Gravel Calculator
Estimate volume, weight & cost for your project
Area to Cover
Depth of Gravel
Gravel Type
Price (Optional)
Note: Add 10–15% extra gravel to account for waste, compaction, and settling.
Free Gravel Calculator — How Much Gravel Do You Need?
Whether you’re laying a driveway, filling a garden bed, or finishing a landscaping project, figuring out the right amount of gravel can be tricky. Our free gravel calculator takes the guesswork out of the equation — just enter your measurements and get instant results.
How to Use This Gravel Calculator
Using this tool is simple. Follow these four steps:
Step 1 — Enter Your Area Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover in feet. If your project has multiple sections (like an L-shaped driveway), click “Add another area” to include each section separately. The calculator will add them all up automatically.
Step 2 — Set the Depth Choose how deep you want the gravel layer to be. For most driveways, 4 inches is standard. For garden paths, 2–3 inches works well. For decorative landscaping, 1–2 inches is usually enough.
Step 3 — Select Your Gravel Type Different types of gravel have different weights. Select the type closest to what you’re buying. If you know the exact density from your supplier, choose “Custom density” and enter it manually.
Step 4 — Enter the Price (Optional) If you know the cost per cubic foot, cubic yard, or ton, enter it to get a full cost estimate for your project.
Recommended Gravel Depths by Project Type
| Project Type | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Driveway (light vehicles) | 4 inches |
| Driveway (heavy vehicles) | 6 inches |
| Garden path / walkway | 2–3 inches |
| Decorative landscaping | 1–2 inches |
| Drainage layer | 6–12 inches |
| French drain fill | 8–12 inches |
| Playground base | 6 inches |
| Patio base layer | 4–6 inches |
Types of Gravel — Which One Should You Choose?
Not all gravel is the same. Here’s a quick guide to the most common types:
Pea Gravel
Small, smooth, rounded stones about the size of a pea. Great for garden beds, playgrounds, and decorative paths. Easy to walk on and drains well. Density: approximately 85 lb/ft³.
Crushed Stone (Crushed Limestone / Granite)
Jagged, angular pieces that lock together tightly when compacted. The best choice for driveways and base layers because it won’t shift around. Density: approximately 100–105 lb/ft³.
Standard Gravel (River Gravel)
A mix of small to medium rounded stones, typically 0.2 to 2 inches. Versatile, affordable, and commonly available. Works well for driveways, drainage, and landscaping. Density: approximately 95 lb/ft³.
Lava Rock
Lightweight, porous volcanic rock. Popular for decorative landscaping and garden beds. Retains moisture and suppresses weeds. Density: approximately 75–80 lb/ft³.
Sand and Gravel Mix
A blend of fine and coarse material. Often used as a base layer under patios, pavers, and slabs. Compacts well and provides a stable foundation. Density: approximately 110 lb/ft³.
How Is Gravel Volume Calculated?
The formula behind the calculator is straightforward:
Volume (cubic feet) = Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft)
For example, if your driveway is 20 ft long, 10 ft wide, and you want 4 inches (0.33 ft) of gravel:
20 × 10 × 0.33 = 66 cubic feet
To convert to cubic yards (what most suppliers sell gravel in), divide by 27:
66 ÷ 27 = 2.44 cubic yards
To calculate weight, multiply cubic feet by the gravel’s density in pounds per cubic foot:
66 × 95 = 6,270 pounds (about 3.1 US tons)
Our calculator handles all of this automatically for you.
How Much Extra Gravel Should You Order?
Always order 10–15% more gravel than your calculation shows. Here’s why:
- Compaction: Gravel compacts under weight, especially for driveways, reducing the effective depth over time.
- Settling: Fresh gravel settles after rain and use.
- Uneven ground: Real terrain is never perfectly flat — low spots will need extra material.
- Waste: Some gravel spills during delivery and spreading.
A simple rule: if your calculator says you need 3 cubic yards, order at least 3.3 to 3.5 cubic yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a 10×10 area?
For a 10×10 ft area at 3 inches deep, you need approximately 9.3 cubic feet, which equals about 0.34 cubic yards. At 4 inches deep, that goes up to 0.46 cubic yards. Use the calculator above for any custom size.
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A standard single-car driveway (10 ft × 20 ft × 4 inches deep) requires about 2.5 US tons of standard gravel. A double-wide driveway (20 ft × 40 ft × 4 inches) needs around 10 tons. Enter your exact dimensions above for a precise estimate.
What is the difference between cubic yards and cubic feet?
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. Gravel is often sold by the cubic yard in bulk, or by the ton for large deliveries. Use our calculator to see both units so you can match what your supplier quotes.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
It depends on the type. Standard river gravel weighs about 2,565 pounds (1.28 tons) per cubic yard. Crushed stone weighs about 2,835 pounds (1.42 tons) per cubic yard. Lighter options like lava rock weigh around 2,160 pounds per cubic yard.
Can I use this calculator for sand, mulch, or soil?
This calculator is designed for gravel but works for any material where you know the density. Select “Custom density” and enter the correct weight per cubic foot for your material. Typical densities: dry sand ≈ 100 lb/ft³, mulch ≈ 15–20 lb/ft³, topsoil ≈ 75–100 lb/ft³.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
For regular passenger vehicles, a minimum of 4 inches of compacted gravel is recommended. For heavier vehicles like trucks or RVs, aim for 6 inches. Many contractors recommend a two-layer approach: a 4-inch base of compacted crushed stone topped with 2 inches of decorative gravel.
Tips for a Successful Gravel Project
Prepare the ground first. Remove grass, weeds, and loose topsoil before adding gravel. A flat, compacted base gives better results and reduces the amount of gravel you need.
Use landscape fabric. Placing weed barrier fabric under the gravel prevents weeds from growing through and keeps the gravel from mixing into the soil below. This is especially important for garden beds and pathways.
Edge your gravel area. Install edging (metal, plastic, or wood) around the perimeter to keep gravel from spreading onto lawns or flower beds. This also makes it easier to maintain the right depth over time.
Compact after laying. For driveways, use a plate compactor or rent a roller to compact the gravel after spreading. This improves stability and reduces the amount of movement underfoot or under tires.
Consider drainage. Gravel is naturally permeable, which makes it great for drainage. If you have a low-lying area that collects water, gravel can help redirect runoff. Slope the surface slightly (about 1–2%) away from buildings.
Bookmark This Page
Found this calculator useful? Bookmark it so you can come back for your next project. Share it with a neighbor or contractor — it saves time and prevents costly over- or under-ordering of materials.
Last updated: May 2026 | Calculator results are estimates. Always confirm quantities with your supplier before purchase.