How to use this gravel calculator
- Pick the material. The density fills in automatically with a typical value; change it if your supplier gives you a different figure.
- Choose the shape of the area and enter its measurements and the depth of gravel.
- If the gravel will be compacted, such as a driveway or a base under pavers, add extra for compaction.
- Open Cost estimate and enter your supplier’s price per ton, tonne or cubic yard, or the price per bag.
For an irregular area, measure it with the square footage calculator first, then enter the total as a rectangle with width 1 in the same unit. Pouring a slab or path on top of the gravel? The concrete calculator covers the pour.
Gravel formulas
Gravel is measured by volume but usually sold by weight, so you need both steps.
Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27
Weight = Volume × Density
US tons = Cubic yards × (lb per yd³) ÷ 2,000
Tonnes = Cubic metres × (kg per m³) ÷ 1,000
Worked example: a pea gravel path 30 ft long, 3 ft wide, 3 inches deep
- Area: 30 × 3 = 90 sq ft
- Volume: 90 × (3 ÷ 12) = 22.5 cu ft, or 22.5 ÷ 27 = 0.83 yd³
- Weight at 2,800 lb/yd³: 0.833 × 2,800 ≈ 2,333 lb, about 1.17 US tons (1.06 tonnes)
- In bags: 22.5 ÷ 0.5 = 45 bags of 0.5 cu ft
- With 10% extra: 0.92 yd³, about 1.28 tons or 50 bags
In metric: a gravel driveway 10 m × 3 m at 10 cm deep needs 30 m² × 0.1 m = 3 m³. At about 1,660 kg/m³, that is roughly 4.98 tonnes, or 200 bags of 25 kg, which is a clear case for bulk delivery.
Typical weight of gravel and stone
| Material | lb per yd³ | US tons per yd³ | kg per m³ | yd³ per US ton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | ≈ 2,800 | ≈ 1.4 | ≈ 1,660 | ≈ 0.71 |
| Crushed stone / gravel | ≈ 2,800 | ≈ 1.4 | ≈ 1,660 | ≈ 0.71 |
| River rock | ≈ 2,600 | ≈ 1.3 | ≈ 1,540 | ≈ 0.77 |
| Sand (dry) | ≈ 2,700 | ≈ 1.35 | ≈ 1,600 | ≈ 0.74 |
Typical loose, dry values. Published figures vary by source and supplier, and wet material can weigh considerably more.
How much area gravel covers
| Depth | 1 US ton covers | Depth | 1 tonne covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | ≈ 116 sq ft | 5 cm | ≈ 12 m² |
| 3 in | ≈ 77 sq ft | 7.5 cm | ≈ 8 m² |
| 4 in | ≈ 58 sq ft | 10 cm | ≈ 6 m² |
Based on 2,800 lb/yd³ (≈ 1,660 kg/m³), typical for pea gravel and crushed stone.
Common gravel depths
| Project | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative ground cover | About 2 in (5 cm) |
| Garden path (over a firm base) | 2–3 in (5–8 cm) |
| Patio or paver base (compacted) | Often 4–6 in (10–15 cm) |
| Driveway | Built in layers, often well over 6 in (15 cm) in total |
Starting points only. Soil type, drainage, frost and vehicle loads change the right depth, so follow local guidance for driveways and bases.
Tips for buying and laying gravel
- Ask how your supplier sells it. Some quote per ton or tonne, others per cubic yard or per bulk bag. The calculator gives you all of them.
- Lay a weed membrane under decorative gravel and paths to keep weeds down and stop stones sinking into soil.
- Use edging. Timber, steel or brick edging keeps gravel on the path and off the lawn.
- Pick the right stone. Rounded pea gravel is comfortable underfoot but moves around. Angular crushed stone locks together and is better for driveways and bases.
- Plan the delivery spot. A few tonnes of gravel is a big pile. Have it tipped as close to the job as possible, on a tarp if it lands on grass.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
A typical cubic yard of gravel or crushed stone weighs about 2,800 lb, or 1.4 US tons. Pea gravel is similar, river rock is often a little lighter (around 1.3 tons), and wet material is heavier. Your supplier can tell you the exact figure for their stone.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
Using a typical 2,800 lb per cubic yard, one US ton covers about 116 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 77 sq ft at 3 inches and 58 sq ft at 4 inches. In metric, one tonne covers about 12 m² at 5 cm, 8 m² at 7.5 cm and 6 m² at 10 cm.
How many bags of gravel are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes 54 bags of 0.5 cu ft gravel. For large areas, bulk delivery is usually far cheaper and much less work than bags.
What is the difference between a ton and a tonne?
A US (short) ton is 2,000 lb, or about 907 kg. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg, or about 2,205 lb. UK and European suppliers price gravel per tonne, while US suppliers use tons or cubic yards. Choose the right unit in the cost section.
How deep should gravel be for a path or driveway?
Decorative gravel and garden paths are commonly 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) deep over a firm, compacted base. Driveways are built in layers and are usually much deeper in total. Local soil, drainage and traffic decide the right depth.
Should I order extra gravel for compaction?
Yes, if the gravel will be compacted, for example as a base under pavers or a driveway. Compaction reduces volume, so many installers add around 10–15%. For loose decorative gravel, a few percent extra is usually enough.
Last reviewed November 5, 2026.