Gravel Calculator — Estimate Volume, Weight & Cost

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$/ton

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You need

2.59 cubic yards

≈ 3.50 tons · ≈ 140 bags (50 lb) · $140 total cost

How to Calculate How Much Gravel You Need

Calculating gravel quantity is a three-step process: measure the area you want to cover, choose an appropriate depth, then convert the resulting volume into weight, bag count, or cost. Our calculator does this instantly, but understanding the underlying math helps you sanity-check any estimate — and lets you adjust on the fly if your project shape isn't a perfect rectangle.

Volume (cubic yards) = (Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12)) ÷ 27
Weight (tons) = Volume × Density factor
Cost = Weight × Price per ton

The division by 12 converts your depth from inches to feet. The division by 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards (since 1 yd³ = 27 ft³). The density factor depends on the type of gravel — standard gravel weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard, while denser crushed stone weighs 1.42 tons per cubic yard and decorative pea gravel weighs 1.50 tons per cubic yard.

Worked example

Say you're laying gravel for a residential driveway 20 ft long × 10 ft wide at 4 inches deep, using standard gravel:

Volume: 20 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards
Weight: 2.47 × 1.35 = 3.34 tons
Cost (at $40/ton): 3.34 × $40 = $134
With 5% waste factor: Order 3.5 tons ($140)

Always add a 5–10% waste factor

Gravel compacts during installation and you'll lose some during spreading and edge work. We recommend ordering at least 5% more than calculated. For large patios, irregular shapes, or sloped sites, increase that to 10%. It's much cheaper to over-order by a few bags than to pay another delivery fee.

How Much Gravel Do You Need by Project Type

The right amount of gravel depends heavily on what you're building. A driveway and a garden path use very different depths and gravel types, even if they cover the same surface area. Here's a breakdown of typical specifications for the most common residential projects.

Residential driveways

A standard residential driveway is 20 ft long × 10 ft wide. With a proper 6-inch total depth (4-inch base layer of larger crushed stone + 2-inch surface layer of finer gravel), you'll need approximately 3.7 cubic yards (5 tons) of mixed materials. For longer driveways at 30 ft × 12 ft, plan on 6.7 yd³ / 9 tons. Always use a denser base material like crushed stone (ASTM #57 or #411) under a finer top layer.

Patios and seating areas

A 12 ft × 12 ft gravel patio at 3-inch depth requires 1.3 cubic yards (1.8 tons) of pea gravel or decorative stone. The shallower depth works because patios don't carry vehicle weight. For furniture stability, install a 1-inch base of crushed stone first, then 2 inches of decorative gravel on top. Edge restraint (steel or stone) is essential — without it, gravel migrates into your lawn within a year.

Walkways and garden paths

For a 3 ft wide walkway running 30 ft, at 2 inches deep, plan on 0.55 cubic yards (0.75 tons) of pea gravel or crushed gravel. Steel or stone edging is strongly recommended. Most garden walkways look best with a 1/4 to 1/2 inch stone size — anything larger feels uncomfortable underfoot.

French drains

A typical French drain trench is 4 inches wide × 12 inches deep × 20 ft long. You'll need around 0.5 cubic yards (0.7 tons) of #57 crushed stone (drainage grade). This stone is angular enough to allow water flow but stable around the perforated pipe. Never use sand or fine gravel here — it clogs and defeats the purpose.

Fire pit bases

A 6 ft diameter circular base at 4 inches deep needs 0.35 cubic yards (0.47 tons) of fire-rated gravel — either pea gravel or lava rock. Avoid limestone or river rock for fire pits; they can crack or even explode when heated due to trapped moisture inside the stone.

Drainage trenches around foundations

Foundation drainage typically requires a 2 ft wide × 2 ft deep trench around the perimeter. For a 1000 sq ft house with 130 linear feet of foundation, you'll need approximately 19 cubic yards (26 tons) of clean crushed stone. This is one of the few projects where over-ordering significantly is recommended — running short mid-installation is a disaster.

Raised garden beds (drainage layer)

For a 4 ft × 8 ft raised bed, add a 2-inch drainage layer at the bottom: approximately 0.2 cubic yards (0.27 tons) of pea gravel or small crushed stone. This prevents root rot in heavy soils.

