How the gravel calculator is calculated
cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard
Worked example: a 20 by 10 foot area, 4 inches deep
These are the example defaults loaded in the calculator above: 20 by 10 feet at 4 inches deep, with an example 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| 20 x 10 ft x (4 / 12) | 66.67 cu ft |
| 66.67 ÷ 27 | 2.47 cu yd |
| 2.47 cu yd x 1.4 tons per cu yd (example) | 3.46 tons |
Every default in the calculator is an example so you can see a result straight away. None is a market average. Replace each with your own costs and rates.
Why tons per cubic yard is an input
Gravel is sold by volume or by weight, and the conversion between them is not a constant. Crushed stone, pea gravel and sand differ in density, and wet material weighs more than dry. This page does not claim a standard figure. It starts with an example so the result makes sense, and you replace it with the number printed on your supplier's ticket or price list.
How deep to lay gravel
Depth depends on the job: a path, a drainage bed, a driveway base and a decorative bed need different layers, and the right figure is in the plans or the supplier's advice for your ground. The calculator takes whatever depth you give it. Gravel settles, so many people add a small allowance, which is what the extra field is for.
Sand, stone and other fill
The same sum works for any loose fill sold by the yard or ton: sand, river rock, crushed stone, road base. Change the tons per cubic yard to match the material. For mulch, the mulch calculator uses the same volume math with bags.
Turn this into an estimate or invoice
The button under the result carries the gravel into the document generator as a line with its quantity and price. To price the whole job with delivery, labor and a markup, open the cost estimator set up for landscaping. For designs and presets, see the landscaper invoice page.
Related calculators
- Cubic yard calculatorVolume in yards from any length, width and depth
- Mulch calculatorBed area and depth into yards and bags
- Concrete calculatorYards of concrete for a slab or footing
- Landscaping price calculatorPrice a whole landscaping job
Questions people ask
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need?
Multiply length, width and depth (depth in feet, which is inches divided by 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27. A 20 by 10 foot area at 4 inches deep is 66.67 cubic feet, or 2.47 cubic yards.
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
It depends on the material, its size and its moisture, so ask your supplier. Multiply your cubic yards by their tons per cubic yard. This calculator uses 1.4 only as an example value that you can change.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
There is no single answer. It depends on the ground, the traffic and the layers you are building. Use the depth from your plans or your supplier's advice, and enter it in inches.
How do I figure sand or river rock?
Use the same volume sum and change the tons per cubic yard to match that material. Your supplier can tell you the weight per yard.
Should I order extra?
Gravel settles and some is lost in handling, so many people add a small allowance. Use the extra field to add a percentage to the volume.