Gravel calculator
Enter the area and the depth. See how many cubic yards and tons to order.
How to calculate gravel
First find the volume: length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (in) / 12 gives cubic feet, and dividing by 27 gives cubic yards. Then convert to weight, because gravel is often sold by the ton. A cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons, so a 10 x 10 ft area at 3 inches deep and 10% extra needs about 1.02 cubic yards, or 1.43 tons.
| Area | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft | 2 in | 0.68 | 0.95 |
| 10 x 10 ft | 3 in | 1.02 | 1.43 |
| 10 x 20 ft | 3 in | 2.04 | 2.85 |
| 12 x 50 ft | 4 in | 8.15 | 11.41 |
| 12 x 100 ft | 4 in | 16.30 | 22.81 |
| 12 x 100 ft | 6 in | 24.44 | 34.22 |
Weight depends on the material
Stone size, moisture and the quarry all change the weight of a cubic yard. The calculator uses typical values, and you can type your own if your supplier gives a different number.
| Material | Tons per cubic yard | Pounds per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel, 1/4 to 2 inch | 1.4 | 2,800 |
| Pea gravel | 1.35 | 2,700 |
| Crushed stone | 1.4 | 2,800 |
| Rock, 2 to 6 inch | 1.25 | 2,500 |
| Sand, dry | 1.35 | 2,700 |
Why add extra
Gravel settles and compacts after it is spread, and the ground under it is rarely perfectly level. Ten percent extra is a common allowance. For a driveway, see the driveway gravel calculator.
Questions people ask
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Roughly 1.4 tons for common gravel. It varies by material and moisture, so ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How much gravel do I need for a 10 x 10 area?
At 3 inches deep with 10% extra, about 1.02 cubic yards, or 1.43 tons.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the weight per cubic yard. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, 5 cubic yards is 7 tons.
How deep should gravel be?
It depends on the use. Garden paths often use 2 to 3 inches and driveways 4 inches or more. Ask your supplier or contractor.