Gravel Calculator

Calculate exactly how much gravel you need for driveways, garden pathways, drainage projects, and decorative landscaping. Enter your area dimensions and desired depth to get results in cubic yards and tons — the two units gravel suppliers use for ordering. Driveway gravel is typically ordered in tons, while landscaping gravel is often sold by the cubic yard. Our calculator provides both so you can order with confidence.

Enter Your Measurements

Area Length(ft)

Area Width(ft)

Gravel Depth(in)

Results

Gravel Needed

2.47

cubic yards

Approximate Weight

3.46

tons

Area

200

sq ft

Volume

66.7

cubic feet

Cost Estimate

Cost per ton

per ton

Estimated Cost

$123.46

Formula

Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27 | Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.4

How to Use This Calculator

How to Use

1
Measure the length and width of the area in feet — for a driveway, measure the total driveway length and the width at its widest point.
2
Choose your gravel depth: 2 to 4 inches for decorative landscaping and garden paths, 4 to 6 inches for driveways and high-traffic areas, and 6 to 12 inches for a full gravel driveway base installation.
3
Review results in both cubic yards and tons — call your supplier to confirm which unit they use for pricing before ordering.
4
Add 10% extra for driveways and high-compaction areas, as gravel settles and compacts after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should a gravel driveway be?

A properly built gravel driveway uses multiple layers. Start with 4 to 6 inches of large base stone (2 to 3 inch diameter) for drainage and stability, then add 4 inches of mid-size gravel (1 to 1.5 inch), and finish with 2 to 4 inches of surface gravel (pea gravel or 3/8-inch crushed stone). Total depth is typically 10 to 14 inches for a new installation. For a simple gravel refresh of an existing driveway, 2 to 4 inches of surface gravel is usually sufficient.

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

Gravel weight varies significantly by type. Pea gravel and small river stone weigh approximately 1.35 to 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Crushed limestone weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Larger crushed stone runs about 1.4 to 1.5 tons per yard. Our calculator uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a standard estimate, which is a reliable middle value for most common gravel types. Always confirm exact weight with your supplier, especially for specialty stone.

What type of gravel is best for a driveway?

For driveway surfaces, crushed angular gravel (also called crusher run, road base, or compacted gravel) is the best choice because angular edges interlock and stay in place under traffic. Avoid round stones like pea gravel or river rock for high-traffic surfaces — they scatter and provide poor traction. For a finished surface look, #57 stone (3/4-inch crushed stone) or #411 crushed limestone are popular choices that compact well and look clean. Pea gravel works well for decorative paths with light foot traffic.

How much does gravel cost?

Gravel cost varies significantly by region and stone type. Pea gravel and basic crushed stone typically cost $25 to $55 per ton, or $30 to $65 per cubic yard. Decorative river rock and specialty stone runs $50 to $150 per ton. Delivery charges add $50 to $150 per load depending on distance. For a standard 12x40 ft two-car driveway at 4-inch depth, expect to spend $300 to $700 in materials plus delivery. Large projects often qualify for bulk pricing discounts.

How do I calculate gravel for a circular area?

For a circular garden bed or path, use the formula: Area = pi times radius squared (3.14159 × r²). Measure the radius (half the diameter) in feet, square it, and multiply by 3.14. That gives you the square footage. Then multiply by your depth in feet (depth in inches divided by 12) to get cubic feet, and divide by 27 for cubic yards. For example, a 10-foot diameter circle has a radius of 5 feet: 3.14 × 25 = 78.5 square feet.

In-Depth Guides

📖

How Much Mulch Do You Need? Coverage & Cost Guide

Find out exactly how many cubic yards or bags of mulch to buy. Covers coverage at different depths, mulch types, bulk vs. bagged cost comparison, and application tips.

📖

How Much Gravel Do You Need for a Driveway? Complete Guide

Calculate gravel quantities for driveways in cubic yards and tons. Learn about gravel types, recommended depths, compaction, drainage, and cost per ton.

📖

Asphalt Driveway Cost Guide: Installation, Repair & Sealing

Calculate asphalt driveway costs per square foot, compare asphalt vs concrete, and understand resurfacing vs replacement decisions.

Related Calculators

Mulch Calculator

Sand Calculator

Topsoil Calculator

Paver Calculator

Concrete Driveway Calculator

Compost Calculator

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the formula: Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27 | Tons = Cubic Yards × 1.4. All calculations follow industry-standard methods. Results are estimates — always verify with a licensed professional for structural or code-compliant work.

Built and maintained by the CalcSmart team. Last updated March 2026.

▶Embed this calculator on your website

Copy and paste this code into your page:

<iframe src="https://calcsmart.io/embed/gravel-calculator" width="100%" height="520" frameborder="0" style="border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #e5e7eb" title="Gravel Calculator"></iframe>

Free to embed. Attribution link included automatically.