping project, and converts the result to tons and estimated cost.
- Volume
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- Weight
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How to calculate gravel
- Measure the area in square feet — length × width for a rectangle.
- Convert the depth to feet by dividing inches by 12 (for example, 3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft).
- Multiply area × depth to get the volume in cubic feet.
- Divide the cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the material density to convert to tons.
| Material | Density (lb/ft³) | Tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel | 105 | 1.42 |
| Pea Gravel | 96 | 1.3 |
| Crushed Stone | 100 | 1.35 |
| River Rock | 94 | 1.27 |
| Depth | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of standard gravel weighs about 1.4 tons, based on a typical density of 105 lb/ft³. Weight varies by material — pea gravel and river rock are somewhat lighter, while crushed stone is close to standard gravel.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
A ton of gravel covers roughly 77 square feet at a 3-inch depth, or about 108 square feet per cubic yard at that same depth. Coverage increases at shallower depths and decreases as you go deeper.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Most gravel driveways use a 4-inch top layer, though many installers build up a base of 6-8 inches total when starting from bare soil. Walkways and paths typically only need 2-3 inches.
What's the difference between a ton and a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is a measure of volume (27 cubic feet), while a ton is a measure of weight (2,000 lb). For gravel, one cubic yard weighs roughly 1.27-1.42 tons depending on the material, so the two units are related but not interchangeable.
How much gravel do I need for a 10x10 area?
A 10x10 ft area at a standard 3-inch depth needs about 0.93 cubic yards of gravel, which weighs approximately 1.31 tons. Increasing the depth to 4 inches would raise that to about 1.23 cubic yards.
Sources & references
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Last updated: July 2026