Gravel is measured by volume when you plan a project but usually sold by weight. That conversion depends on the stone: a cubic yard of dense crushed rock weighs much more than a cubic yard of lava rock. This calculator finds the volume of your path, patio, bed or driveway, applies the material’s density, and reports the result in US tons, cubic yards and metric units, with an optional cost estimate.
How to use the gravel calculator
- Choose the area shape and enter its dimensions, or enter a known area.
- Set the depth of gravel.
- Check the density. The default of 1.4 tons per cubic yard suits most gravel and crushed stone; replace it with your supplier’s figure if you have one. You can enter it in tons per cubic yard, pounds per cubic foot or kilograms per cubic meter.
- Adjust the extra percentage for settling and uneven spreading.
- Optionally add a price per ton to estimate the cost.
Gravel formulas
If your density is in pounds per cubic foot, multiply cubic feet by that number and divide by 2,000 to get tons. A density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard equals about 103.7 lb/ft³ or 1,661 kg/m³.
Worked example: a garden path
A path 20 ft long and 10 ft wide, 3 inches deep: 200 ft² × 0.25 ft = 50 ft³.
With 10% extra: 55 ft³ ÷ 27 = 2.04 yd³.
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard: 2.04 × 1.4 = 2.85 tons (about 5,700 lb). At $40 per ton, that is roughly $114.
Approximate gravel densities
| Material | Pounds per yd³ | Tons per yd³ |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 2,600 – 2,900 | 1.3 – 1.45 |
| Crushed stone (#57, clean) | 2,400 – 2,800 | 1.2 – 1.4 |
| River rock | 2,500 – 2,800 | 1.25 – 1.4 |
| Dry sand | 2,500 – 2,900 | 1.25 – 1.45 |
| Lava rock | 1,000 – 1,500 | 0.5 – 0.75 |
These are typical loose, dry figures. Moisture can add 10% or more, and stone type and gradation change the numbers, so a supplier’s own conversion is always the best input.
How deep should gravel be?
| Use | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative beds and borders | 2 – 3 in |
| Garden paths and walkways | 2 – 3 in over landscape fabric |
| Patio or paver base | 4 – 6 in, compacted |
| Driveway surface layer | 3 – 4 in over a compacted base |
| Shed or hot-tub pad | 4 – 6 in, compacted |
Driveways and pads usually have a layer of road base or larger crushed stone underneath; the road base calculator accounts for the extra material needed when that layer is compacted.
Ordering and delivery tips
Round up to the supplier’s increment, which is often a half or whole ton. A dump truck can tip its load only in one spot, so pick a drop location close to the work and away from septic systems or soft lawn. If you are moving gravel yourself, remember that a standard wheelbarrow holds about 2 to 3 cubic feet — roughly 200 to 300 pounds of gravel — so a 3-ton order means 20 to 30 trips. To compare loose volumes for other materials, see the cubic yards calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Most loose gravel and crushed stone weighs about 2,600 to 3,000 pounds per cubic yard, or 1.3 to 1.5 US tons. Wet material, fine sand and heavy rock types sit at the upper end, while lightweight stone such as lava rock weighs far less.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 19.3 cubic feet. Spread 2 inches deep it covers roughly 115 square feet, at 3 inches about 77 square feet and at 4 inches about 58 square feet.
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the density. A 50 × 12 ft driveway with a 4-inch top layer needs about 7.4 cubic yards, or roughly 10.4 tons at 1.4 tons per yard, before any extra.
Is a ton of gravel the same as a tonne?
No. In the US a ton is a short ton of 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne is 1,000 kilograms, about 2,205 pounds. The calculator reports both.