Choosing the Right Type of Gravel

Not all gravel works for all projects. Picking the wrong type leads to instability, drainage problems, or aesthetic complaints. Here's how the most common varieties compare.

Crushed stone (#57, #411, dense grade)

The workhorse of construction projects. Angular pieces interlock when compacted, making it ideal for driveway bases, patio sub-bases, and any application where stability matters. Density: ~1.42 tons/yd³. Cost: $35-60/ton. The ASTM number indicates size: #57 is roughly 1/2 to 1 inch (drainage and base use), #411 is a dense graded mix with fines (driveway top layer), and dense grade aggregate (DGA) compacts hardest of all.

Pea gravel

Small, smooth, rounded stones, typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter. Comfortable to walk on barefoot and aesthetically pleasing. Best for: walkways, patios (with edging), playgrounds, decorative beds. Avoid for driveways — it shifts under vehicle weight and creates ruts. Density: ~1.50 tons/yd³. Cost: $45-90/ton.

River rock

Larger, smooth, rounded stones (1 inch to 3 inches typically). Decorative use almost exclusively: borders, dry creek beds, water features. Too smooth to compact well, not load-bearing. Density: ~1.60 tons/yd³. Cost: $50-130/ton. Sold by size: small (1-2"), medium (2-4"), or large (4-6").

Crushed limestone

A specific type of crushed stone with high calcium content. Slightly cheaper than granite-based crushed stone. Tends to compact tighter and develop a hard surface over time. Good for driveways in dry climates but can dissolve in heavily acidic soil. Density: ~1.45 tons/yd³.

Decomposed granite (DG)

Fine, sand-like granite particles. Compacts into a hard, almost paved-looking surface. Popular for paths, patios, and xeriscaping in the southwest US. Cost: $40-80/ton. Note: not strictly "gravel" but often used interchangeably and works with this calculator.

Gravel Coverage Reference Table

Quick reference for the most common project sizes using standard gravel (1.35 t/yd³):

Area	2" depth	4" depth	6" depth	8" depth
100 sq ft	0.62 yd³ / 0.84 t	1.23 yd³ / 1.67 t	1.85 yd³ / 2.50 t	2.47 yd³ / 3.34 t
200 sq ft	1.23 yd³ / 1.67 t	2.47 yd³ / 3.34 t	3.70 yd³ / 5.00 t	4.94 yd³ / 6.67 t
500 sq ft	3.09 yd³ / 4.17 t	6.17 yd³ / 8.34 t	9.26 yd³ / 12.5 t	12.3 yd³ / 16.7 t
1000 sq ft	6.17 yd³ / 8.34 t	12.3 yd³ / 16.7 t	18.5 yd³ / 25.0 t	24.7 yd³ / 33.4 t
2000 sq ft	12.3 yd³ / 16.7 t	24.7 yd³ / 33.4 t	37.0 yd³ / 50.0 t	49.4 yd³ / 66.7 t

Gravel Cost: What You'll Pay in 2026

Gravel pricing varies significantly by type, location, and order size. Here are the national average prices in the United States for the 2026 season:

Gravel type	Per ton (bulk)	Per cubic yard	Per 50 lb bag
Standard / crushed stone	$35–60	$50–80	$4–7
Pea gravel	$45–90	$60–120	$5–9
River rock	$50–130	$65–175	$6–15
Decomposed granite	$40–80	$55–110	$5–8
Limestone	$30–55	$45–75	$4–7

Delivery costs

Local delivery (≤25 miles): typically $50–150 flat fee
Distance over 25 miles: $5–15 per additional mile
Minimum delivery: usually 1 ton or 1 cubic yard
Wait/dump time: $50–100/hr if you delay unloading the truck

Bulk vs bagged: when each makes sense

Bagged gravel from a home improvement store is roughly 3–5× more expensive per ton than bulk delivery, but it's the right choice for projects under 1 ton total. Bulk delivery breaks even at around 1.5–2 tons. For driveways, patios, or any significant project, always order bulk. Calculate the breakeven yourself: if a $5 bag holds 50 lb, you're paying $200/ton — versus $40/ton bulk.

