Gravel Calculator
Tons and cubic yards of gravel, stone or sandRuns in your browser
Rough material cost
$150Default prices are rough 2026 US big-box averages before tax and delivery. Edit them to match quotes from your local supplier.
Material estimates only. Round up, buy a little extra, and check with your supplier. Structural work (footings, framing, roofs) must follow local building codes; consult a licensed contractor where required.
How it works
Formulas
Volume (yd³) = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27Weight (tons) = volume (yd³) × density (tons per yd³)Crushed stone ≈ 1.4, pea gravel ≈ 1.3, sand ≈ 1.35, topsoil ≈ 1.1 (US short tons).
Worked example
Input: A 20 × 10 ft path, 3 in deep, crushed stone, 5% extra.
- 20 × 10 × 3 ÷ 12 = 50 ft³, plus 5% = 52.5 ft³.
- 52.5 ÷ 27 = 1.94 yd³.
- 1.94 × 1.4 = 2.72 tons.
Result: About 1.94 cubic yards, 2.72 tons.
Limits
- Densities are typical loose values; wet or compacted material weighs more.
How to use
- 1Choose the material.
- 2Enter the length, width and depth of the area.
- 3Read the cubic yards and tons to order, and the rough cost.
FAQ
How many tons is a yard of gravel?
Roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons for most gravel and crushed stone; it depends on the stone size and moisture. Ask your supplier for their figure and you can compare it with ours.
How deep should gravel be?
About 2–3 inches for a walkway or decorative bed, and 4–6 inches (often in layers over a compacted base) for a driveway.
Can I use metric units?
Yes. Switch to Metric and enter meters and centimeters; results show cubic meters, square meters or tonnes alongside US units.