About this calculator
Quarries and landscape yards sell gravel by the ton, but you measure your project in feet and inches. This calculator bridges the two: it finds the volume of your driveway, path or base and multiplies by the typical density of the material you choose to give tons to order.
Choose from pea gravel, #57 crushed stone, crusher run (road base), river rock, dry sand and decomposed granite.
How to use it
- Enter the length and width of the area.
- Enter the depth. Walkways usually need 2–3 in; driveways 4–6 in, laid and compacted in layers.
- Choose the material. Each has a different weight per cubic yard.
- Keep 10% extra for compaction and uneven ground (15% for road base under a driveway).
The formula
Volume = length × width × depth × (1 + extra%)
Tons = cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard)
Densities used: pea gravel and #57 crushed stone 1.4 tons per cubic yard, crusher run 1.5, river rock and dry sand 1.35, decomposed granite 1.4. These are typical supplier figures for loose, dry material — wet material weighs more, so ask your supplier for their conversion.
Worked example
These are the calculator’s starting values and the results they produce:
| Length | 20 ft |
|---|---|
| Width | 10 ft |
| Depth | 3 in |
| Material | Pea gravel |
| Extra for compaction and spreading | 10 % |
| Price per ton | $45.00 |
Tips before you buy
- Put landscape fabric under decorative gravel to keep it from sinking into the soil.
- For driveways, use a coarse base (crusher run or #3 stone) under a finer top layer.
- A standard dump truck carries roughly 10–15 tons; a pickup truck bed safely holds about 1 ton or less — check your payload rating.
- Pea gravel rolls underfoot; use edging to keep it contained on paths.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Typically 1.35–1.5 tons (2,700–3,000 lb), depending on the stone and moisture. Pea gravel and #57 stone are about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 0.71 cubic yards, which covers roughly 77 sq ft at 3 in deep or 116 sq ft at 2 in deep.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
For a 12 × 50 ft gravel driveway, 4 in deep, you need about 7.4 cubic yards — around 11 tons of crusher run, plus 10–15% for compaction.