Calculators/Landscaping

Gravel Calculator

Estimate how much gravel, crushed stone, or sand you may need for driveways, paths, patios, and drainage areas based on your dimensions and material type.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Area Shape

Length

Width

Gravel Depth

4 inches is standard for paths and light driveways.

Material Type (Density)

Density varies by quarry and exact material.

Waste & Compaction Factor

Add 10-15% for waste and compaction on soft bases.

Results update automatically as you enter measurements.

Your Material List

For this project, buy or order approximately

Use these quantities as a shopping list, supplier note, quote check, or quick jobsite material estimate.

Estimated Tons

3.8Tons

Bulk Volume

2.72Cubic Yards

Total Area

200sq ft

Total Volume

73.33ft^3

Notice: Compaction Alert: If you are mechanically compacting crushed stone (like Crusher Run or Item 4) for a driveway or patio base, the volume will shrink. Ensure your waste factor accounts for at least 10-15% compaction loss. Delivery Note: For amounts over 1 ton, it is typically much cheaper to have material delivered in bulk by a dump truck rather than buying individual bags at a home center.

Note: Gravel densities are estimates. Always verify the exact pounds-per-yard with your local quarry or supplier.

Estimate note: Actual needs vary due to compaction, grading, cuts, bag yield, and supplier differences. Confirm requirements before purchasing.

Formula and Assumptions

Formula used

Rectangle area = length × width. Circle area = π × radius². Volume = area × depth in feet. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × material density. Density varies by supplier, material type, and moisture content.

Unit conversions

Inches are converted to feet before volume is calculated. Cubic feet are converted to cubic yards by dividing by 27. Bag counts are rounded up because stores do not sell partial bags.

Waste factor explanation

Waste factor helps account for uneven surfaces, cuts, spills, compaction, settling, and measurement differences. The right buffer depends on your project and material.

Material Assumptions and Disclaimer

Bag yield or density assumptions

Calculations assume a relatively flat surface.
Material densities are rules-of-thumb. Exact weight depends on moisture content and specific rock type.

Estimate disclaimer

These tools are useful for DIY planning and quick jobsite estimates, but the results are still estimates. Verify quantities for structural work, code requirements, supplier material specs, product labels, or professional requirements before purchasing or quoting a job.

When to be careful

Crushed stone bases (like Crusher Run) intended for vehicle traffic must be mechanically compacted, meaning you will need slightly more volume than the raw dimensions suggest.

Example Calculation

Filling a 20x10 foot driveway extension with 4 inches of crushed stone. Using a 10% waste/compaction factor:

Area: 20 × 10 = 200 square feet
Convert depth to feet: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
Volume: 200 × 0.333 ≈ 66.67 cubic feet
Add 10% waste: 66.67 × 1.10 = 73.34 cubic feet
Convert to yards: 73.34 ÷ 27 ≈ 2.72 cubic yards
Convert to tons: 2.72 × 1.4 tons per cubic yard ≈ 3.8 tons

You need approximately 3.8 tons (or 2.7 cubic yards) of crushed stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should I lay gravel?

For a walking path, 2 to 3 inches is usually sufficient. For a driveway or patio base, a minimum of 4 inches of compacted crushed stone is recommended. Heavy vehicle traffic may require 8 inches or more.

What is the difference between crushed stone and pea gravel?

Crushed stone has irregular, jagged edges that lock together when compacted, making it an excellent stable base for driveways and patios. Pea gravel consists of small, smooth, rounded river stones that do not lock together; it is better suited for decorative garden beds or top dressing.

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

A standard rule of thumb is that 1 cubic yard of standard crushed gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs). However, this can range from 1.3 to 1.5 tons depending on the specific rock type and how wet it is.

Should I put landscape fabric under gravel?

Yes, it is highly recommended to lay heavy-duty woven geotextile fabric (not cheap weed barrier) under gravel driveways and paths. It prevents weeds, but more importantly, it prevents the gravel from slowly sinking into the mud below over time.

Why do I need to account for compaction?

When you use a plate compactor on a base rock like "crusher run" or "item 4," the vibration forces the smaller dust and stone particles into the air gaps between the larger rocks. This shrinks the overall volume of the pile by 10-15%.