OTHER · GRAVEL

Gravel Calculator

Calculate cubic yards and tons of gravel or crushed stone needed from area and depth. Choose rock type for accurate weight, plus bags-vs-bulk toggle and cost estimate.

Area Dimensions

Typical: 2–4 inches for driveways; 1–2 for walkways

Cost Estimate (optional)

Bulk delivery price (0 to skip)

50-lb bag retail price (0 to skip)

02 Result
Bulk (round up)
1 yd³
1.30 tons · Crushed Stone / Limestone
Length × Width10 × 10 ft
Depth3 in
Volume0.93 yd³
Weight (est.)1.30 tons
Bags (0.5 cu ft)50 bags (0.5 cu ft)

About This Calculator

Enter the area dimensions and desired depth, choose your rock type, and instantly see cubic yards (bulk order) and tons — plus the equivalent bag count for smaller projects. Add bulk or bag pricing for a total cost estimate.

How It Works

Volume (ft³) = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 12. Volume (yd³) = volume (ft³) ÷ 27. Bulk order = ⌈yd³⌉. Tons = yd³ × bulk density (varies by rock type). Bags (0.5 cu ft) = ⌈ft³ ÷ 0.5⌉. Rock-type bulk densities are physical constants sourced from engineering reference tables.

The Formula

yd³ = (length × width × depthIn) ÷ (12 × 27) tons = yd³ × density

depthIn
desired gravel depth in inches
density
bulk density in tons/yd³ (varies by rock type)

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should I put gravel on a driveway?
A standard residential driveway typically uses 4 inches of compacted gravel as a base layer, with an optional 2-inch top layer for a finished look (6 inches total). For foot-traffic walkways, 2 inches is usually sufficient.
What is the difference between cubic yards and tons for ordering gravel?
Suppliers sell gravel by weight (tons) or volume (cubic yards). The conversion depends on rock type — crushed limestone is about 1.40 tons/yd³, while lighter volcanic lava rock is about 0.72 tons/yd³. This calculator shows both, so you can use whichever unit your supplier quotes.
When should I buy bags instead of bulk?
Bags (typically 0.5 cu ft / 50 lbs each) are cost-effective for small projects under 0.5 cubic yards. For anything larger, bulk delivery is almost always cheaper per cubic yard. Use the bags count as a last-resort estimate if bulk delivery is unavailable.
Are bulk density values exact?
No — actual density varies by moisture content, particle size grading, and supplier. The values used here are industry-standard midpoints from engineering reference tables, suitable for estimating material quantities. Always add 5–10% extra to your order as a buffer.

Estimates only. Coverage figures (sq ft/gallon, bag yield, BTU/sq ft) are industry rules of thumb with real-world variance. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.