Gravel & Rock Calculator
Order the right amount of material the first time. Calculate exactly how many cubic yards and tons of gravel or stone you need for your project.
Amount Required
Conversion Note: This calculator assumes standard gravel density (~2,800 lbs or 1.4 tons per cubic yard). Highly dense stone like basalt will weigh more per yard.
Planning Your Aggregate Delivery
Contractors and quarries speak in very specific terms when quoting bulk materials. Understanding these differences will ensure your project runs smoothly.
Yards vs. Tons
Volume (Cubic Yards) tells you how much space the gravel will fill. Weight (Tons) is what shipping and delivery companies use to charge you and assure their trucks are not overweight.
The 5-10% Rule
Always order 5% to 10% more gravel than the exact mathematical volume of your space. Some gravel spills, some sinks into the dirt, and all of it compacts when driven over.
Gravel Sizes (e.g., #57)
Gravel is sold by size numbers. #57 stone is about 1 to 1.5 inches and is very common for driveways. Smaller sizes like 'Crusher Run' or Item 4 contain dust to help them compact like concrete.
How The Math Works
Calculating Cubic Yards
To calculate volume manually, everything must first be in the same unit—typically feet.
Depth (in inches) ÷ 12 = Depth (in feet)
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) = Total Cubic Feet
Total Cubic Feet ÷ 27 = Total Cubic Yards
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard (yd³) of standard construction gravel or crushed stone typically weighs between 2,700 and 2,900 pounds, which is roughly 1.35 to 1.45 tons. Our calculator uses an industry-standard 1.4 tons per cubic yard for standard crushed gravel to ensure you order enough material.
Do I need a base layer under my gravel?
For a driveway or high-traffic area, yes. You should excavate the topsoil and put down a sturdy base layer of larger crushed stone (like crusher run or #3 stone) compacted heavily before putting a top layer of pea gravel or #57 stone. For simple decorative garden beds, a landscape fabric weed barrier is usually sufficient.
How deep should I make my gravel driveway?
A newly constructed gravel driveway needs to be quite thick, generally requiring 4 to 8 inches of gravel total (comprising different layers of large base stones and smaller top stones). If you are just "top dressing" an existing driveway that already has a solid compacted base, 1 to 2 inches of fresh surface gravel is usually enough.
Will the gravel settle over time?
Yes, particularly when first applied and driven over or exposed to heavy rain. Compaction can reduce the volume by roughly 5% to 10%. It is often advised to order about 5% to 10% more gravel than your strict mathematical calculation to account for compaction, spillage, and uneven ground.
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