How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Calculate the exact amount of gravel for your driveway, patio, walkway, or landscaping project. Get results in cubic yards and tons with cost estimates.
Enter your dimensions above to calculate gravel needed.
💡 1 cubic yard of gravel covers approximately 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep
How to Calculate Gravel Needed
Formula
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards
Multiply your area's length by width to get square footage. Multiply by depth in inches, then divide by 324 (the number of cubic inches in a cubic yard ÷ 12) to convert to cubic yards.
Example
For a 20 ft × 15 ft driveway with 3 inches of gravel: 20 × 15 × 3 ÷ 324 = 2.78 cubic yards. At 1.35 tons per cubic yard, that's about 3.75 tons.
Tips & Best Practices
- •Order 5–10% extra to account for settling and uneven ground.
- •Compact gravel reduces volume by about 15–20% — plan accordingly.
- •For driveways, 4–6 inches of gravel is recommended for adequate support.
- •Pea gravel and crushed stone have slightly different densities — this calculator uses an average.
Quick Reference
1 cubic yard of gravel covers approximately 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?+
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 2,400–2,900 lbs (1.2–1.45 tons), depending on the type. Pea gravel averages about 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
How much does gravel cost?+
Gravel typically costs $30–$75 per cubic yard, depending on type and location. Pea gravel runs $30–$55/yd³, while crushed stone is $35–$75/yd³. Delivery fees usually add $50–$150.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?+
For a driveway, plan for 4–6 inches of gravel total. A common approach is a 4-inch base layer of larger crushed stone topped with 2 inches of finer gravel.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?+
One ton of gravel covers approximately 74 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or about 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep. Coverage varies by gravel size and type.