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Landscaping & YardGravel Calculator — How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area to find how much gravel you need — in both cubic yards and tons. It converts cubic yards to tons for you, so you can order by either. Works for driveways, garden paths, French drains, and paver base.
How this calculator works
Volume = length × width × depth, converted to cubic yards (÷27). To get weight we multiply the cubic yards by about 1.4 — a typical tons-per-cubic-yard figure for crushed stone — so to convert cubic yards of gravel to tons, multiply by 1.4. Suppliers sell gravel both by the yard and by the ton, so we show both.
What changes how much you need
- To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by about 1.4 (e.g., 5 yd³ ≈ 7 tons).
- Weight varies by type: pea gravel, crushed limestone, and river rock differ by ±15%. Ask your supplier for the exact tons-per-yard.
- For driveways, plan a 3–4 inch top layer over a compacted base.
- Add ~10% for compaction and spreading loss.
- Edge with steel, stone, or timber to keep loose gravel in place.
Cubic yards to tons by gravel type
| Gravel type | Tons per yd³ | 3 yd³ ≈ | 5 yd³ ≈ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone | 1.4 | 4.2 tons | 7.0 tons |
| Pea gravel | 1.3 | 3.9 tons | 6.5 tons |
| River rock | 1.35 | 4.1 tons | 6.8 tons |
| Crushed limestone | 1.5 | 4.5 tons | 7.5 tons |
| Sand | 1.4 | 4.2 tons | 7.0 tons |
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Roughly 1.4 tons for typical crushed stone — about 1.2 to 1.5 tons depending on rock type and moisture. To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by 1.4.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?
Multiply the cubic yards by about 1.4. For example, 3 cubic yards × 1.4 ≈ 4.2 tons. This calculator shows both so you don’t have to do the math.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Measure length × width and use a 3–4 inch surface depth over a compacted base. A 20 × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches needs about 2.5 cubic yards (~3.5 tons). Enter your size above for the exact amount.
How many yards of gravel do I need?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) and divide by 27 — or just enter your dimensions above and it returns the cubic yards (and tons) instantly.
Do I order gravel by the yard or the ton?
Either — suppliers quote both. Use cubic yards for volume and tons for delivery weight. This calculator gives you both so you can compare quotes.