Gravel Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons and Coverage
Estimate loose bulk gravel for a rectangular area. Enter the finished dimensions, planned depth, supplier density, and an allowance for grading or spillage.
What does the gravel calculator calculate?
Multiply length by width and depth to find cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the supplier’s tons-per-yard density. Add waste last. Typical gravel weighs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, but moisture and stone grading change that figure.
Gravel volume and weight formula
The first conversion changes inches of depth to feet, and the second converts 27 cubic feet into one cubic yard. Weight is an estimate based on the user-entered loose bulk density.
How to measure for an accurate estimate
- Measure the longest finished length and width in feet after edging or forms are positioned.
- Split curved or L-shaped spaces into rectangles, calculate each section, and add their volumes.
- Measure depth from the prepared subgrade to the planned finished gravel surface.
- Ask the supplier for the material’s loose tons-per-cubic-yard figure before ordering.
200-square-foot gravel path
A 20 ft by 10 ft path needs 3 in of gravel, using 1.4 tons/yd³ and 10% waste.
The net volume is 1.85 yd³; the order estimate is 2.04 yd³, weighing about 2.85 tons.Before you purchase material
- Order by cubic yard when the supplier sells volume and by ton when it sells from a scale.
- Use a larger allowance for uneven excavation, soft subgrade, or several small disconnected areas.
- Confirm whether quoted weight is dry, damp, or saturated because water changes delivered tonnage.
- Keep base aggregate, decorative gravel, and drainage stone as separate order lines.
Common questions
How many square feet does one cubic yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers about 324 square feet at 1 inch deep, 162 square feet at 2 inches, 108 square feet at 3 inches, or 81 square feet at 4 inches. Actual coverage falls when stone settles into an uneven base.
Should I order gravel by the ton or cubic yard?
Use the unit your supplier sells, then verify its conversion for the exact product. A planning density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard is common, but stone size, mineral type, moisture, and void space can shift the delivered weight.
How much extra gravel should I order?
Ten percent is reasonable for a measured rectangular project on a prepared base. Consider 15% or more for irregular boundaries, variable depth, settlement, trench filling, or difficult machine access. Avoid padding separate supplier minimums into the waste percentage.
Does this gravel estimate include compaction?
The general calculator includes waste but no separate compaction factor. For a compacted road base, use the gravel driveway or crushed stone calculator and enter the expected compaction allowance. Decorative stone normally needs less mechanical compaction than structural aggregate.
Sources and reference standards
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — SI Units: VolumeFederal reference for volume units and unit relationships.
- Federal Highway Administration — Gravel Roads Construction and Maintenance GuideFederal guidance on aggregate selection, placement, moisture, and compaction.