CalcaTools

Gravel Calculator

A gravel calculator estimates how much gravel you need — in cubic yards and tons — from the length, width, and depth of your area.

Last updated: July 2026 · Free · No sign-up required

Results

Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result instantly.

Quick reference

MaterialApprox. weight per yd³1 yd³ covers at 3"
Pea gravel / pea stone (⅜")1.4 tons108 sq ft
Crushed stone (¾")1.4–1.5 tons108 sq ft
Crush and run (crusher run)1.5 tons, compacts 10–15%~95 sq ft after compaction
Decomposed granite1.5 tons108 sq ft
Crushed asphalt (millings)1.35 tons108 sq ft
River rock / cobble (2–4")1.3 tons~80 sq ft (voids)
Sand (dry)1.3–1.4 tons108 sq ft
Rip-rap (6–12")sold by the ton35–40 sq ft per ton at 12"

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Every tool is plain HTML + JavaScript with the calculation logic compiled in. No spinner, no "verifying browser" splash, no five-second wait while ads load. Hit the page, fill the form, get the answer. Slow tools waste your time and ours.

devices Works on every device

Responsive design tested down to a 320px-wide phone screen. The input fields use native number/date keyboards on iOS and Android, the calculate button is thumb-sized, and the result still reads big and bold on the smallest screen. No app to download, ever.

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Interpretation guide

ProjectRecommended depth
Decorative ground cover, walkways2–3 inches
Driveway top layer (driveway rock)3–4 inches over a base
Driveway base course / crush and run4–6 inches, compacted in 2" lifts
Drain rock around French drainsPipe bedded in 3"+ on all sides
Rip-rap on slopes and shorelinesLayer 1.5–2× the largest stone size

lightbulb Example — gravelling a 200 sq ft path 4 inches deep

You are covering a 200 sq ft area with gravel to a depth of 4 inches. Convert depth to feet (4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft), then multiply: 200 × 0.333 = 66.7 cubic feet, and divide by 27 to get cubic yards.

Result: 2.47 cubic yards ≈ 3.46 tons of gravel.

What this means: Order about 2.5 cubic yards (roughly 3.5 tons). Add 5–10% extra for compaction and spillage.

Formula & methodology

Formula: Cubic yards = area(ft²) × depth(in) ÷ 324

Gravel volume uses the same area × depth model as mulch, then converts volume to tons using material density. Supplier tonnage can vary by stone type.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use the gravel calculator?
Enter the requested values, review the instant result, then compare the reference table and interpretation guide below the calculator. Adjust one input at a time to see which assumption changes the result most.
What formula does the gravel calculator use?
The calculator uses Cubic yards = area(ft²) × depth(in) ÷ 324 and standard unit conversions or finance/statistics conventions where applicable.
Is the gravel calculator accurate?
Results are estimates based on the values entered; check source data and assumptions before making decisions.
Why do my results differ from another calculator?
Different calculators may round differently, include extra assumptions, or use a different input frequency. Match the units, dates, tax assumptions, and rounding method before comparing outputs.
How much pea gravel or pea stone do I need?
Measure the area in square feet, pick a depth (2–3 inches is standard for decorative pea gravel), and the calculator converts it: a 120 sq ft patio at 3 inches needs about 1.1 cubic yards, roughly 1.6 tons. Pea gravel and pea stone are the same ⅜-inch rounded stone — suppliers just name it differently by region.
How is crush and run (crusher run) different from clean crushed rock?
Crush and run mixes angular crushed stone with stone dust, so it locks together when compacted — that makes it the usual choice for driveway bases. It weighs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard and loses 10–15% of its volume under a plate compactor, so order that much extra. Clean ¾-inch crushed rock has no fines and stays looser, which is what you want around drains.
How many tons of rip-rap do I need for a slope?
Rip-rap is quoted by the ton, not the yard. A useful field rule: one ton of 6–12 inch rip-rap covers roughly 35–40 square feet at a 12-inch layer. For a 200 sq ft bank you'd order about 5–6 tons, and the layer should be 1.5–2 times the largest stone diameter.
Does the calculator work for sand, decomposed granite, and crushed asphalt?
Yes — the volume math (area × depth) is identical; only the density changes when converting to tons. Use about 1.35 tons per cubic yard for dry sand or asphalt millings and 1.5 tons for decomposed granite. A 50 lb bag of sand holds about 0.5 cubic feet, so one cubic yard replaces roughly 54 bags.
What depth should landscaping stone or ground cover rock be?
For weed-suppressing ground cover over fabric, 2 inches of ¾-inch rock is enough; go to 3 inches for larger river rock, since round stones leave voids. Doubling depth doubles tonnage, so on big areas it pays to stay at the minimum workable depth.

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