Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel needed in tons or cubic yards for driveways, pathways, and landscaping. Includes pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock with compaction factors.
Area to Cover
Total Weight
4.0 tons
Gravel Weight Reference
- Pea Gravel: ~1.35 tons
- Crushed Stone: ~1.40 tons
- River Rock: ~1.50 tons
- Road Base: ~1.50 tons
- 2": Light decorative cover
- 4": Walkways, patios
- 6": Driveways, parking
- 8": Heavy traffic base
- Order 10-15% extra for irregular areas and settling
- Use landscape fabric underneath to prevent weed growth
- Compact road base in 2-inch lifts for best results
- River rock works great for drainage applications
- Most suppliers have minimum delivery quantities (often 5-10 tons)
About This Calculator
The Gravel Calculator determines exactly how much gravel you need for your driveway, pathway, patio, or landscaping project—with results in both cubic yards and tons for easy supplier ordering. Whether you're installing a new gravel driveway, creating decorative landscaping beds, or building a proper base under pavers, accurate material estimation prevents costly overages and frustrating shortages.
Gravel is sold by weight (tons) but calculated by volume, and different gravel types have different densities. Pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, and road base all weigh differently per cubic yard. Our calculator handles these conversions automatically, includes compaction factors for materials that settle, and provides 2026 cost estimates with delivery considerations.
Enter your project dimensions, select your gravel type, and get a complete order specification. We'll show you how many cubic yards you need, the weight in tons, estimated cost, and tips for a successful installation.
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
- 1Enter your project dimensions: length and width in feet, or total square footage for irregular shapes.
- 2Select your desired gravel depth (4-6 inches typical for driveways, 2-3 inches for walkways).
- 3Choose your gravel type to get accurate weight calculations based on density.
- 4Toggle the compaction factor for materials that settle (crushed stone, road base).
- 5Review your order in both cubic yards and tons—suppliers quote both ways.
- 6Check the cost estimate section for material and delivery pricing.
- 7Add 10-15% extra for irregular areas, settling, and project contingency.
- 8Print your estimate for supplier quotes and delivery scheduling.
Formula
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27, then Tons = Cubic Yards × Density FactorVolume is calculated in cubic feet (L×W×D), then divided by 27 to convert to cubic yards. Weight depends on gravel type: pea gravel weighs ~1.35 tons/yard, crushed stone ~1.4 tons/yard, river rock ~1.5 tons/yard. Materials that compact need extra volume ordered to achieve the target finished depth.
Understanding Gravel Weight and Volume
Gravel is measured by volume (cubic yards) but priced and delivered by weight (tons):
Weight per Cubic Yard by Type:
| Gravel Type | Tons per Yard | Lbs per Yard | Coverage at 2" |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.35 | 2,700 | 160 sq ft |
| Crushed stone | 1.40 | 2,800 | 160 sq ft |
| River rock | 1.50 | 3,000 | 160 sq ft |
| Road base/crusher run | 1.50 | 3,000 | 160 sq ft |
| Decomposed granite | 1.35 | 2,700 | 160 sq ft |
| Marble chips | 1.35 | 2,700 | 160 sq ft |
| Lava rock | 0.75 | 1,500 | 160 sq ft |
Example Calculation: For a 20' × 10' driveway at 4" depth:
- Area = 200 sq ft
- Volume = 200 × (4/12) = 66.67 cubic feet
- Cubic yards = 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards
- For crushed stone: 2.47 × 1.4 = 3.46 tons
- With 15% compaction: 3.46 × 1.15 = 4.0 tons to order
Quick Coverage Guide (per cubic yard):
| Depth | Coverage |
|---|---|
| 1" | 324 sq ft |
| 2" | 162 sq ft |
| 3" | 108 sq ft |
| 4" | 81 sq ft |
| 6" | 54 sq ft |
Compaction Factors Explained
Some gravel types compact significantly when installed—you need to order extra:
Materials That Compact (Order Extra):
| Material | Compaction Rate | Order Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone | 10-15% | Order 1.10-1.15× |
| Road base/crusher run | 20-25% | Order 1.20-1.25× |
| Decomposed granite | 15-20% | Order 1.15-1.20× |
| Recycled concrete | 15-20% | Order 1.15-1.20× |
Materials That Don't Compact:
| Material | Compaction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | Minimal (~5%) | Rounds don't interlock |
| River rock | None | Too large to compact |
| Lava rock | None | Decorative only |
| Marble chips | Minimal | Decorative use |
Why Compaction Matters:
- If you need 4" of compacted road base, ordering 4" worth of loose material gives you only ~3" after compaction
- Compacted materials provide stable, load-bearing surfaces
- Non-compacting materials are better for decorative use and drainage
Compaction Method:
- Spread material in 2-3" lifts
- Wet lightly with hose
- Compact with plate compactor or roller
- Repeat until target depth reached
