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Gravel Calculator

Calculate how much gravel you need in tons and cubic yards for driveways, walkways, landscaping, and drainage projects.

Written & reviewed by Michael FairUpdated June 2026Based on U.S. codes & pricingHow we calculate

How to Calculate Gravel for Driveways, Paths & Landscaping

Gravel is one of the most versatile landscaping and construction materials. Used for driveways, walkways, French drains, and decorative landscaping, accurate gravel estimation ensures you order the right amount without costly overages or shortages.

Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard. One cubic yard of gravel covers approximately 100 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 160 square feet at 2 inches deep. The weight varies by type: pea gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, while crushed stone weighs approximately 1.35 tons per cubic yard.

Recommended gravel depth varies by application. Driveways need 4-6 inches of gravel (often in two layers). Walking paths need 2-3 inches. French drains require 6-12 inches. Decorative landscaping beds typically use 2-3 inches of stone.

For driveways, a three-layer system works best: 4 inches of large crushed stone (3/4-1 inch) as the base, 2 inches of medium stone for stability, and 2 inches of fine gravel or crusher run on top. This prevents rutting and provides excellent drainage.

Gravel prices range from $10-$50 per ton depending on type and location. Pea gravel costs $10-$25 per ton, crushed limestone runs $20-$35 per ton, and decorative river rock costs $30-$50+ per ton. Delivery fees of $50-$100 per load are common for quantities under 10 tons.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select Imperial or Metric units. 2. Enter the length and width of the area. 3. Enter the desired gravel depth (in inches). 4. Select the gravel type for accurate weight estimation. 5. Optionally enter cost per ton. 6. Click "Calculate" to see results. Tip: For driveways, use 4-6 inches depth. For walking paths, 2-3 inches is sufficient.

Understanding Your Result

Your gravel result is expressed in cubic yards and tons. Suppliers sell bulk gravel by either unit — cubic yards for volume-priced materials or tons for weight-priced stone. One cubic yard of most gravel weighs 1.2–1.5 tons depending on the stone type and moisture content (crushed limestone ≈ 1.35 tons/yd³, pea gravel ≈ 1.4 tons/yd³, river rock ≈ 1.25 tons/yd³). Always confirm which unit your supplier quotes — ordering 3 "yards" when they price by the ton (or vice versa) creates a 25–40% cost surprise.

Key Formulas

Gravel Volume

Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

Calculate the volume in cubic feet and divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards (the standard ordering unit).

Gravel Weight (Tons)

Cubic Yards × Material Density (lbs/yd³) ÷ 2000 = Tons

Pea gravel weighs ~2,600 lbs/yd³. Crushed stone weighs ~2,700 lbs/yd³. River rock weighs ~2,400 lbs/yd³.

Worked Example

Gravel for a 20 × 10-Foot Driveway Pad

  1. 1Driveway dimensions: 20 ft long × 10 ft wide, gravel depth = 4 inches.
  2. 2Convert depth to feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft.
  3. 3Volume in cubic feet: 20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.7 cu ft.
  4. 4Convert to cubic yards: 66.7 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cu yd.
  5. 5Add 10% for compaction loss: 2.47 × 1.10 = 2.72 cu yd → round up to 3 cu yd.
  6. 6Estimate weight: 3 × 1.35 tons/yd³ = 4.05 tons (crushed limestone).
  7. 7Cost: 3 cu yd × $25–$50/yd = $75–$150 for material, plus $50–$150 delivery.

3 cubic yards (≈ 4 tons) of crushed limestone — roughly $125–$300 delivered for a single-car driveway pad.

Assumptions Behind This Estimate

  • Volume formula: length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards.
  • Weight conversion uses 1.35 tons per cubic yard as a mid-range average; actual density varies by stone type and moisture.
  • A 10% compaction allowance is standard — gravel settles 5–15% when driven on or compacted with a plate tamper.
  • Depth recommendations: 2–3 inches for walkways, 4–6 inches for driveways, 6–8 inches for drainage/French drain backfill.
  • Pricing is for bulk delivery (dump truck); buying by the bag at a home center costs 3–5× more per cubic yard.

Before You Buy: Practical Advice

  • For driveways, use a two-layer system: 4 inches of #57 crushed stone base topped with 2 inches of #411 or screenings that lock together when compacted.
  • Always install landscape fabric under decorative gravel beds — without it, stones sink into soil within one season and you'll need to top up.
  • Measure your area carefully and order 10% extra. Running short mid-delivery means paying a second delivery fee ($50–$150) for a small top-up load.
  • Confirm truck access before ordering — standard dump trucks need 10–12 ft of width and firm ground. If access is tight, request a smaller "pony" dump truck.
  • For drainage projects, avoid rounded pea gravel — angular crushed stone interlocks better and doesn't shift under water flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravel do I need for a 10x20 driveway?

A 10×20 foot driveway (200 sq ft) at 4 inches deep needs about 2.5 cubic yards or approximately 3.4 tons of gravel. For a proper 6-inch deep driveway, you need 3.7 cubic yards or about 5 tons.

How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?

Most gravel types weigh between 1.3-1.5 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel averages 1.4 tons/cubic yard, crushed stone about 1.35 tons, and river rock about 1.5 tons. The exact weight depends on rock density and moisture content.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

Residential driveways should have 4-6 inches of gravel. Use a layered approach: 4 inches of large crushed stone as a base and 2 inches of fine gravel on top. For heavy vehicle traffic, increase to 8-12 inches total depth.

What is the best type of gravel for a driveway?

Crusher run (quarry process) is the best driveway gravel. It contains a mix of crushed stone and stone dust that compacts firmly. For the top layer, #57 stone or pea gravel provides good drainage. Avoid round river rock as it shifts under tires.