Calculate how much gravel you need in cubic yards, tons, and bags. Perfect for driveways, paths, and landscaping.
Step 1: Calculate volume. Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft)
Step 2: Convert to cubic yards. Cubic yards = Cubic feet / 27
Step 3: Convert to weight. Multiply cubic yards by the density of your gravel type (typically 1.3-1.5 tons per cubic yard).
Depth recommendations: Driveways: 4-6 inches. Walkways: 2-3 inches. Landscaping beds: 2-4 inches. French drains: 12 inches.
A ton of gravel covers approximately:
2 inches deep: ~100 sq ft. 3 inches deep: ~65 sq ft. 4 inches deep: ~50 sq ft. 6 inches deep: ~35 sq ft.
These are estimates for standard gravel at ~1.4 tons per cubic yard. Actual coverage varies by material type and compaction.
The amount of gravel depends on the area you need to cover and the depth. For a typical 10x20 foot driveway at 4 inches deep, you need approximately 2.47 cubic yards, which equals about 3.5 tons of standard gravel. That same driveway at 6 inches deep requires 3.70 cubic yards (about 5.2 tons).
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. The conversion between the two depends on the gravel type: standard gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, pea gravel about 1.3 tons, and crushed stone about 1.5 tons. When ordering, always ask the supplier which unit they use and what the density of their specific product is.
Order 5-10% extra to account for compaction and uneven ground. Gravel compacts by about 10-15% when driven over or tamped, so your actual depth after settling will be less than what you spread. For driveways, some contractors recommend ordering 15% extra specifically because of compaction under vehicle weight.
Let us calculate gravel for a 12 x 30 foot driveway, 4 inches deep, using crushed stone.
Step 1: Convert depth to feet.4 inches / 12 = 0.333 feet
Step 2: Calculate volume in cubic feet.12 x 30 x 0.333 = 120 cubic feet
Step 3: Convert to cubic yards.120 / 27 = 4.44 cubic yards
Step 4: Convert to tons (crushed stone at 1.5 t/cu yd).4.44 x 1.5 = 6.67 tons
Step 5: Add 10% for compaction and waste.6.67 x 1.10 = 7.3 tons
Order 7.5 tons of crushed stone.
Pea gravel (3/8 inch): Smooth, rounded stones. Great for walkways, patios, and decorative landscaping. Not suitable for driveways because it shifts under tires. About 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
Crushed stone (#57 or #67): Angular pieces that interlock and compact well. The best choice for driveways, parking areas, and base layers under concrete or pavers. About 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
Decomposed granite (DG): Fine, sandy texture that compacts into a firm surface. Popular for pathways and rustic patios. About 1.35 tons per cubic yard.
River rock (1-3 inch): Large, rounded stones for drainage, dry creek beds, and decorative borders. Not for walking surfaces. About 1.1 tons per cubic yard.
Bags vs. bulk delivery: 50 lb bags from hardware stores cost $4-$8 each and cover about 0.5 sq ft at 4 inches deep. For anything larger than 50 sq ft, bulk delivery by the ton or cubic yard is far more cost-effective.
Bulk gravel: $30-$60 per ton or $45-$85 per cubic yard at the quarry/landscape yard. Delivery fees add $50-$150 depending on distance.
Pea gravel: $35-$55 per ton. Premium colored pea gravel can run $50-$80 per ton.
Crushed stone: $30-$50 per ton. The most affordable and widely available option.
Decomposed granite: $40-$70 per ton depending on color and quality.
River rock: $50-$120 per ton depending on size and type. Mexican beach pebbles and specialty stone cost more.
50 lb bags: $4-$8 each at retail. Roughly $160-$320 per ton in bags vs. $30-$60 per ton in bulk.
Prices are approximate US averages for 2026 and vary by region and supplier.
| Project | Dimensions | Cubic Yards | Tons (standard) | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 3 x 20 ft, 2 in | 0.37 | 0.52 | $25-$45 |
| Patio base | 10 x 12 ft, 4 in | 1.48 | 2.07 | $80-$160 |
| Single-car driveway | 10 x 40 ft, 4 in | 4.94 | 6.91 | $260-$530 |
| Two-car driveway | 20 x 40 ft, 4 in | 9.88 | 13.83 | $520-$1,060 |
| French drain | 6 in x 50 ft, 12 in | 0.93 | 1.30 | $50-$100 |
Use landscape fabric under gravel to prevent weeds. This is especially important for decorative gravel areas and walkways. Skip fabric only for driveways where compaction handles weed suppression.
Proper depth matters. Too thin and gravel shifts, exposing bare ground. Too thick and it becomes difficult to walk on. Stick to recommended depths: 2-3 inches for walkways, 4-6 inches for driveways.
For driveways, use a layered approach: 4-inch base of larger crushed stone (#3 or #4), then 2-inch top layer of smaller stone (#57) for a stable, well-draining surface. Compact each layer before adding the next.
Edge your gravel areas with metal, stone, or plastic edging to prevent gravel from migrating into lawn areas. Without edging, you will be constantly raking gravel back into place.
Check delivery access. Dump trucks need clear access to your delivery spot. Measure gate widths, overhead clearances, and turning radius before scheduling delivery.
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