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Free estimator
Gravel Calculator
Measure the area, pick a depth, and this calculator tells you how many cubic yards of gravel to order, plus the approximate weight in tons. Draw your driveway or path on a satellite map, or type in the dimensions if you already have them.
Gravel Calculator
How would you like to estimate?
Choose the method that works best for your project
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Trace from Satellite
Draw shapes on aerial view of your property
Manual Dimensions
Enter length and width measurements directly
All estimates are approximate and should be verified before purchase.
How Deep to Spread Gravel
- Decorative beds and borders
- 2 inches
- Walkways and garden paths
- 2 to 3 inches
- Patios and fire pit pads
- 3 to 4 inches
- Driveway top course
- 3 to 4 inches
- New driveway, base plus top
- 6 to 8 inches total
What One Yard of Gravel Covers
- 2 inches deep
- about 162 sq ft per cubic yard
- 3 inches deep
- about 108 sq ft per cubic yard
- 4 inches deep
- about 81 sq ft per cubic yard
- 6 inches deep
- about 54 sq ft per cubic yard
- Weight
- about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, a little more when wet
Getting the Gravel Estimate Right
Yards or tons
Gravel is sold both ways, and suppliers convert with an average weight. Clean stone like #57 runs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Dense base material with fines, such as crusher run, runs closer to 1.5. Wet stone weighs more than dry, so a load weighed after rain can come in heavy. The calculator shows both numbers so you can order in whichever unit your supplier uses.
Order a little extra
Gravel settles and compacts, and edges are never as square as the tape measure says. Round up to the next half yard for small jobs and add about 10 percent for driveways, where compaction takes the depth down after the first few weeks of traffic.
Driveways are two layers
A gravel driveway that lasts has a compacted base of larger stone or crusher run, then a top course of smaller stone. Calculate each layer separately at its own depth. Skipping the base is the most common reason a new gravel driveway ruts in its first season.
Gravel Calculator Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length by width for square feet, then plan on about 4 inches of top stone for an existing base or 6 to 8 inches total for a new driveway with a base course. At 4 inches deep, one cubic yard covers about 81 square feet.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 tons for most clean gravel and crushed stone, and closer to 1.5 for base material with fines. Moisture adds weight, so treat any conversion as approximate.
How much area does a yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers about 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches, and 81 square feet at 4 inches.
Should I round up my gravel order?
Yes. Round up to the next half yard, and add about 10 percent on driveways and pads that will be compacted. Running short means a second delivery fee, while a little extra is easy to use on paths or low spots.