How many tons of gravel do I need for my project?

Enter your area dimensions and depth into the calculator, select tons as the output unit, and it converts automatically. Pea gravel is lighter (~1.2 t/yd³); #57 base gravel is heavier (~1.7 t/yd³).

How do I calculate gravel for a driveway?

A typical two-car driveway (20×40 ft) at 4 inches deep needs about 10 cubic yards or 14 tons. Use our gravel driveway calculator: just enter your measurements.

How much does a gravel driveway cost?

Gravel costs $15–$50 per ton depending on type and region. A 20×40 ft driveway at 4 inches needs ~10 tons, putting material cost at $150–$500 before delivery and labor.

How many square feet does a yard of gravel cover?

At 2-inch depth: ~162 sq ft. At 3 inches: ~108 sq ft. At 4 inches: ~81 sq ft. The calculator handles all these conversions.

What is the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?

Pea gravel is lighter (1.2–1.35 t/yd³) and rounder — good for paths and play areas. Crushed stone (1.4–1.5 t/yd³) is angular and compacts better, making it ideal for driveways and bases.

What gravel is best for driveways?

A 4-inch base layer of #57 crushed stone topped with 2 inches of pea gravel or crushed limestone is the standard for residential driveways. #57 compacts well; the top layer provides a cleaner appearance.

How much gravel do I need?

Work out the volume in cubic yards the same way as any other bulk material — length times width times depth in feet, divided by 27 — then convert to tons, because gravel is almost always sold by weight rather than volume. Most crushed stone runs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, though the figure varies with stone size and moisture. Depth depends entirely on the job. A decorative bed needs 2 inches, a walked path 3, and a driveway wants 4 or more of surface stone over a separate compacted base course. Use angular crushed stone rather than rounded gravel anywhere that carries traffic: angular fragments lock together under compaction, while round stone rolls and migrates to the edges. Do not skip the geotextile fabric on soft ground. Without it, stone works down into the sub-grade and the surface needs topping up every year — which costs more over a few seasons than the fabric ever would.

Worked example

A 20 × 10 ft parking pad at 4 inches of #57 stone

1Convert depth: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft
2Volume: 20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.7 ft³ = 2.47 yd³
3Convert to weight at ~1.4 tons/yd³: 2.47 × 1.4 = 3.46 tons
4Add 5% for spread and settling: ~3.6 tons

Order 3.5 to 4 tons of #57 crushed stone.

Run your own numbers below — the Gravel Calculator handles the unit conversions and waste factor for you.

Gravel Calculator

Calculate cubic yards and tons of gravel for driveways, patios, and drainage. Supports pea, crushed stone, and #57 — each with the correct density.

Formula and figures last reviewed August 6, 2026 — Cosyslabs · how we verify

Inputs

Length(ft)

Width(ft)

Depth(in)

Density (ton/yd³)

Price per ton (optional)($)

Result

Volume

2.47 yd³

Tons (US)

3.70

Metric

1.89 m³ / 3.36 t

Density used: 1.5 ton/yd³

Waste default: 5% — Spreading and compaction lose ~5% — standard contractor allowance.

Diagram

Estimates only. Verify with a licensed contractor or supplier before purchasing. Rough Estimator! is not responsible for shortages, overages, or material variances. See our methodology for formulas and sources.

Formula

Tons = L × W × D ÷ 27 × density (ton/yd³)

References

Measure what the tool asks for
This calculator works from length in ft, width in ft and depth in in. Measure the finished area you are covering, not the material — an estimate is only as good as the dimensions you feed it.
What it does with those numbers
Tons = L × W × D ÷ 27 × density (ton/yd³) Every figure on the page comes out of that one expression, so you can check it by hand.
Why it adds 5% waste
Spreading and compaction lose ~5% — standard contractor allowance.
Choosing a density (ton/yd³)
Pro tip: #57 and crusher run pack tightly and are best for driveways. Pea gravel is decorative and shifts underfoot — not ideal for high-traffic areas.
Where the numbers come from
The constants are taken from ASTM D448 — Standard Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction, ASTM C33 — Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregates and USDA NRCS — Gravel and aggregate surfacing guidance, linked in full below. If a figure here disagrees with your supplier's spec sheet, use the spec sheet — it describes the product you are buying.
What this will not tell you
This is a material takeoff, not a bid. It does not price labour, permits, delivery, equipment hire or site preparation, and it assumes a straightforward layout. Complex cuts, difficult access and awkward shapes all cost more than the geometry suggests.

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Frequently asked questions

Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. To convert to tons, multiply cubic yards by the material density (typically 1.4 t/yd³ for standard crushed gravel).

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Cosyslabs. (2026). Gravel Calculator. Rough Estimator!. https://roughestimator.com/gravel-calculator

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