How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

For a standard driveway (12 ft x 50 ft x 4 inches deep), you need about 7.4 cubic yards or approximately 10 tons of gravel. The recommended depth is 4-6 inches for driveways. Multiply length x width x depth (in feet) and divide by 27 to get cubic yards.

How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?

One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.35 tons (2,700 lbs) for standard crushed stone. Weight varies by type: pea gravel is about 1.35 tons/yd3, crushed limestone 1.3 tons/yd3, and river rock 1.35 tons/yd3.

How deep should gravel be for a walkway?

Walkways typically need 2-3 inches of gravel for pedestrian traffic. For driveways, use 4-6 inches. For a base layer under pavers, 4-6 inches of compacted gravel is recommended. Always add 10% extra for compaction and settling.

How much does gravel cost per ton?

Gravel costs typically range from $15 to $75 per ton depending on type and location. Basic crushed stone runs $15-30/ton, pea gravel $25-50/ton, and decorative river rock $40-75/ton. Delivery fees usually add $50-150 depending on distance.

Free Gravel Calculator — Yards, Tons & Cost

Calculate gravel volume, weight, and cost for driveways, walkways, and landscaping projects.

How to Calculate Gravel for Your Project

Accurately estimating gravel quantities prevents costly over-ordering or frustrating shortfalls. Whether you are building a driveway, creating a garden path, or laying a foundation base, this calculator gives you volume in cubic yards and cubic meters, weight in tons, and an estimated material cost based on gravel type. It supports both rectangular and circular areas.

Gravel Calculation Formula

For rectangular areas, multiply length by width by depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. For circular areas, use pi times the radius squared times depth. Convert depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12. To convert volume to weight, multiply cubic yards by the material density, which varies from about 1.3 tons per cubic yard for limestone to 0.5 tons for lava rock.

Choosing the Right Gravel

Crushed stone is the most versatile and affordable option, ideal for driveways and base layers. Pea gravel works well for walkways and drainage. Crushed limestone compacts firmly, making it great for foundations. River rock adds decorative appeal to landscaping. Lava rock is lightweight and excellent for decorative beds and fire pits.

Always order 10-15% more than calculated to account for spreading, compaction, and uneven surfaces. Delivery is typically available for orders of 5 tons or more. For smaller quantities, most landscape supply stores sell gravel by the bag, with each bag covering about 0.5 cubic feet.

Gravel Calculator

How to Calculate Gravel for Your Project

Gravel Calculation Formula

Choosing the Right Gravel

Frequently Asked Questions

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