Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much gravel you need for your driveway, walkway, or landscaping project. Get results in cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost.
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Enter Your Measurements
4 inches for vehicle traffic
Angular pieces, compacts well. Ideal for driveways.
Results
Standard bags at Home Depot / Lowes
Calculation Steps
How to Use This Calculator
- Select your project type — Choose driveway, walkway, patio, drainage, or landscaping. This sets the recommended depth.
- Choose the area shape — Rectangle for most projects, circle for round areas, triangle for corners.
- Enter your measurements — Measure length and width with a tape measure. For irregular shapes, break into sections and add results.
- Select gravel type — Different gravels have different densities. Crushed stone is best for driveways, pea gravel for walkways.
- Review results — See cubic yards for ordering and tons for weight-based pricing. Enable cost estimate for budgeting.
How We Calculate
Example: 20×10 ft Driveway at 4" Deep
- • Area: 20 ft × 10 ft = 200 sq ft
- • Depth: 4 inches = 0.33 ft
- • Volume: 200 × 0.33 = 66.67 cu ft
- • Cubic yards: 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cu yd
- • Weight: 2.47 × 2,700 = ~6,669 lbs (3.33 tons)
Coverage Reference (1 cubic yard covers):
- • At 2" deep: 162 sq ft
- • At 3" deep: 108 sq ft
- • At 4" deep: 81 sq ft
- • At 6" deep: 54 sq ft
How to Calculate Cubic Yards Manually
Formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
Example: Driveway 20 ft × 10 ft × 0.25 ft (3 inches) = 50 cubic feet → 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards → 1.85 × 1.4 tons/yd³ = 2.6 tons of gravel
Pea Gravel Calculator
Pea gravel is a popular choice for pathways, driveways, and landscaping. It weighs approximately 1.3 tons per cubic yard (2,600 lbs/yd³), which is lighter than crushed stone. Quick tip: For a 10x10 patio with 2" depth, you'll need about 0.62 cubic yards or 0.87 tons of pea gravel.
Gravel density based on industry standards (~2,700 lbs/cu yd for crushed stone).
Gravel Cost Guide (2026)
| Gravel Type | Per Cubic Yard | Per Ton | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | $15–$75 | $10–$50 | Walkways, patios |
| Crushed Stone | $20–$50 | $20–$40 | Driveways, base |
| Crushed Limestone | $30–$60 | $25–$40 | Driveways, drainage |
| River Rock | $45–$80 | $30–$55 | Landscaping, decorative |
| Decomposed Granite | $30–$50 | $40–$80 | Pathways, xeriscaping |
*Prices are 2026 U.S. national averages for reference only. Actual costs vary by location, supplier, and delivery distance.* Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi