Gravel Calculator – Instantly Figure Yards and Tons of Gravel You Need

How to Use the Gravel Calculator

Enter just three measurements to get your estimate:

Length: the longest dimension of your project area (in feet or meters)

Width: the shorter dimension of the area you want to cover

Depth: how deep you want the gravel layer (typically 2–6 inches for driveways, 2–3 inches for landscaping)

Gravel Type: select your material type. Different materials have different bulk densities, which directly affects the total weight in tons.

Once you hit Calculate, the tool instantly outputs your required gravel volume and weight so you can place an accurate order with your supplier.

Gravel Calculator Results – Cubic Yards vs. Tons Explained

Our gravel calculator returns results in both cubic yards and tons because suppliers sell gravel both ways and it helps to know both figures before you order.

Cubic yards measure volume this is the space the gravel will physically occupy once spread. It’s the most common unit used by landscaping and construction suppliers in the US.

Tons measure weight many quarries and aggregate suppliers price crushed rock, pea gravel, and crusher run by the ton. Our calculator applies the correct bulk density for each material type to convert volume to weight automatically.

Metric users can switch to cubic meters and metric tonnes using the unit toggle at the top of the calculator.

How Much Gravel Do I Need? (Common Project Reference)

Not sure what depth to use? Here are standard industry recommendations to help you figure out how much gravel you need for the most common project types.

Gravel Calculator for Driveways

For a driveway gravel calculator, use a minimum depth of 4 inches for light traffic and 6 inches for heavier vehicles. A standard two-car driveway (20 ft × 40 ft) at 4-inch depth requires approximately 10 cubic yards or 15 tons of dense-grade crushed stone. Figuring gravel for a driveway also requires accounting for a compaction factor gravel compacts by roughly 20–25% after spreading and rolling, so many contractors add 10–15% extra material to their order.

Pea Gravel Calculator for Landscaping

Pea gravel is a popular choice for garden paths, patios, and decorative landscaping. The standard depth for a pea gravel calculator estimate is 2 to 3 inches. Pea gravel has a bulk density of approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard, making it one of the lighter aggregate options. Use our landscape rock calculator to get an accurate material estimate before visiting your local supplier.

Crusher Run Calculator for Base Layers

Crusher run (also called dense-grade aggregate or road base) is the most common base material for driveways and patios. Use a crusher run calculator depth of 4–6 inches for a stable compacted base. At a bulk density of 1.6 tons/yd³, it is the heaviest material in our calculator so getting the tonnage right before ordering is especially important.

Aquarium Gravel Calculator / Fish Tank Gravel Calculator

For aquarium hobbyists, our fish tank gravel calculator helps you figure out exactly how many pounds of aquarium gravel you need based on your tank dimensions and desired substrate depth. A general rule is 1 pound of substrate per gallon for a shallow bed, but a 2-inch depth in a 55-gallon tank can easily require 40–50 lbs. Enter your tank’s length, width, and desired gravel depth to get a precise figure.

Gravel Types & Their Bulk Densities

Different gravel types have different weights per cubic yard. Our online gravel calculator accounts for this automatically, but here’s a quick reference:

Pea Gravel: 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Small, smooth, rounded stones. Ideal for garden paths, playgrounds, and decorative beds.

Crushed Stone / Crushed Rock:1.5 tons per cubic yard. Angular fragments produced by crushing larger rocks. Excellent drainage and interlocking properties make it ideal for driveways and drainage trenches.

River Rock:1.3 tons per cubic yard. Naturally smooth and rounded. Popular for decorative landscape borders, dry creek beds, and garden accents.

Dense Grade (Crusher Run): 1.6 tons per cubic yard. A mix of crushed stone and stone dust that compacts tightly. The standard base material for driveways, walkways, and patios.

Gravel Calculator Formula – How the Math Works

Our gravel calculator uses a straightforward formula to figure out yards of gravel:

Volume (cubic yards) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27

(where all measurements are in feet)

Weight (tons) = Volume (yd³) × Bulk Density (tons/yd³)

For example, to figure gravel for a 10 ft × 20 ft patio at a 3-inch (0.25 ft) depth using pea gravel:

Volume = (10 × 20 × 0.25) ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards

Weight = 1.85 × 1.4 = 2.59 tons

That’s it. Our rock calculator handles all of this instantly no manual arithmetic needed.

Gravel Driveway Cost Calculator! What to Expect

Material cost varies by region and gravel type, but here are average price ranges to help you budget alongside your gravel quantity estimate:

Pea gravel — $25–$55 per ton or $35–$65 per cubic yard

Crushed stone / crushed rock — $30–$55 per ton

River rock — $45–$90 per ton (higher due to aesthetic value)

Crusher run / dense grade — $20–$45 per ton (most economical for driveways)

Delivery charges typically range from $50–$200 depending on distance and load size. To get the most accurate estimate from our gravel driveway cost calculator, multiply your calculated tonnage or cubic yard figure by your local supplier’s per-unit price.

Tips for Ordering Gravel Accurately

These practical tips will help you get your order right the first time.

Always add a 10% buffer on top of your calculated amount to account for spreading waste, compaction, and uneven ground.

Measure your project area carefully. For irregular shapes, break the space into smaller rectangles, calculate each separately, and add the totals together.

Ask your supplier whether they sell by the ton or cubic yard  then match that to the output from our rock calculator in tons or rock calculator in yards.

For driveways, order your base material (crusher run) and surface material (pea gravel or river rock) as separate calculations, since they use different depths and densities.

If you’re filling a trench or raised bed with significant depth (over 12 inches), a compaction factor of 1.2–1.3x is commonly applied to ensure the settled depth meets your target.

Frequently Asked Questions About Figuring Gravel

How much gravel do I need per square foot?

At a 2-inch depth, you need approximately 0.006 cubic yards per square foot, or roughly 0.008 tons of crushed stone per square foot. At 4 inches, double those figures. Use our calculator for exact answers based on your actual dimensions.

How do I figure out yards of gravel?

Multiply your area’s length by its width by its depth (all in feet), then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet into cubic yards. Our gravel calculator yards tool does this automatically — just enter your measurements.

What’s the difference between a ton and a cubic yard of gravel?

A cubic yard is a unit of volume (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). A ton is a unit of weight. The conversion depends on the material’s bulk density. Crushed rock weighs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard, while river rock is lighter at 1.3 tons per cubic yard.

H3: Can I use this calculator for a fish tank or aquarium?

Yes. Our aquarium gravel calculator works the same way enter the length and width of your tank’s base and your desired substrate depth to figure out exactly how many pounds of aquarium gravel you need.

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

A standard 12 ft × 50 ft single-car driveway at a 4-inch depth requires approximately 7.4 cubic yards or 11 tons of crushed stone. Use our driveway gravel calculator above with your exact dimensions for a precise answer.