Calculators

Gravel Calculator

Estimate gravel in tons and cubic yards from area, depth and density, with cost.

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About this tool

Gravel is sold by volume (cubic yards) or by weight (tons), so you need both figures to compare quotes. This gravel calculator takes the length and width of a rectangular area, or the diameter of a circular one, and the depth in inches, feet or centimeters, and works out the volume and weight. Weight depends on the stone's density. The calculator starts at 105 pounds per cubic foot, a typical figure for dry gravel that equals about 1.42 short tons per cubic yard, and you can replace it with your supplier's number, since stone type, size and moisture all change it. Add an extra percentage for compaction or waste and an optional price per ton or per cubic yard. Results include short tons, pounds, metric tonnes, cubic yards, cubic feet and cubic meters, with the calculation written out. It runs in your browser as you type.

Why use it

  • Tons and cubic yards together, so you can order however your supplier sells.

  • Editable density: replace the 105 lb/ft³ default with the value for your stone.

  • Compaction and waste margin added as a percentage.

  • Cost by the ton or by the cubic yard.

  • Metric results too: tonnes and cubic meters alongside US units.

How to use

  1. Choose a rectangular or circular area and enter its length and width (or diameter).
  2. Enter the gravel depth and pick inches, feet or centimeters.
  3. Keep the default density of 105 lb/ft³ or type your supplier's figure, and add an extra percentage if needed.
  4. Optionally enter a price per ton or per cubic yard, then read the tons, cubic yards and cost.

When it helps

  • Ordering gravel for a driveway, path or parking pad.
  • Laying a base under pavers, a shed or a patio.
  • Filling drainage trenches or French drains.
  • Topping garden beds or a circular fire-pit area with decorative stone.

Examples

Path

Input

20 ft × 10 ft, 3 in deep, 105 lb/ft³

Expected result

2.63 short tons, 1.85 yd³, 5,250 lb

Driveway with 10% extra

Input

50 ft × 12 ft, 4 in deep, 105 lb/ft³, +10%

Expected result

11.55 short tons, 8.15 yd³

Cost by the ton

Input

20 ft × 10 ft, 3 in deep, 40 per ton

Expected result

Estimated cost 105.00

Tips

  • Ask the supplier whether their price is per short ton, per tonne or per cubic yard before comparing quotes.
  • Wet gravel weighs more, so a load delivered after rain may show a higher weight for the same volume.
  • Measure depth after excavation, not from the existing surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate how much gravel you need?
Multiply length × width × depth in feet to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards, or multiply by the gravel density in pounds per cubic foot and divide by 2,000 for short tons. A 20 × 10 ft area 3 inches deep is 50 ft³, 1.85 yd³ and, at 105 lb/ft³, 2.63 tons.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
At the default density of 105 lb/ft³ a cubic yard weighs 2,835 lb, about 1.42 short tons. Real gravel varies with stone type, size and moisture, so use your supplier's figure when you have it.
How deep should gravel be?
Depth depends on the job and the stone, and local guidance varies. Decorative surfaces are often a few inches deep, while driveways are usually built in thicker compacted layers. Ask your supplier or contractor for the depth suited to your base and traffic.
What is the difference between a ton and a tonne?
A US short ton is 2,000 lb. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg, about 2,204.6 lb. The calculator shows both.
Should I order extra gravel?
Gravel compacts and spreads unevenly, so many people add 5 to 10 percent or more. Enter your margin in the extra percentage field.
Does it work for sand or crushed stone?
Yes, as long as you enter the right density in lb/ft³ for the material. The volume calculation is the same.

Explore the category

Cubic Yard Calculator Work out cubic yards of concrete, mulch, soil or sand from length, width and depth. Cubic Feet Calculator Calculate cubic feet for boxes, rooms and cylinders and convert to other volume units. Square Footage Calculator Calculate square feet for rooms, floors and yards, total several areas and estimate the cost. Unit Converter Convert length, weight, temperature and more Circle Calculator Calculate all circle properties — area, circumference, diameter, radius, arc length, and sector area from any single input. Percentage Calculator Percentage, increase and decrease calculations

Glossary

Density
Weight per unit of volume; here pounds per cubic foot.
Short ton
The US ton of 2,000 pounds.
Compaction
The loss of volume when loose gravel is pressed down, often by a plate compactor or traffic.
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