Gravel Calculator – How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Calculate how many cubic yards or tons of gravel, crushed stone, or pea gravel you need for driveways, paths, garden beds, and landscaping. Instant results with bag count.
🪨 Construction📐 Volume = Length × Width × Depth / 27 (cubic yards)
Length (feet)
Width (feet)
Depth (inches)
Material
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel Calculator – How Much Gravel Do I Need? | Volume = Length × Width × Depth / 27 (cubic yards) | cubic yards / tons |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
Driveway 20×10ft
20 ft long, 10 ft wide, 4 inch depth, crushed stone.
- Volume: 7.41 cu yd | Weight: 10.6 tons
- ~424 50-lb bags or use bulk delivery
✓ 7.41 cu yd / 10.6 tons
Example 2
Garden Path
50 ft × 3 ft path, 3 inch depth, pea gravel.
- Volume: 1.39 cu yd | Weight: 1.87 tons
- ~75 bags or about 1.5 cu yd bulk
✓ 1.39 cu yd
Example 3
Large Patio
30 ft × 20 ft, 6 inch base, crushed stone.
- Volume: 33.3 cu yd | Weight: 47.7 tons
- Order in bulk — 34 tons delivered
✓ 33.3 cu yd / 47.7 tons
Real-World Applications
Homeowners
Calculate exact gravel amount before ordering.
Contractors
Fast material takeoff for any gravel project.
Landscapers
Calculate gravel for paths, borders, and beds.
DIYers
Avoid over-ordering — gravel is heavy and expensive to return.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
Not adding 10% for waste
Gravel compacts and settles. Add 10% to your order. For irregular shapes, add 15%.
⚠️
Confusing cubic yards and cubic feet
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. Most bulk suppliers quote in cubic yards; bags are usually sold by weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh? ▾
Pea gravel: ~2,700 lbs. Crushed stone: ~2,860 lbs. Decomposed granite: ~2,900 lbs. Average: about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be? ▾
Driveways: 4-6 inches. Walkways/paths: 2-3 inches. Garden drainage: 4-8 inches. Driveway base layer: 6-8 inches of crushed stone.
How many cubic yards are in a dump truck load? ▾
A standard dump truck holds 10-14 cubic yards (about 14-20 tons). A mini dump holds 1-5 cubic yards. Most suppliers have a minimum delivery of 1-2 cubic yards.
What type of gravel is best for driveways? ▾
Crushed stone (#57 or #411) is best — it compacts and interlocks. Avoid pea gravel for driveways; it rolls under tires. Top with smaller #57 stone after the base layer.