Gravel Calculator
Use this gravel calculator to estimate the amount of gravel needed for landscaping, driveways, paths, and construction projects using standard US measurements.
Tons = Volume × 0.054 | Cubic Yards = Volume ÷ 27
Gravel density ~105 lbs/cu ft · 1 ton covers ~80 sq ft at 4" · Bulk gravel $35–$55/ton · Add 10% for waste
Estimates based on 2026 US average pricing. Always confirm pricing with your local supplier.
How Does the Gravel Calculator Work?
This gravel calculator estimates how many tons and cubic yards of gravel you need for driveways, paths, drainage, and landscaping projects. It uses a standard gravel density of approximately 105 lbs per cubic foot.
Steps:
- Enter your area length and width in feet.
- Enter the desired depth in inches — 4 inches for driveways, 2 inches for decorative paths.
- Get instant results — tons, cubic yards, cubic feet, and estimated cost.
For driveways, use 4 inches of compacted gravel base. For decorative paths and landscaping, 2–3 inches is sufficient. Always add 10% extra to your order for compaction and waste.
Gravel Coverage at Common Depths
Use this quick reference chart to estimate your material needs before using the calculator above.
Gravel Coverage at Common Depths
| Depth | 1 Ton Covers | 100 Sq Ft Needs | 500 Sq Ft Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | ~160 sq ft | 0.6 tons | 3.1 tons |
| 2 inches | ~80 sq ft | 1.25 tons | 6.2 tons |
| 3 inches | ~53 sq ft | 1.9 tons | 9.4 tons |
| 4 inches | ~40 sq ft | 2.5 tons | 12.5 tons |
| 6 inches | ~27 sq ft | 3.7 tons | 18.6 tons |
Gravel Cost by Type (2026)
Prices vary by type, quality, and region. Here are 2026 US average prices to help you budget your project.
Gravel Cost by Type (2026)
| Gravel Type | Per Ton | Per Cu Yd | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $35 – $55 | $40 – $65 | Paths, drainage, decorative |
| Crushed Stone (#57) | $38 – $55 | $45 – $65 | Driveways, base layers |
| Crusher Run | $28 – $45 | $35 – $55 | Driveway base, compaction |
| River Rock | $45 – $75 | $55 – $90 | Decorative, drainage |
| White Marble Chips | $60 – $100 | $75 – $120 | Decorative landscaping |
For any project over 1 ton, buy gravel in bulk directly from a landscape supply yard or quarry. Bulk pricing is typically 40–60% cheaper per ton than buying bags. For large driveway projects, ask about full truckload pricing — often 15–25% cheaper than per-ton pricing.
Example Calculation
You want to gravel a 60 ft × 12 ft driveway with 4 inches of crushed stone.
60 ft × 12 ft = 720 sq ft
Volume (cu ft):720 × (4÷12) = 720 × 0.333 = 240 cu ft
Cubic yards:240 ÷ 27 = 8.9 cubic yards
Tons needed:240 × 0.054 = ~13 tons
Cost ($45/ton):13 × $45 = ~$585 plus delivery
Buying & Ordering Tips
- Order early — call your supplier 1–2 days ahead for bulk delivery, especially during spring and summer when demand is high.
- Confirm truck size — standard dump trucks hold 10–14 cubic yards. Always confirm the exact capacity before ordering.
- Add waste factor — always order 10–15% more than your calculated amount to account for uneven ground, settling, and waste.
- Compare 3 suppliers — prices for bulk materials vary significantly between suppliers. Always get at least 3 quotes for large orders.
- Check delivery access — confirm the delivery truck can access your property before ordering. Some sites may require a smaller truck at higher cost per yard.