Gravel Calculator
How much gravel for your driveway, path, or base — in cubic yards and the tons suppliers actually sell by.
Your project
Total area: 0 sq ft
Material estimate only — confirm quantities against your own measurements and the product packaging before you buy. Round up and keep a little extra for cuts, waste, and mistakes.
What you need
What to order
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Weight
— tons
Volume
— cu yd
Est. cost
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Shopping list
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How we calculate it
volume (cu ft) = area × (depth / 12) • weight = volume × density • tons = lb / 2000
Assumptions & sources
- Density varies by material: pea gravel ~95, crushed stone ~105, crushed limestone ~140 lb/cu ft — pick yours — source: inchcalculator gravel data
- Suppliers usually sell and deliver by the US short ton (2,000 lb), so tons is the number to order
- Loose vs. compacted volume can differ by ~15%; order a little extra for compaction
- 27 cubic feet = 1 cubic yard (exact)
Formulas reviewed against manufacturer spec sheets and industry standards. Last verified 2026.
How to estimate gravel
Gravel starts the same as any fill — area times depth for volume — then converts to weight using the material’s density, because gravel is sold by the ton. Crushed stone runs about 105 lb per cubic foot, or roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Ordering by the ton
- Choose your material: Pea gravel is lighter and rounder; crushed stone and limestone are heavier and lock together better for driveways and bases.
- Mind the depth: A driveway base often wants 4+ inches; a decorative path can be 2. Deeper base layers may be built up and compacted in lifts.
- Allow for compaction: Compacted gravel occupies less volume than loose, so order a little extra — running short on a delivery means a second trip charge.
Common questions
How many tons of gravel for 200 square feet?
At 4 inches deep with crushed stone (~105 lb/cu ft): 66.7 cubic feet ≈ 3.5 US tons (about 2.5 cubic yards).
How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.4 tons for typical crushed stone (105 lb/cu ft × 27 ÷ 2,000). Denser limestone is closer to 1.9 tons per cubic yard.
Should I order extra for compaction?
Yes. Compacted gravel takes up less space than loose material, so a 10–15% cushion helps you avoid coming up short after tamping.