Driveways & Paths

Gravel Calculator

Calculate exactly how much gravel or crushed stone you need for a driveway, path, or base layer — in cubic yards and tons, adjustable for material density.

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Area, Depth & Material

Result


Enter area and depth to calculate gravel needed
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides a planning estimate only. Actual gravel density varies by material type and compaction — confirm the exact density with your supplier for large orders.

About the Gravel Calculator

Gravel and crushed stone are typically sold by weight (tons) even though you plan the job by volume (area × depth). This calculator bridges the two, converting your area and depth into both cubic yards and the tons you’ll need to order.

Why Density Matters

Different materials pack to different densities — pea gravel is lighter per cubic yard than crushed stone or river rock. Using the wrong density assumption can leave you short or with excess material, so this tool lets you select your specific material type.

Typical Depths

A gravel driveway base layer is usually 4-6 inches deep, while a decorative walking path or top-dressing layer is often just 2 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on material density, but crushed stone/gravel averages about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Lighter materials like pea gravel run closer to 1.2 tons/yd³, while denser river rock can be 1.5 tons/yd³ or more.
A structural base layer for a driveway typically needs 4-6 inches of compacted gravel, sometimes in two layers (larger base stone topped with finer gravel). Decorative paths or top-dressing only need about 2 inches.
Suppliers almost always sell and price gravel by the ton (weight), so use this calculator's ton output when placing your order, even though you measured your project in area and depth (volume).
Yes. Loose gravel settles and compacts over time and with vehicle/foot traffic, typically reducing volume by 10-20%. Many contractors add extra material upfront to account for this settling, especially for driveway base layers.
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