Gravel Calculator
Convert a driveway, path, or base area and depth into cubic yards and tons of gravel — choose crushed stone, pea gravel, or #57 base so the weight matches what the yard sells by, and order the right truckload the first time.
How to Use
- Enter the length and width of the area in feet to set the surface you are covering.
- Enter the depth in inches — about 4" for a driveway, 2" for a path, or 6" for a heavy base.
- Pick the gravel type so the calculator uses the right weight per cubic yard (crushed, pea gravel, or #57 base).
- Read the volume in cubic yards and the weight in tons, and check the Show Work below.
- Order by the yard or by the ton to match how your supplier quotes, and add a little for compaction.
Show Work
Notes
About the Gravel Calculator
The Gravel Calculator gives you a fast, free answer for building, materials estimation and site work without sending anything off your device. Convert a driveway, path, or base area and depth into cubic yards and tons of gravel — choose crushed stone, pea gravel, or #57 base so the weight matches what the yard sells by, and order the right truckload the first time.
How it works
Enter your figures and the result appears instantly, updating the moment you change anything. There is no submit button and nothing to wait for, so it is easy to try a few what-if numbers and compare the results. Just check each box holds the kind of value it expects.
Want the deeper story? The Knowledge Base explains the ideas behind the tools in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should gravel be?
For a residential driveway plan on about 4 inches of surface gravel, or more if you are building up a full base. Footpaths and decorative beds usually need only 2 inches. A parking pad or a driveway over soft soil wants a thicker compacted base — often 6 inches or more in lifts.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
Roughly 1.3 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard depending on the stone. Dense crushed stone runs about 1.5 t/yd³, pea gravel is lighter at around 1.35, and compacted #57 base is heavier near 1.6. This calculator lets you pick the type so the tonnage is right, because many yards sell by weight.
Should I order extra for compaction?
Yes. Loose gravel settles and compacts roughly 10–15% once it is rolled or driven on, so the finished depth is less than the loose depth you dumped. Order about 10–15% over the bare volume so you hit your target depth after it knits together, especially on a base layer.
Should I order by the yard or by the ton?
It depends on how your supplier quotes. Bulk yards often price by the ton, while volume-based calculators give you cubic yards — that is why this tool reports both. Match the unit on your quote, and remember a dump truck typically hauls about 10–14 tons per load.
What is the difference between crushed stone, pea gravel, and #57?
Crushed stone has angular, jagged edges that lock together and compact well, making it ideal for driveways and bases. Pea gravel is smooth, rounded, and decorative but tends to shift underfoot. #57 stone is a clean, uniform 3/4" gravel used for drainage and as a sturdy base under pavers or concrete.
How do I use the Gravel Calculator?
Just type your numbers. The answer shows up right away — there is no button to press. Change anything and it updates by itself.
Does it cost anything or need an account?
No. The tool is completely free, there is no account to create, and it keeps working offline after the page first loads.
Is anything I type uploaded?
No. The tool works entirely on your device, so the values you enter never leave your browser.
Common Use Cases
Surfacing a gravel driveway
Size the cubic yards and tons for a fresh top layer or a full rebuild so you order the right truckload.
Building a base under pavers or slab
Calculate the #57 or crushed-stone base volume at the depth your project spec calls for.
Laying a garden or walking path
Estimate pea gravel for a shallow decorative path without over-ordering.
Bedding a drainage trench or French drain
Work out the clean stone needed to backfill a trench around drain pipe.
Getting a delivery quote
Convert volume to tons so you can price a bulk delivery and plan how many truck loads it takes.
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