Gravel Calculator
Enter the area and depth, choose the type of stone, and see how many tons and cubic yards you need and what it will cost.
Gravel formula
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × density (about 1.4 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone)
Example: a gravel driveway
A 40 × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep is 40 × 10 × 4 ÷ 12 = 133 cu ft, or 4.94 cubic yards. Crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per yard, so you need about 6.9 tons.
Recommended depth
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| Garden path | 2–3 in |
| Patio base | 4 in |
| Driveway (new) | 8–12 in in layers (large base stone, then smaller top stone) |
| Driveway top-up | 2–4 in |
For new driveways, build in layers: a base of larger crushed stone, then a middle layer, then a top layer of smaller gravel. Compact each layer.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Crushed stone and gravel usually weigh about 1.3–1.5 tons per cubic yard. 1.4 tons is a good average; your supplier can tell you the exact weight.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet), divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.4 for tons. A 40 × 10 ft driveway 4 inches deep needs about 6.9 tons.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of crushed stone covers about 80–100 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or about 40–50 sq ft at 4 inches.
Should I add extra gravel?
Yes — add 5–10% because gravel compacts and ground is rarely perfectly level.