Hidden cost factors

Three factors can dramatically change your final cost. Regional variation: rural areas with local quarries are cheapest; urban centers far from quarries can be 50–100% more expensive. Labor for installation: if you're hiring out, expect $40–60/hr for unskilled labor or $400–800 for a 2-person crew on a typical driveway. Site prep: removing existing surfaces, fixing drainage, or building edge restraints can easily add 30–50% to your total project cost.

How to Install a Gravel Surface

A properly installed gravel surface lasts 15–25 years. Here's the standard professional process for a driveway or patio:

Plan and measure. Mark the perimeter with stakes and string. Calculate quantity using this calculator with a 5–10% buffer.
Excavate. Remove sod, topsoil, and any soft material. Go down 6–8 inches for a driveway, 4 inches for a patio.
Check drainage and grade. The surface should slope away from buildings at 1–2% grade (1/8 inch per foot minimum). Standing water destroys gravel surfaces faster than anything else.
Lay a geotextile fabric. Non-woven landscape fabric prevents gravel from migrating into soil and blocks weeds long-term. Skip this step and your gravel will disappear into the substrate within five years.
Install edge restraint. Steel, plastic, or stone edging keeps gravel contained. Without it, you'll be constantly raking material back from your lawn.
Add the base layer. For driveways, use 4 inches of #411 or dense-grade crushed stone. Compact every 2 inches with a plate compactor.
Add the top layer. 2 inches of finer gravel (3/8 inch or pea gravel for a patio, 3/4 inch crushed stone for a driveway).
Final compaction. Compact the top layer thoroughly. Light water-spraying during compaction helps lock pieces together.
Top dressing (year one). Plan to add 1/2 inch of fresh material 6–12 months after installation as the base settles.

Gravel vs Alternatives

For surfaces that aren't structural driveways, you have options. Here's how gravel stacks up against the most common alternatives:

Feature	Gravel	Concrete	Pavers	Mulch
Initial cost ($/sq ft)	$1–3	$6–12	$10–25	$0.50–1
Lifespan	15–25 yr	25–50 yr	25–50 yr	1–3 yr
Drainage	Excellent	Poor	Good	Excellent
Maintenance	Low (annual top-up)	Minimal	Low	High
DIY-friendly	Yes	No (pro recommended)	Yes (with effort)	Yes

Gravel wins on cost, drainage, and DIY-ability. Concrete and pavers win on permanence and load capacity. For a parking surface that will see daily vehicle traffic, concrete or pavers are more durable long-term. For paths, drainage layers, or aesthetic surfaces, gravel is almost always the right choice.

Maintenance and Longevity

A well-installed gravel surface needs minimal upkeep, but ignoring it leads to expensive repairs. Here's what to do, and when:

Annual top-up: Add 1/2 to 1 inch of fresh gravel once a year to compensate for compaction and loss. For our example 20×10 driveway, that's roughly 0.4 cubic yards — about $25–40 of material per year.
Weed control: With landscape fabric below, weeds should be minimal. Spot-treat any that emerge with horticultural vinegar or selective herbicide. Pulling them by hand brings soil to the surface and accelerates weed return.
Raking: Once per season, rake the surface to redistribute material and break up any compaction issues or developing depressions.
Pothole repair: Fill any depressions promptly with fresh gravel and compact. Don't let small dips become deep ruts — fixing a 6-inch rut takes 5× the material of a fresh 1-inch depression.

After 15–20 years, you may need a full re-base. Signs that it's time: large persistent depressions, drainage issues, geotextile fabric failure (you'll see soil mixing with gravel), or the surface sinking into clay below.

Buying Tips

A few hard-learned lessons for first-time gravel buyers:

Get 3 quotes minimum. Bulk gravel pricing is highly negotiable, especially in shoulder seasons (early spring, late fall).
Ask for "delivered weight" pricing. Some suppliers list the gravel price but bury a $100–200 delivery surcharge. Get the all-in number.
Specify the grade in writing. "Crushed stone" can mean five different things. Use ASTM standard names: #57, #411, #4, #2, or "dense grade." Photos help.
Inspect at delivery. Look for excessive fine material (dust), wrong color, or wrong size. Refuse the load if it's wrong — once dumped, you own it.
Check the truck capacity. A standard tri-axle dump truck holds 12–15 cubic yards. If you ordered 5 yards, the truck shouldn't be full.
Time your delivery. Have your site prepared and accessible before the truck arrives. Trucks can charge $50–100/hr in wait time if they can't dump immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons of gravel do I need for a 1000 sq ft driveway?

