Landscaping · updated 2026
Gravel Calculator
Gravel is measured by project area and depth but ordered by cubic yard or ton. Enter the dimensions, choose a gravel type and use case, and this calculator returns cubic yards, tons, material cost, delivery, total, and the area one ton covers at your selected depth. Densities and prices are planning inputs and should be checked against your local supplier.
Use this as a depth-planning reminder; edit depth above for your actual build-up.
TBD — enter your local price per ton
TBD — enter the supplier delivery fee
Show the math
Volume = 20 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 2.47 yd³
Tons = 2.47 yd³ × 1.40 tons/yd³ = 3.46 tons
With compaction = 3.46 × 1 = 3.46 tons
Material = 3.46 tons × your local price = $0; delivery = $0; total = $0
Coverage = 324 ÷ (1.40 × 4) = 57.86 sq ft per ton
Tons versus cubic yards
Cubic yards come from length × width × depth. Tons come from multiplying that volume by the selected material density, which is why the same size bed can weigh differently depending on whether it is pea gravel, crushed stone, crusher run, river rock, or decomposed granite.
Quarries may quote either unit. Keep the density and unit on the quote visible so you can compare supplier numbers without silently converting a different material.
How to choose depth
Paths commonly use a shallower layer than driveways because they carry less load. Driveways often need 4–6 in over prepared subgrade, while a patio base may use about 4 in before the surface layer. Soft soil, drainage, and vehicle loads can require a site-specific design.
The use-case selector is a planning reminder; the depth field is the value used in the calculation. Enter the finished depth you intend to order, then add compaction if the material and installer require it.
Gravel types and density
Angular crushed stone and crusher run interlock better than rounded pea gravel for traffic areas. River rock is decorative and can move under tires, while decomposed granite behaves differently again. Density varies with source, moisture, grading, and compaction.
The type presets are deliberately marked TBD. Verify tons per cubic yard with the supplier rather than treating a generic density as a delivery ticket.
Compaction and delivery
Compaction changes the order quantity because the loose material settles into the prepared base. The optional allowance adds a percentage to the tons used for material and delivery math. The factor remains editable because crusher run, soil condition, lift thickness, and equipment all matter.
Ask whether delivery is a flat fee, a per-load charge, or included above a minimum order. Tailgate placement and access can also affect the practical quote.
Coverage per ton
At a density measured in tons per cubic yard, one ton occupies 27 divided by density cubic feet. Dividing that volume by depth in feet gives 324 divided by density times depth in inches square feet per ton. The result lets you sanity-check a supplier recommendation at your chosen depth.
Methodology and assumptions
The calculator converts rectangular area and depth into yards, multiplies by the selected tons-per-yard density, optionally adds compaction, and then adds a local delivery fee. Price and density presets are planning values marked TBD for local verification. French drain projects belong in the linked dedicated calculator.
What the numbers mean
The calculator converts your measurements into a practical purchase quantity using a documented coverage or spacing assumption.
Any whole-unit quantity is rounded up so the result does not leave you short during the project.
Use the cost range as a planning baseline and confirm the final quantity, availability, and delivery charge with your local supplier.
2026 material prices
Ready-mix, bulk material, and labor prices are TBD; enter local prices for a planning estimate. Verify current supplier pricing. 2026 U.S. national averages. Prices vary by region and retailer — confirm locally before buying.
Pro tips
- Driveways generally need 4–6 in over a compacted subgrade; paths often use 2–3 in and patio bases commonly use about 4 in.
- Crusher run and angular crushed stone lock together better than rounded pea gravel for driveways.
- Compaction means you may need extra material, especially for crusher run; verify the factor with the supplier or installer.
- Use landscape fabric selectively for paths and patios; a properly prepared driveway base is a separate sitework decision.
- Confirm whether the supplier quotes by ton or cubic yard and whether delivery includes tailgate spreading.
- Drainage projects are better handled with a dedicated French drain design and the linked French drain calculator.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need?
A 10×20-ft area at 4 in is 2.47 cubic yards. At the default 1.4 tons per yard, that is about 3.5 tons before any compaction allowance.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
The planning density varies by type, commonly around 1.3–1.5 tons per cubic yard. This calculator uses a selectable density preset that should be verified locally.
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
At the default 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton covers about 116 sq ft at 2 in and about 58 sq ft at 4 in. The calculator prints coverage for your depth.
What is the best gravel for a driveway?
Crusher run or ¾-in crushed stone usually compacts and locks together. Pea gravel is rounded and can migrate under tires.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Plan on roughly 4–6 in over compacted subgrade, with more depth where soil is soft or vehicles are heavy.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
It can help with weeds on paths and patios. Driveways depend more on subgrade preparation, drainage, and compaction than fabric alone.
How much does a ton of gravel cost?
Price is TBD because quarry, type, order size, and delivery vary. Enter your local price per ton and delivery fee above.
Will gravel wash away on a slope?
Angular stone, edging, and drainage controls perform better on slopes. Rounded pea gravel is the most likely to migrate.
Related calculators
Planning estimates only. Prices are 2026 U.S. national averages and vary by region — confirm with your local supplier before buying.