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Landscaping & YardGravel Calculator — How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area to estimate gravel in cubic yards and tons. Works for driveways, garden paths, French drains, and paver base.
How this calculator works
Volume = length × width × depth. We convert to cubic yards (÷27) and estimate weight at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, a typical figure for crushed stone. Suppliers sell gravel both by the yard and by the ton, so we show both.
What changes how much you need
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Roughly 1.4 tons for typical crushed stone, ranging from about 1.2 to 1.5 tons depending on rock type and moisture.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
3–4 inches of surface gravel over a compacted base. A durable driveway often totals 8–12 inches built up in layers.
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 to compare quotes.