Gravel Calculator - Calculate Gravel Volume and Weight

Gravel Calculator - Estimate Gravel, Crushed Stone & Rock

Calculate gravel needs in cubic yards and tons. Get accurate estimates for driveways, landscaping, drainage, and construction projects with multiple material types.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select Material: Choose from crushed stone, gravel, river rock, pea gravel, etc.
2. Enter Dimensions: Input length and width in feet
3. Set Depth: Enter depth in inches or feet
4. Add Price (optional): Enter cost per ton for estimate
5. Get Results: See cubic yards and tons needed

Gravel Volume Formula

Rectangular Area

Formula:

Volume = Length × Width × Depth

Example (20' × 10' × 3" crushed stone):

• Area: 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft
• Depth: 3" = 0.25 feet
• Volume: 200 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet
• Cubic Yards: 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
• Tons: 1.85 × 1.4 = 2.6 tons

Material Types & Densities

Materialtons/cu yd	Density	Best Use
Crushed Stone	1.4	100 lb/cu ft	Driveways, base
Clean Gravel	1.35	95 lb/cu ft	Drainage, decorative
River Rock	1.4	100 lb/cu ft	Landscaping, creeks
Pea Gravel	1.35	95 lb/cu ft	Walkways, patios
Crushed Rock	1.5	107 lb/cu ft	Road base, heavy duty
Road Base	1.5	107 lb/cu ft	Paver foundation
Sand & Gravel Mix	1.45	103 lb/cu ft	Concrete mix

Depth Recommendations by Application

Application	Depth	Material
Walkways/Paths	2-3 inches	Pea gravel, river rock
Driveways	4-6 inches	Crushed stone, road base
Paver Base	4-6 inches	Crushed stone, road base
Landscaping	2-3 inches	River rock, pea gravel
French Drain	6-12 inches	Clean gravel 3/4"-1"
Dry Well	12+ inches	Large crushed stone

Cost Considerations

• Gravel: $20-$60 per ton (varies by material)
• Crushed Stone: $25-$65 per ton
• River Rock: $40-$80 per ton
• Pea Gravel: $30-$50 per ton
• Delivery: $50-$150 per truckload
• Minimum Order: Often 5-10 tons

Installation Tips

• Install landscape fabric to prevent weed growth
• Use edging (metal, plastic, stone) to contain gravel
• Compact base layers every 2-3 inches
• Order 5-10% extra for compaction and spreading
• Grade area with slight slope for drainage
• Layer larger rocks at bottom for better drainage

Gravel Sizes Explained

• #57 Stone (3/4"): Most common, driveways, drainage
• #67 Stone (3/4" to 1"): Drainage, French drains
• #89 Stone (3/8"): Walkways, pipe bedding
• #4 (1-2"): Erosion control, drainage
• Pea Gravel (3/8"): Decorative, playgrounds
• River Rock (1-3"): Decorative, dry creek beds