Gravel Calculator

Estimating bulk gravel for driveways, French drains, shed pads, and walkways requires translating surface area and layer thickness into both volumetri

Construction

Coverage Surface Area

sq ft

Surface area of coverage (length × width in feet)

Layer Depth / Thickness

Depth of gravel in inches (converted as in ÷ 12)

Gravel Material Type

Gravel Density Basis

lb/cu yd

Loose bulk density in lb per cubic yard (NSSGA standard: 2,550-2,800 lb/cu yd)

Waste & Compaction Allowance

Accounts for subgrade settling, wheel-rutting, and spreading loss (10% standard)

Price per Ton (Optional)

Enter quarry price per US ton to estimate material cost

Formula & Methodology

Converted Depth (ft) = Layer Depth (in) ÷ 12 Volume (cu ft) = Area (sq ft) × Converted Depth (ft) Volume (cu yd) = Volume (cu ft) ÷ 27 Total Weight (lb) = Volume (cu yd) × Density (lb/cu yd) × (1 + Waste % ÷ 100) Weight to Order (US tons) = Total Weight (lb) ÷ 2,000 Metric Tonnes = (Total Weight lb × 0.45359237) ÷ 1,000

Layer thickness in inches is first divided by 12 to yield decimal feet, preventing the critical failure of multiplying square feet directly by inches. Cubic feet are converted to cubic yards by dividing by 27 (since 1 cu yd = 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cu ft). Weight is determined by multiplying volume by the specific loose density of the aggregate (typically 2,700 lb/cu yd for angular crushed gravel, or 1.35 tons/cu yd) and dividing by 2,000 pounds per US short ton. A 10% waste buffer accounts for compaction and ground settling.

Total Gravel to Order

1.38 US tons

Overview

Estimating bulk gravel for driveways, French drains, shed pads, and walkways requires translating surface area and layer thickness into both volumetric cubic yards and purchasing weight tonnage. Because aggregate quarries and landscape depots bill crushed stone by the US short ton (2,000 lb) while site dimensions are measured in feet and inches, accurate density conversions are vital.

Estimates are for material planning and budgeting purposes only. This calculator does not provide geotechnical engineering, structural design, or official building code compliance advice. Always verify measurements, aggregate densities, and compaction requirements with a local quarry supplier or licensed contractor before ordering materials or commencing construction.

Worked Examples

Example 1: 10 ft × 10 ft Area at 3 in Deep with 10% Waste (Check Case)

Inputs: Area = 100 sq ft, Depth = 3 in, Density = 2,700 lb/cu yd, Waste = 10%

Convert depth: 3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft.
Calculate net cubic feet: 100 sq ft × 0.25 ft = 25.00 cu ft.
Convert to cubic yards (divide by 27): 25.00 ÷ 27 = 0.9259 cu yd.
Add 10% waste factor: 0.9259 × 1.10 = 1.0185 cu yd.
Calculate total weight: 1.0185 cu yd × 2,700 lb/cu yd = 2,750.00 lb.
Convert to US tons: 2,750.00 lb ÷ 2,000 lb/ton = 1.38 US tons (1.25 metric tonnes).

Final Answer: 1.38 US tons to order (1.02 cu yd; 1.25 metric tonnes)

Example 2: 10 ft × 10 ft Area at 4 in Deep with 10% Waste (Check Case)

Inputs: Area = 100 sq ft, Depth = 4 in, Density = 2,700 lb/cu yd, Waste = 10%

Convert depth: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.3333 ft.
Calculate net cubic volume: 100 sq ft × 0.3333 ft = 33.33 cu ft.
Convert to cubic yards: 33.33 cu ft ÷ 27 = 1.2346 cu yd.
Add 10% waste: 1.2346 × 1.10 = 1.3580 cu yd.
Calculate weight: 1.3580 cu yd × 2,700 lb/cu yd = 3,666.67 lb.
Convert to tons: 3,666.67 ÷ 2,000 = 1.83 US tons (1.66 metric tonnes).

Final Answer: 1.83 US tons to order (1.36 cu yd; 1.66 metric tonnes)

Example 3: Tape Measure Dimensions (12.5 ft [12 ft 6 in] × 10 ft at 3 in Deep)

Inputs: Area = 125 sq ft (12.5 ft × 10 ft), Depth = 3 in, Density = 2,700 lb/cu yd, Waste = 10%

Confirm decimal dimensions: 12 ft 6 in = 12.5 ft; Area = 12.5 × 10 = 125.00 sq ft.
Convert depth: 3 in ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft.
Net cubic feet: 125.00 sq ft × 0.25 ft = 31.25 cu ft.
Cubic yards: 31.25 ÷ 27 = 1.1574 cu yd.
Gross volume (10% waste): 1.1574 × 1.10 = 1.2731 cu yd.
Weight: 1.2731 cu yd × 2,700 lb/cu yd = 3,437.50 lb ÷ 2,000 = 1.72 US tons.

Final Answer: 1.72 US tons to order (1.27 cu yd; 31.25 net cu ft)

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your coverage surface area in square feet (length × width in feet).

Enter your desired gravel layer thickness in inches (3 inches is standard for pathways and driveways).

Select your aggregate material type from the dropdown.

Review or adjust the loose bulk density (default: 2,700 lb/cu yd based on ASTM C29 standard for crushed limestone).

Optionally enter local supplier price per ton to calculate total material expenditure.

Reference Table

Coverage Area	Layer Depth	Volume (10% Waste)	Weight (US Tons)	Metric (Tonnes)
100 sq ft	2 in (0.167 ft)	0.68 cu yd	0.92 tons	0.83 tonnes
100 sq ft	3 in (0.250 ft)	1.02 cu yd	1.38 tons	1.25 tonnes
100 sq ft	4 in (0.333 ft)	1.36 cu yd	1.83 tons	1.66 tonnes
200 sq ft	3 in (0.250 ft)	2.04 cu yd	2.75 tons	2.50 tonnes
500 sq ft	3 in (0.250 ft)	5.09 cu yd	6.88 tons	6.24 tonnes
1,000 sq ft	4 in (0.333 ft)	13.58 cu yd	18.33 tons	16.63 tonnes

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

One cubic yard of typical crushed angular stone or gravel weighs approximately 2,700 pounds, which equals 1.35 US short tons (2,700 ÷ 2,000 = 1.35 tons). One ton of gravel yields roughly 0.74 cubic yards or about 80 square feet at a 3-inch depth.

Why does gravel weight vary based on moisture and stone grading?

Porous aggregates absorb rainwater, increasing truck scale weight by 5% to 10% when wet. Furthermore, dense-graded aggregates containing stone dust pack tighter than clean washed stone, increasing density from 2,550 lb/yd³ up to 3,000 lb/yd³.

What is the difference between a US short ton and a metric tonne?

A US short ton equals exactly 2,000 pounds (907.18 kg). A metric tonne equals 1,000 kilograms, or 2,204.62 pounds. A metric tonne is approximately 10.2% heavier than a US short ton. Aggregate in North America is sold by the US short ton.

How deep should gravel be installed for walkways versus driveways?

Pedestrian pathways and garden borders typically require 2 to 3 inches of gravel. Vehicle driveways require a compacted base of 4 to 6 inches of coarse crusher run topped with a 2 to 3 inch wear layer of #57 stone.

Why should I install geotextile landscape fabric under gravel?

Heavy non-woven geotextile fabric prevents gravel stones from sinking into soft subgrade clay over time while blocking weeds and allowing rainwater to drain freely. Without fabric, up to 30% of gravel can be lost into the dirt subgrade.