Gravel Calculator

The Formula

Calculate the volume in cubic feet (length × width × depth in feet), then convert to cubic yards (divide by 27). Multiply by material density to get weight in tons. Different materials have different densities: pea gravel ~2,700 lbs/yd³, crushed limestone ~2,600 lbs/yd³, river rock ~2,800 lbs/yd³.

Variable Definitions

How to Use This Calculator

1. 1

   Measure the length and width of the area you need to cover in feet

2. 2

   Select the desired gravel depth from the dropdown (2" to 12")

3. 3

   Choose your material type — different gravels have different densities

4. 4

   Optionally enter price per cubic yard and/or per ton for cost estimates

5. 5

   Review the results: total cubic yards, weight in tons, weed barrier fabric needed, and estimated cost

Gravel volume is calculated from length, width, and depth of the area to be covered.

Understanding the Concept

Gravel and crushed stone are measured by volume (cubic yards) but sold by weight (tons) because different materials have different densities. One cubic yard of pea gravel weighs about 1.35 tons, while the same volume of river rock weighs about 1.4 tons. This calculator converts between volume and weight automatically so you can compare prices accurately. Practical example: a 10x20 foot driveway with 4 inches of crushed limestone. Volume = (10 × 20 × 4) / 324 = 2.47 cubic yards. Weight = 2.47 × 2,600 / 2,000 = 3.21 tons. You would need about 3.25 tons (round up for delivery minimums). Edge cases: for decomposed granite, compaction reduces volume by about 25-30%, so order extra material or plan for recompaction. For deep fills over 12 inches, consider layering with larger base rock first and compacting between layers. For French drains, specific gravel sizes (typically 3/4 to 1.5 inch washed gravel) are required — fines and dust can clog the drainage pipe perforations. Delivery trucks typically have a minimum order of 1-2 cubic yards, so for small projects, bagged gravel from a home center may be more practical despite the higher per-unit cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References