How to use this calculator
- Choose the shape of the area. Use rectangle for most paths and driveways, circle for round beds, or enter a total area if you already know it.
- Enter the dimensions in feet and the depth in inches.
- Pick the material. It does not change the volume, but it changes the weight in tons.
- Leave the waste allowance at 5% unless the ground is soft or uneven, then raise it to 10%.
- Add a price per ton if you want a cost estimate. Suppliers sell by the ton or by the cubic yard, so ask which one your quote uses.
How the numbers are calculated
Volume is area multiplied by depth. The calculator turns the depth from inches into feet by dividing by 12, multiplies by the area to get cubic feet, then divides by 27 to get cubic yards, since one cubic yard holds 27 cubic feet. The waste percentage is added on top.
Weight is cubic yards multiplied by the density of the material. Typical densities are about 1.4 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone and pea gravel, 1.35 for river rock and sand, and 1.5 for road base. Real weight changes with stone size and moisture, so treat tons as a close estimate and confirm with your supplier.
Worked example
A walkway measuring 20 ft by 10 ft covered 3 in deep has an area of 200 sq ft. At 3 in the volume is 200 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet, or 1.85 cubic yards. Adding 5% gives 1.94 cubic yards, which weighs about 2.7 tons of crushed stone.
Tips before you buy
- Common depths are 2 to 3 inches for paths and decorative beds and 4 to 6 inches for a driveway, often laid over a compacted base. Check what suits your soil and traffic.
- Crushed stone compacts as it settles, so a small extra allowance avoids a second delivery.
- Bagged gravel costs more per cubic foot than bulk delivery. Bags make sense for small jobs; bulk is usually cheaper once you need around a cubic yard or more.
- Landscape fabric under the gravel stops stone from sinking into the soil and slows weeds.
- For an irregular area, split it into rectangles and circles, calculate each one, and add the results.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does one cubic yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers about 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches, and 81 square feet at 4 inches.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
Most gravel and crushed stone weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 tons per cubic yard. The calculator uses 1.4 for crushed stone and pea gravel.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Many guides suggest roughly 4 to 6 inches of gravel for a residential driveway, often over a compacted base layer. Soil type, drainage and vehicle weight all matter, so follow local contractor advice.
How much extra gravel should I order?
Five to ten percent extra is common. Use the higher figure for soft ground, uneven surfaces or long delivery distances.
Related calculators
These results are estimates for planning purposes. Material sizes, densities and local requirements vary, so confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before ordering.
Last updated October 11, 2026.