Gravel Calculator
Enter your area and depth to see how many cubic yards and tons of gravel to order.
Typical depths for gravel
| Job | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Garden path or walkway | 2–3 in |
| Patio or shed base | 4 in |
| Driveway | 4–6 in, often laid in layers |
Typical ranges, not specifications. Follow your project's plans or local requirements where they apply.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Spread it 1 inch deep and it covers 324 square feet. Every extra inch of depth cuts the coverage proportionally. A cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons.
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft |
How the gravel calculator works
Area = length × width (circle: π × radius²; triangle: base × height ÷ 2)
Cubic feet = area × (depth in inches ÷ 12)
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard ÷ 2,000
Worked example: a 10 × 20 ft driveway, 4 in deep
Area: 10 × 20 = 200 sq ft. Volume: 200 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 cubic feet. Cubic yards: 66.7 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards, which weighs about 3.46 tons at 2,800 lb per cubic yard.
Adding 10% for settling brings it to 2.72 cubic yards, about 3.8 tons. Gravel is usually sold by the ton or the cubic yard.
Tips before you order
- Gravel settles and compacts, so most people add about 10% to the calculated amount.
- Suppliers price gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard. Check which one your quote uses.
- Different rock types weigh different amounts. If your supplier gives you a weight per yard, type it into the weight box for a closer ton figure.
Questions people ask
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
About 1.4 tons (2,800 lb) is a typical figure. Most gravel weighs 2,600–3,000 lb per cubic yard, depending on the material and how wet it is. Your supplier can tell you the weight of theirs.
How many square feet does a yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches and 81 sq ft at 4 inches. The rule: 324 ÷ depth in inches.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the weight per cubic yard and divide by 2,000. At 2,800 lb per yard, that's cubic yards × 1.4.
How many 0.5 cu ft bags of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 54 0.5 cu ft bags make one cubic yard (by volume).
How much gravel do I need for a 10 × 20 ft driveway, 4 in deep?
About 2.47 cubic yards (about 3.46 tons), or 2.72 cubic yards with 10% extra for settling.