For a 1000 sq ft driveway at 4 inches deep, you need approximately 12.3 cubic yards or 16.7 tons of standard gravel. Add a 5–10% waste factor for compaction and spillage, so order around 18 tons to be safe. At a 6-inch depth (4-inch base plus 2-inch top), bump that to 25 tons.

How much does a yard of gravel cost?

A cubic yard of standard gravel costs between $15 and $75, depending on type and location. Bulk delivery of 5+ yards usually runs $40–$50 per yard. Decorative options like pea gravel and river rock cost more, around $50–$100 per yard. Delivery typically adds $50–$150 in most US regions.

How thick should a gravel driveway be?

A residential gravel driveway should be 4–6 inches thick total: a 4-inch base layer of larger crushed stone (#411 or dense grade), then a 2-inch top layer of finer gravel. Commercial or heavy-use driveways need 8–12 inches with a stronger compacted base.

How much area does one ton of gravel cover?

One ton of standard gravel covers approximately 75 square feet at 4 inches deep, 100 square feet at 3 inches, or 150 square feet at 2 inches. Coverage decreases proportionally with depth, and varies by 10–15% depending on the gravel type and compaction.

What's the difference between cubic yards and tons of gravel?

Cubic yards measure volume, tons measure weight. The conversion depends on density: 1 cubic yard of standard gravel weighs about 1.35 tons. Crushed stone is denser at 1.42 t/yd³, and pea gravel is even heavier at 1.50 t/yd³. Most suppliers sell by the ton.

Should I add a waste factor when ordering gravel?

Yes. Gravel compacts during installation and you'll lose some during spreading and edge work. For driveways, add 5%; for large patios or irregular shapes, add 10%. Always round up to the nearest half ton when ordering — paying for one extra delivery costs far more than over-ordering.

What size gravel is best for a driveway?

For driveways, use a base layer of larger crushed stone (3/4 to 1.5 inches) for stability, topped with smaller gravel (3/8 to 1/2 inch) for a smooth finish. Avoid pure pea gravel as a top layer — it shifts under vehicle weight and creates ruts within months.

Is gravel cheaper than concrete or asphalt?

Yes, significantly. Gravel costs $1–3 per square foot installed, versus $6–12 for concrete and $7–15 for asphalt. Over a 25-year period, gravel is still cheaper despite needing annual top-ups, though concrete and asphalt require less maintenance and handle heavy vehicle traffic better.

How long does a gravel driveway last?

A properly installed gravel driveway with landscape fabric, compacted base, and edge restraint lasts 15–25 years. Cheap installations without fabric or edging may need full replacement in 5–8 years. Annual maintenance (1/2 inch top-up) is essential for the longer lifespan.

Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?

Yes for almost all applications. Non-woven geotextile fabric prevents gravel from migrating into the soil below (which causes gradual disappearance) and significantly reduces weed growth. The exception is French drains, where you only want fabric on the sides and top, not the bottom.

How much does gravel delivery cost?

Local gravel delivery (within 25 miles) typically costs $50–$150 as a flat fee. Beyond 25 miles, expect $5–$15 per additional mile. Most suppliers have a 1-ton or 1-cubic-yard minimum. Delivery is often free for orders over 10–15 tons in competitive markets.

Can I install gravel myself, or do I need a professional?

Most gravel projects are DIY-friendly if you have a wheelbarrow, rake, and access to a rented plate compactor ($40–60/day). Excavation for driveways often requires a small loader or tractor, which justifies hiring out. Patios and walkways are easy weekend projects for most homeowners.

What is the best gravel for drainage?

For drainage applications like French drains, use ASTM #57 crushed stone (3/4 inch washed). The angular, uniformly-sized pieces create maximum void space for water flow. Avoid pea gravel for drainage — its smooth surfaces pack tightly and reduce flow capacity by up to 40%.