Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much gravel you need for driveways, paths, and landscaping. Choose from 8 gravel types, get weight in tons, add compaction factor, and estimate total cost with delivery.
๐ชจ Gravel Calculator
VOLUME (incl. 10% overage)
WEIGHT
COST
๐ก How to Calculate Gravel Quantities
Gravel is one of the most versatile landscaping and construction materials in the United States. Whether you're building a driveway, creating a drainage solution, or designing a decorative walkway, knowing how to accurately calculate the amount of gravel you need saves money and prevents costly over- or under-ordering.
Gravel is sold by the ton or by the cubic yard depending on your supplier. Most landscape suppliers sell by the ton for large orders. The calculator above automatically includes a 10% overage for waste and spillage, and optionally adds 30% for compaction if you plan to compact the gravel for driveways or road base.
Convert volume with our cubic yards calculator. Measure area with our square footage calculator. For mulch, see our mulch calculator.
Gravel Types and Specifications
| Gravel Type | Size Range | Density (tons/cu yd) | Cost per Ton | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | ยพ"โ1ยฝ" | 1.4 | $25โ$50 | Driveways, road base, fill |
| Pea Gravel | โ "โยฝ" | 1.4 | $30โ$55 | Walkways, patios, dog runs |
| River Rock | 1"โ3" | 1.5 | $40โ$70 | Decorative landscaping, drainage |
| Limestone | ยพ"โ2" | 1.5 | $20โ$40 | Driveways, pathways, erosion control |
| Decomposed Granite | โ "โยผ" | 1.3 | $30โ$60 | Pathways, patios, xeriscaping |
| Quarry Process (QP) | Dustโยพ" | 1.5 | $15โ$35 | Road base, sub-base, paver base |
| Marble Chips | ยฝ"โ1" | 1.4 | $50โ$90 | Decorative borders, garden accents |
| Slate Chips | ยฝ"โ1ยฝ" | 1.5 | $45โ$80 | Decorative mulch, pathways |
Step-by-Step: How to Estimate Gravel Needs
Step 1: Measure the Area
Measure the length and width of the area in feet. For circular areas (tree rings, fire pit surrounds), measure the diameter. For irregular shapes, break into rectangles and circles, then add the results.
Step 2: Determine Depth
Choose depth based on your project type:
- Decorative ground cover: 2 inches
- Walkways and paths: 2โ3 inches
- Patios: 3โ4 inches
- Driveways (light traffic): 4 inches
- Driveways (heavy traffic): 6โ8 inches
- Road base / sub-base: 6โ12 inches
Step 3: Calculate Volume
Rectangular: Length (ft) ร Width (ft) ร Depth (ft) รท 27 = Cubic Yards
Circular: ฯ ร (Diameter รท 2)ยฒ ร Depth (ft) รท 27 = Cubic Yards
Step 4: Convert to Tons
Multiply cubic yards by the material density. Crushed stone: cu yd ร 1.4 = tons. River rock: cu yd ร 1.5 = tons.
Step 5: Add Overage
Add 10% for waste (spillage during transport and installation). If compacting the gravel (driveways, base layers), add an additional 30% for compaction loss.
How Many Tons in a Cubic Yard of Gravel?
| Material | Tons per Cu Yd | Lbs per Cu Yd |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | 1.4 | 2,800 |
| Pea Gravel | 1.4 | 2,800 |
| River Rock | 1.5 | 3,000 |
| Limestone | 1.5 | 3,000 |
| Decomposed Granite | 1.3 | 2,600 |
| Quarry Process | 1.5 | 3,000 |
| Sand | 1.3โ1.5 | 2,600โ3,000 |
| Topsoil | 1.0โ1.3 | 2,000โ2,600 |
Gravel Driveway Depth Guide
A proper gravel driveway is built in three layers for maximum durability:
| Layer | Material | Size | Depth | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom (Sub-base) | Large crushed stone | 2"โ4" | 4โ6 inches | Drainage & stability |
| Middle (Base) | Crushed stone / QP | ยพ"โ1" | 3โ4 inches | Load-bearing structure |
| Top (Surface) | Fine gravel or DG | โ "โยพ" | 2โ3 inches | Smooth driving surface |
Total depth: 9โ13 inches for a durable residential driveway. A single-layer driveway (4โ6 inches) works for light traffic but won't last as long.
Overage and Compaction
Most professionals add 10% extra to account for waste and spillage during transport and spreading. If the gravel will be compacted (compacted with a plate compactor or roller), expect to lose approximately 30% of the volume during the compaction process. This means you need to order 30% more material to achieve the desired finished depth.
Example: If your calculations show you need 5.2 tons, add 10% overage = 5.7 tons. If compacting, add 30%: 5.7 ร 1.3 = 7.4 tons.
2025 US Gravel Cost Guide
| Gravel Type | Cost per Ton | Cost per Cu Yd | Delivery (5โ10 mi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | $25โ$50 | $35โ$70 | $50โ$150 |
| Pea Gravel | $30โ$55 | $40โ$75 | $50โ$150 |
| River Rock | $40โ$70 | $55โ$100 | $50โ$200 |
| Limestone | $20โ$40 | $30โ$55 | $50โ$150 |
| Decomposed Granite | $30โ$60 | $40โ$80 | $50โ$150 |
| Quarry Process | $15โ$35 | $20โ$50 | $50โ$100 |
Delivery: Most suppliers offer free delivery for orders over 10โ15 tons. Below that threshold, expect delivery fees of $50โ$200 depending on distance. Dump truck loads hold 13โ25 tons and cost $455โ$1,250+ per full load.