Gravel Calculator
Cubic yards, tons and cost for gravel, stone or sand.
Coverage Preview
2.85 tonsThese are example numbers. Tap any field below and enter your own measurements — every result updates instantly as you type.
Order a little extra for spreading and compaction — about 10% is typical.
Optional — delivered or pickup cost per ton of material.
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Live Material Cost
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Gravel weight varies by material and moisture; about 1.4 tons per cubic yard is a typical average — confirm with your supplier.
How the gravel calculator works
BuildCalc's gravel calculator turns three measurements — the length, width and depth of the area you want to cover — into a full material take-off. It multiplies them into a volume, converts that to cubic yards, and uses an average density of about 1.4 tons per cubic yard to estimate the weight you need to order.
Gravel is sold both by the cubic yard and by the ton, so the calculator reports both. A waste factor — about 10 percent is typical — is folded into every total to cover spreading, compaction and uneven subgrade. Because gravel weight varies with the material and its moisture, treat the tonnage as a close estimate and confirm the density with your supplier before you order.
Guides
- How many yards of gravel for a driveway? — yards and tons by driveway size at 4 and 6 inches deep.
Gravel calculator FAQ
How much gravel do I need?+
Multiply the length, width and depth of the area to cover to get its volume, then convert to cubic yards by dividing by 27 (after converting every measurement to feet). Enter the length, width and depth in BuildCalc and it returns the volume in cubic yards and the weight in tons, with your waste factor already included.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?+
A cubic yard of crushed gravel or stone weighs roughly 1.4 tons on average. The exact figure depends on the material and how wet it is — dry sand is lighter, dense crushed stone is heavier — so confirm the conversion with your supplier for a precise order.
How deep should a gravel layer be?+
For walkways and patios, a gravel layer of 2 to 4 inches is usually enough. Driveways need more — typically 4 to 6 inches, often built up in compacted layers over a deeper base. Deeper layers carry more weight and resist rutting, so match the depth to the traffic the surface will see.
How do I calculate gravel for a driveway?+
Measure the driveway length and width, then pick a depth — 4 to 6 inches is common for residential driveways. Enter all three into the calculator. It multiplies them into a volume, converts to cubic yards and tons, and adds a waste factor so you order enough to spread and compact the full surface.
Is gravel sold by the ton or the yard?+
Both. Bulk gravel from a quarry or landscape supplier is usually priced and delivered by the ton, while some yards sell it by the cubic yard. BuildCalc shows both numbers, so you can order in whichever unit your supplier uses and check the price either way.
How much extra gravel should I add for waste?+
A waste factor of about 10 percent is a sensible default. It covers material lost to spreading, compaction settling and uneven subgrade. Running short means a second delivery fee, so it is usually cheaper to order a little extra than to come up short.