- Final compaction should show minimal movement
Gravel Types and Best Applications
Choosing the right gravel for your project ensures success:
Pea Gravel ($30-50/ton):
- Size: 3/8" diameter, smooth, rounded
- Best for: Walkways, patios, dog runs, between pavers
- Pros: Comfortable underfoot, drains well, natural look
- Cons: Tends to migrate, needs edging, shifts under weight
- Not recommended for: Driveways with regular traffic
Crushed Stone ($25-45/ton):
- Size: 3/4" to 2" angular pieces
- Best for: Driveways, base material, high-traffic areas
- Pros: Compacts well, stays in place, durable
- Cons: Can be sharp on feet, dust when dry
- Common sizes: #57 (3/4"), #67 (3/4"-3/8"), #2 (3")
River Rock ($45-75/ton):
- Size: 1-3" diameter, smooth, rounded
- Best for: Decorative landscaping, dry creek beds, accent areas
- Pros: Beautiful natural look, low maintenance, permanent
- Cons: Expensive, heavy, doesn't compact, poor for traffic
- Not recommended for: Walking surfaces, driveways
Road Base/Crusher Run ($20-40/ton):
- Size: Mix of crushed stone (up to 1") with fines (dust)
- Best for: Driveway base, under pavers, parking areas
- Pros: Compacts to solid surface, affordable, excellent base
- Cons: Not decorative, dusty when dry
- Also called: ABC stone, dense grade aggregate
Decomposed Granite ($35-55/ton):
- Size: Fine particles with small aggregates
- Best for: Pathways, patios, rustic driveways
- Pros: Natural look, compacts well, drains
- Cons: Can get muddy, needs reapplication every few years
- Colors: Gold, tan, gray, red depending on source
Specialty Gravels:
| Type | Cost/Ton | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| White marble chips | $70-120 | Decorative accents |
| Black lava rock | $50-80 | Modern landscaping |
| Rainbow rock | $60-100 | Decorative borders |
| Recycled concrete | $15-25 | Base material, budget |
2026 Gravel Pricing and Delivery
Current pricing with delivery considerations:
Material Costs (Bulk, per ton):
| Gravel Type | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road base | $20 | $30 | $40 |
| Crushed stone | $25 | $35 | $45 |
| Pea gravel | $30 | $40 | $50 |
| Decomposed granite | $35 | $45 | $55 |
| River rock (1-3") | $45 | $55 | $75 |
| Decorative (colored) | $50 | $80 | $120 |
Delivery Costs:
| Distance | Cost per Load |
|---|---|
| 0-10 miles | $50-75 |
| 10-20 miles | $75-125 |
| 20-30 miles | $125-175 |
| 30+ miles | $5-7 per mile |
Minimum Delivery:
- Most suppliers: 5-10 tons minimum for delivery
- Some offer: 1-3 ton small load delivery at premium
- Alternative: Trailer rental + self-pickup ($50-100)
Total Cost Examples:
| Project | Material | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small walkway (1 ton) | $40-50 | $50-100 | $90-150 |
| Driveway resurfacing (5 tons) | $150-200 | $75-100 | $225-300 |
| New driveway (15 tons) | $450-600 | $75-150 | $525-750 |
| Large parking area (30 tons) | $900-1,200 | $100-150 | $1,000-1,350 |
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Order during off-season (winter) for discounts
- Combine orders with neighbors to split delivery
- Compare suppliers—prices vary significantly
- Ask about "contractor pricing" for larger orders
Driveway Gravel: Complete Guide
Building a proper gravel driveway requires layers:
Recommended Layer System:
| Layer | Material | Thickness | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base (bottom) | Road base/crusher run | 4-6" | Stability, drainage |
| Middle | #57 crushed stone | 2-4" | Transition, compaction |
| Top/wearing | #57 or pea gravel | 2-3" | Appearance, driving surface |
Total Depth by Traffic:
| Use | Total Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light traffic (1-2 cars) | 4-6" | Minimum for stability |
| Regular traffic | 6-8" | Standard residential |
| Heavy vehicles | 8-12" | Trucks, RVs, equipment |
| Commercial | 10-15" | Constant heavy traffic |
Material Quantities (per 100' × 10' driveway):
| Layer | Cubic Yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 4" road base | 12.3 | 18.5 |
| 3" crushed stone | 9.3 | 13.0 |
| 2" surface gravel | 6.2 | 8.4 |
| Total | 27.8 | 39.9 |
Proper Installation:
- Excavate 2-4" below desired final grade
- Install geotextile fabric (strongly recommended)
- Add and compact base layer in 2" lifts
- Add and compact middle layer
- Add surface layer, crown for drainage
- Final compaction with roller
Maintenance:
- Annual raking to redistribute surface gravel
- Fill low spots and ruts as needed
- Regrade crown every 2-3 years
- Add 1" topping every 3-5 years
Landscape and Decorative Gravel
Decorative gravel applications require different approaches:
Landscape Bed Installation:
-
Preparation:
- Clear vegetation and debris
- Grade for drainage (away from structures)
- Edge with steel, aluminum, or stone
-
Fabric Layer:
- Commercial-grade landscape fabric (not cheap weed barrier)
- Overlap seams 6"
- Secure with landscape staples every 12"
- Fabric prevents gravel from mixing with soil
-
Gravel Depth:
- Decorative beds: 2-3" depth
- Walkways: 2-4" depth
- High-traffic areas: 4" depth
