Gravel Calculator
Estimate Gravel by entering project dimensions. Get material quantities, coverage areas, and cost breakdowns for accurate purchasing and budgeting.
Formula
Tons = (Length × Width × Depth in ft × lbs/cu ft) ÷ 2000
Calculate volume in cubic feet, multiply by weight per cubic foot (varies by gravel type), then divide by 2000 to convert pounds to tons.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Standard Driveway
Problem:Calculate gravel for a 50-foot long, 12-foot wide driveway with 4-inch gravel depth.
Solution:Area = 50 × 12 = 600 sq ft\n\nVolume = 600 × (4/12) = 200 cubic feet\nCubic yards = 200 ÷ 27 = 7.4 yards\n\nWeight (crushed stone at 100 lb/cu ft):\n200 × 100 = 20,000 lbs = 10 tons\n\nCost at $30/ton: 10 × $30 = $300 + delivery
Result:7.4 cubic yards, 10 tons, ~$375 total
Example 2: Circular Patio Base
Problem:Calculate gravel for a 15-foot diameter circular patio base at 3 inches deep.
Solution:Radius = 15 ÷ 2 = 7.5 feet\n\nArea = π × 7.5² = 176.7 sq ft\n\nVolume = 176.7 × (3/12) = 44.2 cubic feet\nCubic yards = 44.2 ÷ 27 = 1.64 yards\n\nWeight: 44.2 × 96 = 4,243 lbs = 2.1 tons\n\nPea gravel at $35/ton: 2.1 × $35 = $74
Result:1.64 cubic yards, 2.1 tons, ~$150 with delivery
Example 3: French Drain
Problem:Calculate gravel for 60 linear feet of French drain, 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep.
Solution:Volume = 60 × 1 × 1.5 = 90 cubic feet\nCubic yards = 90 ÷ 27 = 3.33 yards\n\nWeight (washed stone at 95 lb/cu ft):\n90 × 95 = 8,550 lbs = 4.3 tons\n\nDrainage stone at $40/ton:\n4.3 × $40 = $172 + delivery
Result:3.33 cubic yards, 4.3 tons, ~$250 total
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Driveway gravel depth depends on layers: Sub-base (larger crushed stone): 4-6 inches. Base layer (medium crushed stone): 3-4 inches. Top layer (pea gravel or crusher fines): 2-3 inches. Total depth: 8-12 inches for best durability. Single-layer gravel driveways need 4-6 inches minimum. Add more depth for heavy vehicle traffic.
How much gravel do I need for a 10x20 area?
For a 10×20 ft area (200 sq ft) at 4 inches deep: Volume = 200 × (4/12) = 66.7 cubic feet = 2.47 cubic yards. Weight varies by type: about 3-4 tons for most gravel. At $35/ton for crushed stone, material costs about $100-140 plus delivery.
What type of gravel is best for driveways?
Best driveway options: Base layer: #3 crushed stone (1-2 inches) or quarry process. Middle layer: #57 stone (3/4-1 inch). Top layer: #8 or #9 stone (3/8-1/2 inch), or crusher run that packs well. Avoid round stones like pea gravel for driving surfaces - angular stones interlock better.
How do I calculate gravel in tons?
First calculate cubic feet (length × width × depth in feet). Multiply by weight per cubic foot (varies by type, typically 90-110 lbs). Divide by 2,000 to get tons. Example: 100 cu ft of crushed stone at 100 lbs/cu ft = 10,000 lbs = 5 tons. Always order 10% extra for settling and spreading.