Free Calculator
Gravel & Aggregate Calculator
Calculate how much gravel, crushed stone, pea gravel, or river rock you need in cubic yards and tons.
Recommended Tools & Materials
- Landscape Fabric (4ft × 100ft)materials
- Steel Landscape Edging (40ft)materials
- Wheelbarrow — 6 cu fttools
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How to Calculate Gravel and Aggregate
To calculate gravel, multiply the length and width of your area (in feet) by the depth (converted from inches to feet). This gives you cubic feet, which you divide by 27 for cubic yards. To get tons, multiply cubic yards by the material's density factor.
Volume (ft³) = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12)
Tons = (Volume ÷ 27) × Density Factor
Density varies by material: gravel is 1.4 tons/yd³, crushed stone is 1.35 tons/yd³, pea gravel is 1.35 tons/yd³, and river rock is 1.5 tons/yd³. These are approximate — actual density depends on moisture content and specific aggregate source.
Tips for Ordering and Installing Gravel
- Compact in lifts.Don't pour all your gravel at once. Add it in 2-inch layers (lifts), compacting each layer with a plate compactor before adding the next. This prevents shifting and settling.
- Use landscape fabric underneath.A woven geotextile fabric between the soil and gravel prevents sinking and weed growth. It's essential for driveways and pathways.
- Edge it properly. Gravel without edging migrates into lawns and flower beds. Use steel, aluminum, or plastic edging to keep gravel contained.
- Order by the ton for accuracy.Suppliers often estimate loosely when selling by the yard. Ordering by the ton ensures you get the exact amount you're paying for.
- Consider delivery access.Dump trucks need 10–12 feet of width and overhead clearance. Know where the truck can dump and how far you'll need to wheelbarrow the material.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
- A typical gravel driveway is 12 feet wide and should be 4–6 inches deep. For a 50-foot long driveway (600 sq ft) at 4 inches deep, you need about 7.4 cubic yards or roughly 10.4 tons of gravel. Use 6 inches for heavy traffic areas.
- What's the difference between cubic yards and tons?
- Cubic yards measure volume while tons measure weight. The conversion depends on the material density: gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, crushed stone 1.35 tons, and river rock 1.5 tons. Suppliers sell by the ton or yard depending on the material.
- How deep should gravel be?
- For driveways: 4–6 inches. For walkways: 2–3 inches. For drainage beds: 6–12 inches. For landscape ground cover: 2–3 inches. For a base under pavers or concrete: 4–6 inches of compacted gravel.
- Which type of gravel should I use?
- Crushed stone (#57 or #67) is best for driveways and pathways because it compacts well and interlocks. Pea gravel is best for decorative areas, dog runs, and between pavers. River rock is used for landscaping, dry creek beds, and drainage. Base gravel (#21A or crusher run) goes under pavers and concrete.