Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel for a driveway, path or drainage bed. Enter the area and depth to get tons and cubic yards.
Gravel calculator
How it's calculated: Length ft × width ft × (depth in ÷ 12) = cubic feet; add 5% waste and divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How to estimate gravel
- A new gravel driveway typically uses 4-6 inches total, often in two stones: a coarse base and a finer top.
- Gravel is usually sold by the ton. One cubic yard of driveway gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons.
- Top up an established gravel surface with 2-3 inches.
- Order full truckloads when you can - delivery is mostly a flat fee, so a half-empty truck raises your cost per ton.
- On soft or muddy ground, lay geotextile fabric first so the stone does not sink into the subgrade.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 tons for typical driveway gravel, though it varies with stone type and moisture.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Plan on 4-6 inches of total stone over a stable, well-drained subgrade.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
Roughly 70-80 sq ft at 3 inches deep, and about half that at 6 inches. One ton is around 0.7 cubic yards.
What size gravel is best for a driveway?
A coarse base layer of larger crushed stone topped with a finer 3/4-inch minus that packs tight. Rounded stones like pea gravel migrate under tires and never firm up.
Does delivery include spreading?
Usually not - spreading is a separate charge. Many drivers can tailgate-spread along a driveway as they pull forward, which saves hours of raking; ask when you order.