Gravel Calculator
Use this gravel calculator to find out how much gravel you need. Enter your area and depth and it converts to cubic yards and tons of gravel, then shows the exact sacks or truckload to order. It works for crushed rock, pea gravel, 3/8 and 3/4 inch gravel and driveway gravel, and it estimates the material cost from our real per-ton prices.
Need decomposed granite, sand, rip rap or mulch too? Open the full landscape rock and gravel calculator
Best depth: 2 to 3 in for paths and patios See the guide
Buying boulders, flagstone, pavers, or fire glass? Those are sold by the piece or by weight. Shop boulders, flagstone, pavers, or glass.
The size that best fits the amount above. Round up if you want a little extra on hand.
For an order this size, bulk or a truckload is usually the best price. Ask us for a delivered quote.
How much gravel do I need?
Multiply the length by the width of the area in feet to get square feet, pick a depth, and the gravel calculator above does the rest. The rule of thumb behind it: crushed gravel weighs about 2,700 pounds per cubic yard (1.35 tons), so one ton of gravel covers about 120 square feet at 2 inches deep, 80 square feet at 3 inches and 60 square feet at 4 inches. Paths and beds take 2 inches, patios 3 inches, and a gravel driveway 4 inches over a compacted base.
| Project | Size | Depth | Cubic yards | Tons of gravel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 4 × 25 ft | 2 in | 0.62 | 0.83 |
| Patio | 15 × 20 ft | 3 in | 2.78 | 3.75 |
| Gravel driveway | 12 × 40 ft | 4 in | 5.93 | 8.0 |
| French drain trench | 2 × 50 ft | 12 in | 3.70 | 5.0 |
Figures before the 10 percent waste allowance. The calculator adds it for you.
Gravel cost per ton
Gravel at Earth Stone Rock runs $105.99 to $239.99 per ton across the colors and sizes in our landscape gravel collection, picked up at the yard or delivered by weight. The 12 by 40 foot driveway above is about 8 tons, so the material lands between $848 and $1,920 depending on the gravel you choose. Smaller jobs come in half-ton sacks and 50 pound bags. Once you enter your area above, the results show an estimated material cost for your exact tonnage.
Which gravel for which job
- Pea gravel, 3/8 inch: paths, dog runs, play areas and around pavers at 2 inches. The same math works as a pea gravel calculator. Shop pea gravel
- 3/4 inch crushed gravel: the driveway and walkway standard, locks together under traffic, 3 to 4 inches deep. Shop landscape gravel
- 1 to 1-1/2 inch gravel: drainage beds, French drains and ground cover where you want a coarser look.
- Road base and crusher fines: the compacted layer under a driveway or patio, 4 inches. Use the Base & Ground button above. Shop base materials
More calculators: landscape rock and gravel calculator · river rock calculator · bocce court calculator · best gravel for a driveway
How much does one ton cover?
For decomposed granite, gravel, and rock (density about 1.4 tons per cubic yard). Sand stretches a little further, base is a little less.
| Depth | Coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | ~115 sq ft |
| 3 inches | ~75 sq ft |
| 4 inches | ~58 sq ft |
How deep should it go?
| Use | Depth |
|---|---|
| Beds & decorative cover | 1 to 2 in |
| Walkways & paths | 2 to 3 in |
| Patios & seating | 3 in |
| Driveways | 3 to 4 in |
Going over a compacted base or on a slope? Add a stabilizer to keep the surface firm.
Gravel calculator questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Plan on 4 inches of 3/4 inch crushed gravel over a compacted base. A 12 by 40 foot driveway is about 5.9 cubic yards, which is 8 tons of gravel before the 10 percent allowance. Enter your own length and width above for the exact figure.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 1.35 tons. Crushed gravel weighs roughly 2,700 pounds per cubic yard, which is the density this gravel calculator uses. River rock is heavier at about 1.45 tons per yard.
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
About 120 square feet at 2 inches deep, 80 square feet at 3 inches and 60 square feet at 4 inches.
How much does gravel cost?
Gravel at Earth Stone Rock runs $105.99 to $239.99 per ton before delivery, depending on the color and size. Half-ton sacks and 50 pound bags are priced proportionally, and delivery is quoted by weight and distance from our Visalia and Rosamond yards.
Does this work as a pea gravel calculator?
Yes. Pea gravel has the same density as crushed gravel, so the tons and cubic yards are the same. Use 2 inches for paths, dog runs and play areas and 3 inches for a patio.
How much extra gravel should I order?
Add about 10 percent for compaction, uneven ground and spillage. The calculator does this with the Add 10% box checked.
Do you deliver gravel?
Yes. We deliver by the sack and by the truckload from our two California yards in Visalia and Rosamond and ship bagged material nationwide.