About the gravel calculator
Gravel is sold by volume at some yards and by weight at others, so a useful estimate needs both. Weight depends on the material's density, which varies by stone type, size, and moisture.
Enter the area's dimensions and the depth of gravel. For weight, enter the density your supplier gives you, or tap a typical planning value and adjust it. You'll get cubic yards, cubic meters, and an estimated weight in pounds, US tons, and metric tonnes.
How to use this calculator
- Measure the length and width of the driveway, path, or pad.
- Enter the finished depth of gravel. Driveways usually need more depth than garden paths.
- For weight, enter your supplier’s density in tons per cubic yard, or tap a typical value.
- Add an allowance for compaction, then read volume and weight.
Worked examples
- 50 ft long, 12 ft wide, 4 in deep.
- 50 × 12 × 4 ÷ 12 = 200 cu ft
- 200 ÷ 27 = 7.41 cu yd
- 7.41 × 1.4 tons per cu yd = 10.4 US tons
About 7.4 cu yd or 10.4 tons (about 20,700 lb) before any allowance.
- 30 ft long, 3 ft wide, 2 in deep.
- 30 × 3 × 2 ÷ 12 = 15 cu ft
- 15 ÷ 27 = 0.56 cu yd
About 0.56 cu yd, or roughly 0.8 tons at 1.4 tons per cu yd.
Measurement guidance
Typical depths
Decorative paths and beds: 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm). Patio or paver base: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of compacted base. New driveways: often 8–12 inches total, built in layers of larger base stone topped with finer gravel.
Layered driveways
If your driveway has a base layer and a top layer of different stone, run the calculator once for each layer with its own depth and density, then add them together.
Delivery limits
Many dump trucks carry somewhere around 10–15 tons, but capacity varies widely. Ask your supplier how much they can deliver per load and whether they price by ton or by yard.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Most gravel weighs roughly 1.3–1.5 US tons (2,600–3,000 lb) per cubic yard. Wet gravel and dense crushed stone can be heavier. Check with your supplier for their material.
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length × width × depth to get the volume, convert to cubic yards, then multiply by the density. A 50 × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 7.4 cubic yards, or around 10 tons at 1.4 tons per yard.
Should I add extra for compaction?
Yes, for base layers that will be compacted. Gravel loses volume when it's rolled or plate-compacted. An extra 10–15% is a common allowance.
What's the difference between a US ton and a metric tonne?
A US (short) ton is 2,000 lb. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg, or about 2,205 lb. The calculator shows both.