Quarries and landscape yards sell gravel by the ton or by the yard. You measure in feet and inches. This bridges the two.
Gravel calculator
Measure the area and depth. Add your supplier’s weight per yard to see tons.
Enter your numbers to see the result.
How it works
Cubic yards = area (sq ft) x depth (in) / 12 / 27. Tons = cubic yards x the weight per yard.
The weight box starts at 1.4 tons per yard, a figure many yards use for common crushed stone, but it varies with the rock, its size and moisture. Pea gravel is often lighter; dense base is heavier. Replace it with your supplier’s number.
Depth guide
- Paths and decorative beds: 2 to 3 in.
- Paver base: at least 4 in compacted for patios and walks (ICPI). See the paver calculator.
- Driveways: built in layers, often several inches of larger base stone under a finer top layer. Compacted gravel takes more material than loose, so order extra.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel do I need?
Cubic yards x your supplier’s tons per yard. At 1.4 tons per yard, 5 yards is 7 tons.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per yard and 3 in deep, about 77 sq ft per ton.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Usually several inches in layers. Ask a local supplier what base they recommend for your soil.