# Gravel Calculator Calculate gravel volume, weight, bags, and cost by area, depth, and type. Multi-zone mode, three solve modes, waste factor built in. Canonical page: https://invoicemama.com/calculators/gravel-calculator This is a free browser calculator. Treat results as planning aids and confirm figures against your own measurements, codes, and professional judgment. ## How to calculate how much gravel you need Select your area shape and gravel type, enter dimensions and depth, then get tons, cubic yards, bag count, and cost instantly. ### 1. Select shape and gravel type Pick rectangle, circle, triangle, or custom area. Choose pea gravel, crushed stone, crusher run, or another type so density pre-fills correctly. ### 2. Enter area and depth Type your measurements in feet, inches, yards, or meters. Add multiple zones for a driveway plus walkway. Set a waste factor for compaction. ### 3. Get tons, yards, bags, and cost Review cubic yards, short tons, metric tonnes, pounds, and bag count side by side. Add a price per ton or yard for a full cost estimate. ## Frequently asked questions ### How do I calculate how much gravel I need? Multiply your area in square feet by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by your gravel density (tons per cubic yard) to get weight. A 20 ft x 12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 3.0 cubic yards, or roughly 4.5 tons of crushed stone at 1.5 tons/yd³. ### How much gravel do I need for a driveway? Most residential driveways need 4-6 inches of base gravel plus 1-2 inches of top dressing. A 20 ft x 40 ft driveway at 6 inches deep covers 800 sq ft x 0.5 ft = 400 ft³, or about 14.8 cubic yards. At 1.5 tons/yd³ that is roughly 22 tons before waste. Add 10% for compaction. ### How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard? It depends on gravel type and moisture. Crushed stone averages 1.5 short tons per cubic yard, pea gravel about 1.4, and crusher run about 1.6. Multiply cubic yards by your supplier's density to convert volume to weight. One cubic yard always equals 27 cubic feet regardless of material. ### How much does a yard of gravel weigh? A cubic yard of dry crushed stone weighs roughly 2,700-3,000 pounds (1.35-1.5 short tons). Pea gravel runs lighter at about 2,500-2,800 lbs/yd³. Wet gravel weighs more. Always confirm density with your local quarry or landscape yard before ordering by the ton. ### How much does 1 ton of gravel cover? At 2 inches deep, one ton of crushed stone (1.5 tons/yd³) covers about 162 sq ft. At 3 inches, coverage drops to roughly 108 sq ft. At 4 inches, expect about 81 sq ft per ton. Divide your area by coverage per ton, or use our coverage mode to reverse the math from a known delivery size. ### How deep should gravel be for a driveway vs. a garden bed? Driveways typically need 4-8 inches total: a compacted base layer plus a surface layer. Walkways and patios use 2-4 inches. Decorative landscaping beds often need only 2-3 inches. French drains and drainage trenches need 6-12 inches of clean stone. Match depth to traffic load and drainage needs. ### What is the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone? Pea gravel is smooth, rounded, and about 1/4 to 3/8 inch, ideal for paths and decorative beds. Crushed stone has angular edges that lock together when compacted, making it better for driveways and road base. Crushed stone is slightly denser (about 1.5 vs 1.4 tons/yd³) and compacts more firmly under vehicle weight. ### Should I order gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard? Order by cubic yard when you know volume from your measurements. Order by the ton when your supplier prices that way or when hauling capacity is weight-limited. Convert using density: tons = cubic yards x tons/yd³. Most US landscape yards quote both; confirm which unit your invoice uses before paying. ### How much extra gravel should I order for waste and compaction? Add 8-12% for standard projects and up to 15% for soft subgrade or heavy compaction. Gravel settles 10-15% after tamping. Running short means a second delivery at rush fees. Our calculator shows base quantity and order quantity side by side so you see exactly what to tell your supplier. ### How do I calculate gravel for a French drain or drainage trench? Measure trench length, width, and depth, then calculate volume the same as a rectangular slab. A 50 ft trench, 12 inches wide, 18 inches deep holds 75 ft³ or 2.8 cubic yards. Use clean crushed stone or river rock at 1.45-1.5 tons/yd³. Add 10% waste and confirm local code for filter fabric and pipe sizing. ## Landscapers & Contractors: Quote Gravel Jobs Fast Invoice Mama helps landscaping and construction pros turn gravel takeoffs into professional estimates and invoices in seconds. Measure on site, send the quote before you leave. - [Create your first estimate free](https://app.invoicemama.com/sign-up) --- Invoice Mama is invoicing software for contractors, freelancers, and small businesses. It is not a tax, legal, or accounting firm. For current pricing, use the live pricing page. **More:** [Home](https://invoicemama.com/) - [Pricing](https://invoicemama.com/pricing) - [Guides](https://invoicemama.com/guides) - [Tools](https://invoicemama.com/tools) - [Calculators hub](https://invoicemama.com/calculators)