Gravel Calculator
This gravel calculator works out how much gravel you need from the area and depth, in cubic yards, tons, and cubic meters. Enter the length, width, and depth and the gravel calculator returns the volume and the weight, so you can order the right amount without guessing. It handles driveways, paths, and landscaping, and figuring gravel for any job takes one step.
Results
The Gravel Calculator is part of our Materials Estimating collection. Browse more materials estimating to size, convert, and check your work alongside this tool.
What the gravel calculator does
Buying gravel means matching the area you are covering to the depth of stone you want, and this gravel calculator does that math for you. It multiplies the area by the depth to get the volume, then converts to the units suppliers use: cubic yards and tons. Whether you are figuring gravel for a driveway, a path, or a landscaping bed, the gravel calculator answers the real question, gravel how much do I need, in seconds.
How the gravel calculator finds the amount
Figuring gravel is area times depth, converted to order units:
The gravel calculator then multiplies the volume by the bulk density to get the weight, because gravel is often sold by the ton. A common density is about 1.6 tons per cubic meter, though it varies with stone size and moisture. This is why a ton calculator for gravel and a yards figure can both come from the same volume: one is weight, one is space.
Gravel calculator example
A driveway 10 m long and 5 m wide, with 50 mm of gravel. Figuring gravel by area and depth:
At 1.6 t/m³ that is about 4 tons. Enter your own numbers and the gravel calculator returns the yards and tons, answering gravel how much do I need for the job.
How to use the gravel calculator
Enter the length and width of the area and the depth of gravel you plan to lay. The gravel calculator multiplies them for the volume and applies the stone density to give the weight in tons. As a driveway gravel calculator, enter the driveway dimensions; as a pea gravel calculator, the same steps apply since only the material changes. It reports gravel calculator yards and gravel calculator tons together.
Reading the gravel calculator result
The volume in cubic yards is what a bulk supplier delivers by; the weight in tons is what many yards charge by. Order a little extra, since gravel compacts as it settles and spreads unevenly at edges. For a driveway, a 50 mm layer suits a top-up while a new base wants 100 mm or more. The gravel calculator gives the bare quantity, so add roughly 10% for compaction when you place the order.
When to use the gravel calculator
- Ordering driveway stone with the driveway gravel calculator
- Landscaping beds with the landscape rock calculator
- Paths and borders with the pea gravel calculator
- Bulk orders by weight with a ton calculator for gravel
Common gravel calculator mistakes
- Forgetting compaction. Gravel settles, so add about 10% to the gravel calculator volume.
- Too shallow a base. A driveway needs 100 mm or more; 50 mm is only a top-up.
- Mixing yards and tons. They measure different things; use the density so figuring gravel gives both correctly.
Tips for accurate results
- Add about 10% to the gravel calculator amount for compaction and spill.
- Use 100 mm or more for a new driveway base, 50 mm for a top-up.
- Ask your supplier for the stone density to convert yards to tons exactly.
Figuring gravel depth and compaction
The depth you choose drives the amount more than anything else, so figuring gravel starts there. A decorative top layer over an existing base needs only 40 to 50 mm, while a new driveway wants a sub-base and a top layer that together reach 100 to 150 mm. Gravel also compacts: loose stone settles by up to a fifth after it is driven on or tamped down, so the finished depth is less than what you spread. The gravel calculator gives the in-place volume, and adding around 10% for compaction and edge spill is what turns the estimate into an order that finishes the job.
Gravel calculator yards, tons, and stone size
Two numbers describe the same pile of gravel: its volume in cubic yards and its weight in tons, and suppliers use both. The link between them is bulk density, which shifts with the stone. Pea gravel and crushed rock pack differently, and wet stone weighs more than dry, so a pea gravel calculator and a crushed rock calculator can give slightly different tonnages for the same volume. Around 1.6 tons per cubic meter is a safe default, but if your supplier quotes a density, use it. Order by the yard for delivery and check the tonnage so the truck brings enough, since a ton calculator for gravel and a yards figure must agree for the job to come out right.
Gravel calculator coverage chart
How much gravel covers common areas at typical depths, from the gravel calculator (at ~1.6 t/m³):
| Area | 50 mm deep | 100 mm deep |
|---|---|---|
| 10 m² | 0.8 t | 1.6 t |
| 25 m² | 2.0 t | 4.0 t |
| 50 m² | 4.0 t | 8.0 t |
| 100 m² | 8.0 t | 16.0 t |
Gravel Calculator FAQ
How much gravel do I need?
Multiply the area by the depth for the volume, then by the density for the weight. The gravel calculator does this, answering gravel how much do I need in cubic yards and tons.
How many yards of gravel is that?
Divide the volume in cubic feet by 27, or let the gravel calculator convert for you. It reports gravel calculator yards next to the tons so you can order either way.
How deep should gravel be?
About 50 mm for a top-up and 100 mm or more for a new driveway base. Enter your depth and the driveway gravel calculator scales the amount.
Is gravel sold by the ton or the yard?
Both. Bulk suppliers deliver by the cubic yard, while many charge by the ton. A ton calculator for gravel converts the volume to weight using the stone density.