Gravel Calculator — Tons & Cubic Yards by Depth

Driveways, paths and drainage: enter area and depth, get cubic yards and tons — the way gravel is actually sold.

Gravel Quantity Calculator

Gravel is sold by the ton

Unlike bagged concrete, loose gravel is priced by weight. Crushed stone runs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard (a typical range is 1.3–1.45 depending on size and moisture), so the calculator converts your volume to tonnage — the number to say on the phone when you call the quarry.

How deep should gravel be?

A driveway that sees cars wants 4 inches of compacted gravel, and because it compacts and sinks over the first season, ordering 10% extra is not optional. Decorative landscaping rock around beds can go as shallow as 2 inches. A garden path is comfortable at 3 inches.

Size matters as much as depth

#57 stone (about ¾ inch) is the all-purpose choice for driveways and drainage. Pea gravel looks good but rolls underfoot — keep it to paths and patios with an edging restraint. Item #4 (1½–2½ inch) makes a stable base layer on soft ground.

FAQ

How much does a cubic yard of gravel cover?

One cubic yard covers about 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep, 80 sq ft at 4 inches, or 160 sq ft at 2 inches.

How much gravel do I need for a 12×20 driveway?

At 4 inches deep: 12 × 20 × ⅓ ft ≈ 80 cu ft ≈ 3 cubic yards, which is roughly 4.2 tons before compaction allowance.

Does gravel compact?

Yes — crushed stone with fines (like #21A or crusher run) compacts into a firm base and can lose 20–30% of its loose depth. Washed stone drains better but compacts less. Order extra accordingly.