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Simple Calculators

Gravel Calculator

Cubic yards and tons of gravel or stone for any area and depth

Area & Material

Typical gravel is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard — check your supplier's figure

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Quick summary

Gravel volume is area × depth: a 50 × 10 ft driveway at 3 inches deep is 500 sq ft × 3/12 ft = 125 cu ft, or 4.63 cubic yards (27 cu ft per yard). Multiply by density to get weight — at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard that is 6.48 tons. Density depends on the stone, so use the figure your supplier gives you.

Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose the Area Input: enter length and width, or enter square footage directly.
  2. Enter Length (ft) and Width (ft), or Area (sq ft) for an irregular area you have already measured.
  3. Enter the Depth (in) of gravel you want to lay.
  4. Set Density (tons per cubic yard) — 1.4 is a typical figure, but use your supplier's number if you have it.
  5. Optionally enter Price per Ton ($) to estimate the cost.
  6. Read the tons needed, plus cubic yards and cubic feet for suppliers that sell by volume.

Gravel Formulas

Gravel Volume

Vyd3=A×D1227V_{\text{yd}^3} = \frac{A \times \frac{D}{12}}{27}
A
Area in square feet (length × width)
D
Depth in inches (divided by 12 to convert to feet)
27
Cubic feet in one cubic yard

Worked example

A 50 × 10 ft driveway, 3 inches deep

Given
A = 500 sq ft
D = 3 in
Calculation
500×31227=12527\frac{500 \times \frac{3}{12}}{27} = \frac{125}{27}
Result
V ≈ 4.63 cubic yards

Weight in Tons

Tons=Vyd3×ρ\text{Tons} = V_{\text{yd}^3} \times \rho
ρ
Density in tons per cubic yard (about 1.4 for typical gravel; check your supplier)

Worked example

The same driveway at 1.4 tons per cubic yard

Given
V = 4.6296 yd³
ρ = 1.4 t/yd³
Calculation
4.6296×1.44.6296 \times 1.4
Result
≈ 6.48 tons

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?

Multiply cubic yards by the material's density in tons per cubic yard. About 1.4 tons per cubic yard is a common planning figure for gravel, but crushed stone, pea gravel, and wet material differ — ask your supplier for the density of the product you are buying.

How deep should gravel be?

It depends on the job. Decorative paths and beds are often a couple of inches deep, while driveways and other surfaces that carry vehicles are usually built thicker, often in layers with a coarser base underneath. Follow local guidance or a contractor's recommendation for load-bearing work.

Should I order extra gravel?

Gravel compacts and settles once it is spread and tamped, and the ground beneath is rarely perfectly level, so many people round their order up rather than down. Running short means a second delivery, which often costs more than a little extra in the first load.

Is gravel sold by the ton or by the cubic yard?

Both are common — some suppliers price by weight and others by volume. This calculator shows both, so you can compare quotes either way. If a supplier quotes per cubic yard, multiply that price by the cubic yards shown instead of using the price per ton.

Key terms

Cubic Yard
27 cubic feet — a common unit for ordering bulk gravel and stone.
Density
Weight per unit of volume, here tons per cubic yard; it varies by stone type, size, and moisture.
Compaction
Settling of gravel as it is spread and tamped, which reduces its depth slightly.

Methodology, sources & limitations

This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.

For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.