Gravel Calculator: Estimate Yards, Tons, Bags & Cost
Calculate how much gravel you need for a driveway, patio, walkway, base, landscaping project or other aggregate job. Get instant estimates in cubic yards, tons, pounds, bags, coverage and cost.
- No signup
- U.S. + metric units
- Mobile-friendly
How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Choose the tool that matches your job. For most projects, start with the Project Calculator.
How the Gravel Calculator Works
The calculator first finds your project volume, then converts that volume into weight using the selected gravel density. A waste or overage percentage can be added so your recommended order accounts for minor depth changes, compaction, spillage and uneven ground.
- Measure the area. Enter length and width, diameter, or total square footage.
- Enter the gravel depth. Inches are the default for U.S. projects.
- Select a material. The preset changes the estimating density, which you can edit.
- Add price if known. Enter a supplier price per ton or per cubic yard for a cost estimate.
Driveway, Tons, Coverage & Cost Calculators in One Tool
Gravel Driveway Calculator
Estimate gravel for a driveway by entering the driveway length, width and planned depth. For new driveways, total construction depth may involve separate base and surface layers, so calculate each layer when materials differ.
Estimate driveway gravelGravel Calculator in Tons
Convert project volume to U.S. short tons using bulk density. The result also shows cubic yards and pounds so you can compare the unit used by your local aggregate supplier.
Convert yards and tonsGravel Cost Calculator
Add your supplier's price per ton or cubic yard to estimate material cost. Delivery, tax, grading, excavation, geotextile, compaction and labor are not included unless your quoted price includes them.
Estimate gravel costGravel Coverage Calculator
Already know how many tons or cubic yards you have? Use the coverage tool to estimate how many square feet that quantity can cover at your chosen depth.
Calculate gravel coverageGravel Yards-to-Tons Conversion
There is no single exact yards-to-tons conversion for every gravel product because bulk density changes by material and condition. The calculator uses density so the conversion stays transparent.
| Unit | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | 27 cubic feet |
| 1 square yard | 9 square feet |
| 1 U.S. short ton | 2,000 pounds |
| 1 acre | 43,560 square feet |
Get a Better Material Estimate
Measure more than once. Long driveways and irregular areas are easier to estimate when divided into smaller rectangles.
Use the right depth. Surface gravel, base aggregate, drainage stone and decorative gravel can require different depths.
Verify supplier units. Some yards sell by ton while others quote by cubic yard or bag.
Confirm density and overage. Material density and actual site conditions can change the final order quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Multiply the project area by the planned gravel depth to get volume. Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27. To estimate tons, multiply cubic feet by the gravel density in pounds per cubic foot, then divide by 2,000.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
It depends on the gravel's bulk density. For example, gravel at 100 lb/ft³ weighs about 1.35 U.S. short tons per cubic yard. Use your supplier's material density when available for a better estimate.
How many square feet does one ton of gravel cover?
Coverage depends on both density and depth. At the same material density, a thinner layer covers more area than a thicker layer. Enter one ton in the Coverage Calculator and choose your depth to estimate square feet.
How much extra gravel should I order?
A small overage is commonly useful for uneven grade, compaction, spillage and measurement error. This calculator defaults to 10%, but you can change that percentage for your project.
Does gravel type change the calculator result?
Yes. Different aggregates have different bulk densities, so the same cubic-yard volume can weigh different amounts. The calculator includes editable density presets so you can match your material more closely.
Is this gravel calculator exact?
No online calculator can account for every site condition. The result is an estimating aid. Final quantity can vary with grading, moisture, compaction, subgrade, delivery tolerances and the exact aggregate supplied.
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Read guideCalculate Your Gravel Quantity Before You Order
Enter your measurements, choose the gravel type and get a clear estimate in the units U.S. suppliers commonly use.