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Gravel Calculator

Calculate exactly how much gravel you need for driveways, walkways, patios, and landscaping. Get instant volume, weight, and cost estimates.

100% FreeInstant ResultsCost Estimator
Gravel Calculator
Enter your project dimensions to calculate volume, weight, and cost
Enter to calculate, Esc to clear

Density: 100 lb/ft³ (1600 kg/m³)

Local prices: $30-75/yard typical

Try These Common Projects
Click on any example to automatically fill the calculator with typical values
Standard Driveway

50×12 ft driveway with crushed stone base

📐 50×12 ft
📏 4" deep • $45/yard
🪨 Crushed Stone (#57)
Garden Walkway

30×4 ft path with decorative pea gravel

📐 30×4 ft
📏 2" deep • $35/yard
🪨 Pea Gravel
Fire Pit Area

8 ft radius circle with river rock

⭕ 8 ft radius
📏 3" deep • $55/yard
🪨 River Rock
Patio Base

20×20 ft patio with decomposed granite

📐 20×20 ft
📏 4" deep • $40/yard
🪨 Decomposed Granite
How to Use the Gravel Calculator

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Select the area shape (total area, rectangle, circle)
  2. Enter dimensions (length/width/radius or total area)
  3. Set gravel depth
  4. Choose gravel type (affects density)
  5. (Optional) Enter price to calculate cost
  6. Click "Calculate"

Pro Tip: Always add 5-10% extra for spillage and uneven surfaces.

Gravel Calculation Basics

Key Formulas:

  • Volume: Area × Depth
  • Weight: Volume × Density
  • Cost: Volume × Price (or Weight × Price per ton)

Unit Conversion:
3 inches = 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 feet
10 cm = 10 ÷ 100 = 0.1 meters

Recommended Gravel Depths for Projects
Project TypeRecommended DepthNotes
Driveway4–6 inchesHeavy traffic, use crushed stone
Garden Path2–3 inchesLight traffic, pea gravel works well
French Drain6–12 inchesDrainage layer, use clean gravel
Landscaping Bed2–4 inchesDecorative, various types suitable
Gravel Density & Types

Different gravel sizes and shapes have unique densities that affect weight calculations.

Crushed Stone (#57)

Angular 3/4" stones, ideal for driveways and base material

Density: 100 lb/ft³ (1600 kg/m³)

Pea Gravel

Smooth 3/8" rounded stones, perfect for walkways and patios

Density: 96 lb/ft³ (1540 kg/m³)

River Rock

Decorative smooth stones 1-3", great for landscaping beds

Density: 100 lb/ft³ (1600 kg/m³)

Crushed Gravel (#411)

Fine crusite mix, excellent for compacting and base layers

Density: 105 lb/ft³ (1680 kg/m³)

Decomposed Granite

Natural tan/gold color, popular for pathways in the Southwest

Density: 100 lb/ft³ (1600 kg/m³)

Impact: A cubic foot of crushed stone weighs more than the same volume of pea gravel due to better packing.

Cost Factors for Gravel

Variables affecting cost:

  • Gravel type: Premium vs. standard materials
  • Delivery distance: Transportation costs for bulk orders
  • Local supply: Regional availability and demand
  • Quantity: Bulk discounts for larger orders
  • Season: Weather affects supply and demand

Money-saving tip: Compare prices per cubic yard vs. per ton, and consider delivery minimums.

Engineering Reference

For roadway material practice and aggregate guidance, review federal geotechnical engineering resources.

FHWA Geotechnical EngineeringUSDA NRCS: Soil Survey Technical Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
For a typical single-car driveway (10 × 20 ft) with 4 in of gravel depth, roughly 2.5 yd³ / 3.5 tons. For a two-car driveway (20 × 20 ft), double that.
How deep should the gravel layer be?
Driveways: 4-6 in with a compacted sub-base. Walkways and patios: 2-3 in over 2 in of crushed gravel base. Drainage / French drains: 6-12 in.
What type of gravel should I use?
Driveways: 3/4-inch crushed stone or crusher run. Walkways / patios: pea gravel or decomposed granite. Drainage: 3/4-inch clean crushed stone. Decorative: river rock or marble chips.
How much does gravel weigh?
Crushed stone and pea gravel weigh about 1.4-1.5 tons per cubic yard. River rock is slightly lighter at 1.3-1.4 tons/yd³.
Should I add extra for compaction?
Yes — add 5-10% for compaction, spillage, and uneven terrain. For driveways, pros often add 10-15% to ensure adequate coverage.
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