How this calculator works
Enter the length and width of the area you are covering (or, if you already know the total area, set width to 1 and put the area in the length field), the depth of gravel you want, and a density figure for your specific material. The calculator multiplies area by depth for volume, then multiplies volume by density to estimate weight in tons — the number most gravel yards actually sell by.
Density is the part of this calculation that varies the most. Crushed stone, pea gravel, sand and topsoil all weigh noticeably different amounts per cubic yard, and even the same material varies with moisture content and how tightly it has settled. The 1.4 tons per cubic yard default is a commonly cited typical value for crushed stone, not a fixed constant — always check with your supplier for the density of the specific product you are buying if the order is large.
The formula
Volume = area × depth (depth converted to the same length unit as area)Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27 exactlyWeight = volume × density (tons per cubic yard, or tonnes per cubic meter)1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet exactly. Density is an approximate, material-specific input you supply — this calculator does not assume a single fixed density for all gravel.
Worked example: a 10 ft × 10 ft area, 3 inches deep
- Depth in feet: 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 ft.
- Volume: 10 × 10 × 0.25 = 25 cubic feet.
- In cubic yards: 25 ÷ 27 = 0.9259 cubic yards.
- At 1.4 tons per cubic yard: 0.9259 × 1.4 ≈ 1.30 tons.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a gravel driveway or path be?
A single-layer path is often 2 inches deep over a compacted base; a driveway built to support vehicle weight typically uses 4 to 6 inches, sometimes in two layers of different-sized stone. Check your local guidance for the specific gravel type and traffic load.
Why does density vary so much between materials?
Different stone types, particle sizes and moisture content all change how much a cubic yard weighs. Approximate typical values: crushed stone about 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard (roughly 1.6 to 2.0 tonnes per cubic meter), pea gravel around 1.3 tons per cubic yard, and sand around 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Ask your supplier for the exact figure for what you're buying.
Should I order extra gravel for waste?
A small buffer, often 5 to 10%, is common to cover an uneven sub-base, spillage during spreading, and future top-ups as gravel settles and needs replenishing. This calculator gives the base estimate; add your own buffer on top if you want a safety margin.
How do I measure an irregularly shaped area?
Split it into simple rectangular sections, find each section's area (length × width), add them together, then run the total through this calculator with width set to 1 so the length field holds your combined area.
Why does the calculator ask for tons instead of just cubic yards?
Gravel yards and delivery trucks typically price and load material by weight, not volume, since loose gravel volume varies with how it's piled and settled. Converting to weight up front gives you the number you'll actually need when placing an order.