Coverage per Ton (decorative gravels):
| Gravel Type | 2" Depth | 3" Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 120 sq ft | 80 sq ft |
| River rock (1-3") | 80-100 sq ft | 55-65 sq ft |
| Marble chips | 100-120 sq ft | 65-80 sq ft |
| Lava rock | 160-200 sq ft | 110-130 sq ft |
Popular Color Options:
| Look | Gravel Types |
|---|---|
| Natural earth tones | Pea gravel, river rock, DG |
| Modern/contemporary | Black lava, charcoal crushed |
| Bright accent | White marble, rainbow |
| Southwestern | Decomposed granite (gold/red) |
| Japanese garden | Gray river rock, decomposed granite |
Maintenance Tips:
- Rake periodically to maintain even coverage
- Blow leaves rather than raking (less displacement)
- Top up with matching gravel every 2-3 years
- Clean with pressure washer if discolored
- Remove weeds before they establish
Gravel Under Pavers and Concrete
Gravel provides essential base support for hardscaping:
Under Paver Base:
| Layer | Thickness | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-base | 4-6" | Road base, compacted |
| Leveling | 1" | Coarse sand or grit |
| Pavers | Varies | On sand, then sand swept |
Under Concrete Slab:
| Layer | Thickness | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-grade | Native soil | Compacted, no organics |
| Base | 4-6" | Crushed stone or road base |
| Concrete | 4-6" | Per structural requirements |
Why Gravel Base Matters:
- Prevents frost heave in cold climates
- Provides drainage under hardscape
- Creates stable, non-shifting support
- Distributes weight across larger area
- Prevents settlement and cracking
Compaction Requirements:
- 95% compaction for paver bases
- Compact in 2" lifts maximum
- Use plate compactor (rent for $75-100/day)
- Moisten material before compacting
- Test with screwdriver—should not penetrate easily
Common Base Materials:
| Material | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| #57 crushed stone | Standard bases | Good drainage |
| Road base/ABC | Heavy-duty bases | Compacts very solid |
| Recycled concrete | Budget projects | Check for rebar |
| Bank run gravel | Informal projects | Variable quality |
French Drains and Drainage Gravel
Gravel is essential for drainage systems:
French Drain Construction:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Trench width | 6-12" |
| Trench depth | 12-24" |
| Pipe | 4" perforated, holes down |
| Gravel | Washed 3/4" crushed stone |
| Fabric | Geotextile wrap |
Gravel Quantity for French Drains:
- Approximately 0.5 cubic yards per 10 linear feet
- 100' drain = ~5 cubic yards = ~7 tons
Proper Drainage Gravel:
- Use washed stone (no fines/dust)
- 3/4" to 1" size ideal
- Angular, not rounded (better drainage)
- Never use road base (fines clog system)
Dry Well Installation:
- Pit size: 4' × 4' × 4' minimum
- Line with geotextile fabric
- Fill with large stone (2-4")
- Cover with fabric, then topsoil
- Gravel needed: ~2.5 cubic yards per well
Drainage Around Foundations:
- Excavate 12" wide trench around foundation
- Install perforated pipe sloped to outlet
- Cover pipe with geotextile
- Fill with washed gravel to grade
- Material: ~1 cubic yard per 30 linear feet
Warning Signs You Need Drainage:
- Water pooling after rain
- Wet basement or crawlspace
- Erosion channels in yard
- Foundation cracks from water pressure
- Mold or mildew smells
Pro Tips
- 💡Order 10-15% extra for irregular areas, settling, and future maintenance—it's cheaper to have extra than to order another delivery.
- 💡Compact road base in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor for a solid, long-lasting base that won't rut or shift.
- 💡Use heavy-duty landscape fabric under all gravel areas—cheap fabric tears easily and wastes your investment.
- 💡Edge gravel areas with steel, aluminum, or stone edging to prevent migration—this is essential for walkways and beds.
- 💡Get quotes in both tons and cubic yards to compare suppliers accurately—pricing methods vary by region.
- 💡Ask about "contractor load" or "budget mix" pricing for larger orders—many suppliers offer significant discounts.
- 💡Crown driveways 2-3% (about 1/4" per foot) to shed water to the edges and prevent puddles.
- 💡For drainage gravel, always use washed stone without fines—dusty road base clogs perforated pipes.
- 💡Moisten gravel slightly before compacting—this improves compaction and reduces dust.
- 💡Plan delivery access carefully—dump trucks need room to back up and dump, and may damage soft ground.
- 💡Mark sprinkler heads, utilities, and septic lines before spreading gravel—repairs are expensive after burial.
- 💡Consider color matching to your house exterior—natural earth tones often blend better than white or decorative options.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a typical 10' × 50' driveway with 4-6 inches of gravel, you need approximately 6-9 cubic yards or 8-13 tons. A 4" layer provides adequate coverage for light traffic; 6" is recommended for heavy vehicles. For proper construction, use 4" road base + 2" surface gravel. Our calculator provides exact quantities based on your specific dimensions.
