Gravel Calculator – Cubic Yards for Driveways

Calculate cubic yards of gravel, crushed stone, or pea gravel needed for any project.

About This Calculator

Calculate cubic yards of gravel, crushed stone, or pea gravel needed for any project. Use the calculator above for instant results.

Worked Examples

Example 1: 50x12ft driveway, 4in deep

  • 200 sq ft x 4in = 66.7 cu ft = 2.47 cu yd | ~3.5 tons

Answer: 2.47 cu yd / 3.5 tons

Example 2: 20x10ft patio base, 3in

  • 200 sq ft x 3in = 50 cu ft = 1.85 cu yd

Answer: 1.85 cu yd

Example 3: Path 100x3ft, 2in deep

  • 300 sq ft x 2in = 50 cu ft = 1.85 cu yd

Answer: 1.85 cu yd

Who Uses This Calculator?

🏠
Homeowners

Calculate gravel for driveway or path.

🏗️
Landscapers

Estimate material for projects.

🌳
Gardeners

Rock mulch and decorative gravel.

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Contractors

Bid gravel and base material jobs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Not adding enough depth

Gravel driveways need 4-6 inches of depth. Thin layers rut and displace quickly.

❌ Forgetting compaction

Gravel compacts 10-20% after settling. Deliver and measure slightly more than calculated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gravel vs crushed stone?

Crushed stone: better drainage, more stable for driveways. Pea gravel: decorative, less stable. 3/4-inch crushed stone is most versatile.

How many tons in a cubic yard?

Gravel: ~1.4 tons. Crushed stone: ~1.5 tons. Sand: ~1.35 tons. Weight varies by material.

Driveway depth?

New driveway: 4-6 inches minimum. Well-compacted base: 4 inches surface gravel on top of 6 inch base layer.