Gravel Calculator
By BRIX Editorial Team · Updated
To figure gravel, multiply length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the stone's weight per yard (about 1.35–1.7 tons for crushed stone) to get tons. For a compacted base, order about a third more. A 50 × 12 ft driveway at 4 in compacted needs roughly 15 tons.
- Area
- 600 sq ft
- Finished volume
- 7.41 cu yd
- Cubic yards to order
- 9.85
- Weight range
- 13.3–16.7 tons
600 sq ft at 4 in finished depth is 7.41 yards, or 9.85 yards loose before compaction. Quarries sell by the ton, so ask yours for the weight per yard of the exact product; it can swing the order by a ton or more.
Key takeaways
- Cubic yards = length × width × (depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × tons per yard.
- Crushed stone weighs about 1.35–1.7 tons per cubic yard; pea gravel 1.4–1.6; river rock 1.4–1.75.
- Compacted base shrinks: Penn State's driveway aggregate spec places 8 in loose to finish at 6 in.
- Quarries sell by the ton. Ask for the weight per yard of the exact product you're buying.
How do you calculate how much gravel you need?
Find the volume in cubic yards, add extra if the stone will be compacted, then convert yards to tons with the material's weight per yard. Quarries usually sell by the ton and many landscape yards by the yard, so the calculator gives you both.
Tons = L × W × (D ÷ 12) ÷ 27 × (1 + compaction) × tons per yd³
- L, W
- length and width in feet
- D
- finished depth in inches
- compaction
- 0 for loose decorative stone; about 0.33 for compacted base
- tons per yd³
- about 1.35–1.7 for crushed stone; ask your supplier
- 1
Measure the area.
Length × width in feet. For a curved drive, break it into rectangles; for a round pad, use π × r².
- 2
Set the finished depth.
Decorative stone is often 2 in or more; driveway and path base is commonly 4–6 in.
- 3
Convert to cubic yards.
Multiply area by depth in feet (inches ÷ 12) and divide by 27.
- 4
Allow for compaction.
If you'll compact it, order enough loose stone to finish at your depth. 8 in loose to 6 in compacted is a third more.
- 5
Convert to tons.
Multiply yards by the weight per yard for that product. Round up to your supplier's load size.
A decorative path is simpler, with no compaction: a 40 × 3 ft path of pea gravel 2 in deep is 20 cu ft, or 0.74 yards, about 1.1 tons.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel or crushed stone typically weighs about 1.35 to 1.75 tons, depending on the rock type, gradation and moisture. Dense stone and well-graded base with fines run heavy; washed, single-size stone runs lighter.
| Material | Tons per cubic yard | Pounds per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone / gravel base | 1.35–1.7 | 2,700–3,400 |
| Pea gravel | 1.4–1.6 | 2,800–3,200 |
| River rock | 1.4–1.75 | 2,800–3,500 |
How much gravel for common jobs?
| Job | Size and finished depth | Cubic yards to order | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shed pad, compacted base | 10 × 12 ft, 4 in | 1.97 | 2.7–3.3 |
| Walkway, pea gravel | 40 × 3 ft, 2 in | 0.74 | 1–1.2 |
| Patio base, compacted | 16 × 16 ft, 4 in | 4.2 | 5.7–7.1 |
| Single-car driveway, compacted | 50 × 12 ft, 4 in | 9.85 | 13.3–16.7 |
| Two-car driveway, 6 in compacted | 60 × 20 ft, 6 in | 29.56 | 39.9–50.2 |
| River rock bed | 30 × 4 ft, 3 in | 1.11 | 1.6–1.9 |
How deep should gravel be?
Decorative pea gravel and river rock are often laid at least 2 in deep, and paths and driveways on crushed limestone or paver base at 4–6 in. For gravel roads and long drives, Penn State's Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads specifies 6–8 in of driving surface aggregate placed loose, compacted to about 4½–6 in.
Common gravel estimating mistakes
- Ordering finished volume for a compacted base. Compaction can take a quarter of the loose depth. Order loose volume.
- Using one weight for every stone. Weight per yard varies by quarry and product. Ask for the number on the product you're buying.
- Forgetting the base under the surface stone. A driveway is often a base course plus a top course. Figure each layer.
- Not counting truck loads. A tandem or tri-axle hauls a set tonnage. Round your order to full loads and price delivery per load.
- Skipping fabric and edging. Geotextile under the stone and edging along paths are separate line items.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Usually about 1.35–1.75 tons. Crushed stone runs about 1.35–1.7 tons per yard, pea gravel 1.4–1.6 and river rock 1.4–1.75. Ask your supplier for its product's weight.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length × width × depth in feet and divide by 27, then add about a third for compaction. A 50 × 12 ft drive at 4 in compacted is 9.9 yards loose, roughly 15 tons of crushed stone.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At about 1.5 tons per cubic yard, a ton is about 18 cu ft. Spread 2 in deep, that covers roughly 108 sq ft; at 4 in, about 54 sq ft. Check your product's weight per yard to refine it.
How much extra gravel should I order for compaction?
For a compacted base, order loose volume. Penn State's driving surface aggregate spec places 8 in loose to finish at 6 in, about a third more material than the finished depth. Decorative stone that won't be compacted needs no allowance.
Is gravel sold by the ton or the yard?
Quarries usually sell by the ton, weighed on a scale. Many landscape yards sell by the cubic yard. Use the calculator for both, and ask which one your supplier's price is in.
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Sources
- Stone Center — Landscape Rock Calculator (weights per cubic yard and typical depths) (checked October 12, 2026)
- Penn State Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads — Driving Surface Aggregate Tech Bulletin (2025) (checked October 12, 2026)
- Nebraska DOT — Estimating Quantities in English & Metric (2024) (checked October 12, 2026)