Gravel Calculator (Tons & Yards)
Estimate gravel volume in cubic yards and weight in tons for driveways, landscaping, and foundation pads.
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How to Use the Gravel Calculator
- 1Enter the length and width of the area to be covered.
- 2Enter the target gravel depth (inches).
- 3Select your gravel type or aggregate density (default ~2,700 lbs/cubic yard or 1.35 tons/yd³).
- 4Review the total cubic yards and tons needed, including recommended compaction waste.
Formula & How It Works
Gravel Volume & Weight Formula
Volume in cubic feet is Length × Width × (Depth / 12). Convert to cubic yards by dividing by 27. Multiply cubic yards by density (~1.35 tons per yard for gravel) for weight in tons.
Worked Examples
Gravel Driveway Section
Input: 50 ft length × 10 ft width × 3 in depth
Explanation: 50 × 10 × 0.25 ft = 125 cu ft. 125 / 27 = 4.63 cu yds. 4.63 × 1.35 = 6.25 tons.
Garden Walkway
Input: 20 ft length × 3 ft width × 2 in depth
Explanation: 20 × 3 × (2/12) = 10 cu ft. 10 / 27 = 0.37 cu yds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should a gravel driveway be?▼
A standard gravel driveway typically requires 3 to 4 inches of surface gravel over a 4 to 6-inch base of larger crushed stone.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?▼
At a 2-inch depth, one ton of gravel covers approximately 100 square feet. At a 3-inch depth, it covers about 67 square feet.
Should I account for gravel compaction?▼
Yes, loose gravel compacts by 10% to 15% when tamped or rolled. It is wise to add 10% extra material.
What is the difference between gravel and crushed stone?▼
Gravel has naturally rounded edges shaped by water erosion, whereas crushed stone has sharp, angular edges created by mechanical crushing.
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