Gravel Calculator

Building a driveway, path, or patio base? Enter your project's dimensions to find out how much gravel you need in cubic yards and tons — with a waste allowance built in. Runs entirely in your browser.

📏 Length (feet)

Length

📐 Width (feet)

Width

📊 Depth driveways: 4–6 in · paths: 2–3 in

Feet

Inches

⚙️ Options

Gravel type

Waste / overage (%) 10% is typical

Estimates, not an order sheet. Densities are typical dry values and vary with moisture, source, and compaction. One cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.3–1.5 tons. Always confirm with your supplier — and round up, because running short mid-project costs more than a little extra stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

Measure length × width in feet and decide depth — 4 to 6 inches is typical for a residential driveway base. A 20 × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 2.5 cubic yards before waste, which is roughly 3.4 tons of crushed stone. Enter your numbers above for an exact figure.

How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?

It depends on the type, but roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons. Pea gravel runs about 2,800 lb per cubic yard (1.4 tons); crushed 3/4" stone about 2,700 lb (1.35 tons). Suppliers usually sell by the ton, so the calculator converts volume to weight for you.

How deep should gravel be?

Walkways and garden paths: 2–3 inches. Residential driveways: 4–6 inches over a compacted base. Shed or patio bases: 4 inches of compacted crusher run is the common recommendation. Deeper is better for heavy vehicles — when in doubt, go thicker rather than thinner.

Should I add extra for waste?

Yes — 10% is the standard allowance for spillage, uneven ground, and compaction settling. For irregularly shaped areas, bump it to 15%.

Is this calculator free?

Completely. No sign-up, no cookies, no servers — everything runs in your browser and your numbers never leave your device.