Gravel Calculator

By Uzair Arshad , Senior Civil and Structural Engineer

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Use this gravel calculator to find out how much gravel you need for your driveway, patio, or landscaping project. Enter length, width, and depth to get cubic yards, tons, coverage area, and a 2026 cost range.

How to use this calculator

This gravel calculator works for any rectangular project area. For irregular shapes, break the space into rectangles and run the calculator for each section, then add the totals.

Measure the length of your project area in feet.
Measure the width in feet.
Decide on depth in inches. Use 4 inches for walkways, 6 to 8 inches for driveways.
Enter the three values and click "Calculate material."
Review your results. The gravel calculator returns cubic yards, tons, and a cost estimate so you can compare supplier quotes.

Pro tip: measure at three different points and average them. Uneven ground means actual depth varies, and averaging prevents under-ordering.

Formula

depth_ft     = depth_inches / 12
volume_cuft  = length_ft * width_ft * depth_ft
cubic_yards  = volume_cuft / 27
with_waste   = cubic_yards * 1.10
tons         = with_waste * 1.4

length_ft: Project length in feet
width_ft: Project width in feet
depth_inches: Gravel depth in inches

The gravel calculator uses a standard volume formula. Convert depth from inches to feet first by dividing by 12. So 4 inches equals 0.333 feet. Multiply length, width, and depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards.

The calculator applies a 10% waste factor because gravel settles after compaction. I skipped this on my first patio and had bare spots after the first rain. A second delivery fee costs more than the extra material.

To convert cubic yards to tons, the gravel calculator multiplies by 1.4, which is the average density for most gravel types. Weight varies by type. Pea gravel: 1.4 tons per yard. Crushed limestone: 1.5 tons per yard. River rock: 1.6 tons per yard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a driveway?

A standard two car driveway (16 by 40 feet) at 6 inches deep needs about 11.9 cubic yards or roughly 16.6 tons. Most suppliers require a minimum of 5 to 10 cubic yards for delivery, so a full driveway easily meets the minimum.

How much does a cubic yard of gravel cost?

Gravel costs $25 to $50 per cubic yard for most types in 2026. Decorative river rock runs $40 to $75 per cubic yard. Delivery adds $50 to $150 depending on distance from the quarry. Buy in bulk loads of 5 or more cubic yards to get the best per-yard price from local quarries.

How deep should gravel be for a patio?

Use 4 inches for patios and walkways. For driveways with vehicle traffic, use 6 to 8 inches. In cold climates, use 6 inches even for patios to prevent frost heave. Always compact in 2 to 3 inch lifts rather than dumping the full depth at once, or the base will settle unevenly within the first season.

How much does gravel weigh per cubic yard?

Pea gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Crushed limestone runs 1.5 tons per cubic yard. River rock is heavier at 1.6 tons per cubic yard. Wet gravel weighs 5 to 10 percent more. Ask your supplier for their specific density before ordering by the ton, since moisture content and gradation shift the actual weight.