Gravel Calculator
Determine exactly how much gravel, crushed stone, or aggregate you need for driveways, paths, and landscaping projects by entering the area dimensions and desired depth.
What is Gravel?
A gravel calculator converts area dimensions and depth into the volume and weight of gravel, crushed stone, or other aggregate materials required for a project. This is essential for accurate ordering because gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton, and miscalculating can lead to costly extra deliveries or leftover material with nowhere to put it. Gravel and aggregate are among the most common materials in residential and commercial construction. They serve as base layers for driveways, patios, and walkways; as drainage material around foundations and French drains; as decorative ground cover in landscaping; and as sub-base material under concrete slabs and pavers. Each application requires a specific depth of material for proper performance. The calculation involves three steps: first, convert the area dimensions to cubic feet by multiplying length times width times depth (with depth converted from inches to feet). Second, convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27, since one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft). Third, apply a waste factor to account for uneven ground, spreading losses, and compaction. Converting from volume to weight uses the material's density. Standard gravel and crushed stone weigh approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard (2,800 pounds). This is an average -- actual weight varies by material type. Pea gravel is lighter at about 1.3 tons per yard, while dense crushed limestone can reach 1.5 tons per yard. River rock is typically around 1.35 tons per yard. Most gravel is delivered by dump truck. A standard single-axle dump truck carries about 10 cubic yards, while tandem-axle trucks can carry 14-18 cubic yards. Knowing the number of truckloads helps you plan delivery logistics and compare pricing, as suppliers often charge per load for delivery. For compacted applications like driveway bases, order 10-15 percent extra because gravel compresses approximately 10-12 percent during compaction with a plate compactor or roller. For decorative surface applications where no compaction occurs, a 5 percent waste factor is usually sufficient.
How to Calculate
- Measure the length of the area to be covered in feet
- Measure the width of the area in feet
- Determine the desired depth of gravel in inches (4 inches is standard for driveways, 2-3 inches for paths)
- Set the waste factor percentage (10% is recommended for most projects, 15% for compacted bases)
- Review the results for cubic yards, tonnage, and number of truck deliveries needed
- Contact your supplier with the cubic yards or tonnage figure to get a price quote
Formula
Cubic Feet = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (in) / 12 Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet / 27 Adjusted Cubic Yards = Cubic Yards x (1 + Waste Factor / 100) Tons = Adjusted Cubic Yards x 1.4 Truckloads = ceiling(Adjusted Cubic Yards / 10) The depth is divided by 12 to convert inches to feet. The volume in cubic feet is divided by 27 to convert to cubic yards. The 1.4 multiplier is the average weight in tons per cubic yard for standard gravel. Truckloads assume a standard 10-cubic-yard dump truck.
Example Calculation
A driveway that is 20 ft long, 10 ft wide, with 4 inches of gravel and 10% waste factor: Cubic Feet = 20 x 10 x (4 / 12) = 20 x 10 x 0.333 = 66.67 cu ft Cubic Yards (raw) = 66.67 / 27 = 2.47 cu yd With 10% waste = 2.47 x 1.10 = 2.72 cubic yards Tons = 2.72 x 1.4 = 3.80 tons Truckloads = ceiling(2.72 / 10) = 1 truckload
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A residential gravel driveway typically requires 4-6 inches of compacted gravel over a prepared sub-base. This usually means 3 layers: 4 inches of coarse base rock, topped with 2-3 inches of intermediate gravel, and finished with 1-2 inches of surface gravel.
Why do I need a waste factor?
Ground is rarely perfectly flat, and material is lost during spreading, compaction, and delivery. A 10% waste factor covers these losses. For areas with uneven terrain or soft soil where gravel may settle, increase to 15-20%.
How do I convert between cubic yards and tons?
Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to get approximate tons for standard gravel. This varies by material: pea gravel is about 1.3 tons/yard, crushed limestone is about 1.5 tons/yard. Ask your supplier for the specific weight of their product.
How many cubic yards fit in a pickup truck?
A full-size pickup truck bed holds approximately 1.5 to 2 cubic yards of gravel depending on bed size. However, this often exceeds the truck's weight capacity. Most half-ton pickups should carry no more than 1 cubic yard (about 1.4 tons) safely.
Should I order by the cubic yard or by the ton?
Either works, but ordering by the ton is more precise since volume can vary with moisture content and how loosely the material is loaded. Most quarries and gravel pits sell by the ton using calibrated truck scales.
Does gravel compact after installation?
Yes, gravel typically compresses 10-12% when mechanically compacted with a plate compactor. If your project requires a specific finished depth, increase your order accordingly. The waste factor in this calculator helps account for this compression.