Gravel & Stone Calculator

How to Calculate Gravel

Start with volume: multiply the area in square feet by the depth in inches, divide by 12 to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Most quarries and landscape yards sell gravel by the ton, so multiply cubic yards by the material's weight — about 1.4 tons per cubic yard for pea gravel and crushed stone, and around 1.5–1.7 for crusher run and other base materials that include fines.

Base materials compact when they're tamped or driven on, so you need more loose material than the finished depth suggests. The calculator adds 10–15% for compaction on crusher run, decomposed granite, and sand automatically.

Worked Example: A Gravel Driveway

A 12 × 50 ft driveway is 600 sq ft. A 4 in compacted base of crusher run is 600 × 4 ÷ 12 = 200 cubic feet; with 15% for compaction that's 230 cu ft, or 8.5 cubic yards — about 13.6 tons. A 2 in top layer of #57 stone adds 100 cu ft (3.7 yd³), or about 5.2 tons. Run each layer separately in the calculator by changing the material and depth.

Typical Depths by Project

For anything that carries vehicles, build in layers: a compacted base of crusher run, then a top layer of #57 or similar clean stone. Landscape fabric under paths and patios keeps the gravel from sinking into the soil and cuts down on weeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
  Most gravel and crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. Crusher run and other base materials with fines are heavier, around 1.5 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard. Wet material weighs more.
• How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
  Multiply length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.4 to 1.6 tons per yard. A 12 × 50 ft driveway with a 4 inch base and 2 inch top layer needs roughly 19 tons in total.
• How many bags of gravel are in a ton?
  A ton of gravel is roughly 19 cubic feet, so it takes about 39 bags of 0.5 cu ft gravel to equal one ton. For anything over a ton or two, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper.
• What is the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?
  Pea gravel is small and rounded, so it is comfortable underfoot but shifts around. Crushed stone like #57 is angular, so it locks together and stays put, which makes it better for driveways and drainage.
• Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
  For paths, patios, and decorative areas, landscape fabric helps keep gravel from sinking into the soil and slows weed growth. Under a compacted driveway base, a woven geotextile fabric adds stability on soft soils.
• How deep should gravel be?
  Walkways typically need 2 to 3 inches, pea gravel patios 3 to 4 inches, and driveways 4 to 6 inches of compacted base plus 2 to 3 inches of top stone.

Results are estimates for planning and budgeting. Weights and coverage vary by supplier, moisture, and product — confirm with your supplier before ordering.