How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?

Crushed stone typically weighs 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is about 1.3 tons per cubic yard.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

Driveways need 4-6 inches total. Use 4 inches of compacted road base plus 2-3 inches of decorative gravel on top.

Gravel Calculator

Q: How much does a cubic yard of gravel cover?

One cubic yard covers 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep. Use the formula: Area (sq ft) ÷ 100 × desired depth (in 3-inch increments).

Area to Cover

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Gravel Specifications

Gravel Depth

Gravel Type

Compaction Factor (15% extra)

0%5%10%15%20%25%30%

Price per Ton

Include delivery

Gravel Required

Cubic Yards

Compacted Yards

Tons Needed

Truck Loads

Coverage per Ton

0 sq ft

Price per cu yd

Material

3/4" - 1"

Order 0 tons (0 cu yd) of Crushed Stone #57. Includes 15% compaction factor.

Understanding Gravel

Gravel Sizes

#57 (3/4-1"): Driveways • #8 (3/8-1/2"): Walkways • Pea Gravel (3/8-1/2"): Decorative • Rip Rap (4-8"): Erosion control

Compaction

Angular gravel compacts well (add 10-20% extra). Rounded gravel (pea gravel) doesn't compact - order exactly what you need.

Common Uses

Driveways: 4-6" depth • Walkways: 2-3" depth • Drainage: 4-6" depth • Decorative: 1-2" depth

Delivery

Standard dump truck: 10-14 tons • Tri-axle: 15-18 tons • Semi: 20-25 tons

Weight Reference:

1 cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 2,400-2,900 lbs
1 ton of gravel covers ~100 sq ft at 2" depth
1 ton of gravel covers ~70 sq ft at 3" depth
1 ton of gravel covers ~50 sq ft at 4" depth

Gravel Calculator: Cubic Yards & Tons of Gravel or Stone Needed

Whether you're covering a driveway, filling a trench, creating a drainage solution, or building a patio base, knowing the exact amount of gravel needed prevents under-ordering and costly delivery charges for a second load. Our Gravel Calculator computes the volume in cubic yards, cubic feet, and weight in tons for any project.

Gravel, also sold as pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, decomposed granite, or road base, is priced either by the cubic yard or by the ton. The conversion between volume and weight depends on the specific type of stone. Our calculator uses a standard density factor that you can adjust for different materials.

From a small garden path to a full-sized gravel driveway, this tool gives you a precise material estimate with a built-in waste/compaction factor so you never come up short.

Types of Gravel and Their Uses

Pea Gravel: Small, rounded stones (3/8"). Used for walkways, playgrounds, dog runs, and decorative landscaping. Comfortable underfoot but shifts easily without edging.

Crushed Stone/Gravel (#57): Angular crushed limestone, 3/4" size. The most common choice for driveways, drainage, and concrete base material. Locks together well when compacted.

Decomposed Granite (DG): A fine, gritty material that compacts well. Popular for pathways, low-maintenance landscaping, and desert garden design.

River Rock: Large, smooth stones (1-5"). Primarily decorative or used in dry creek beds for drainage and erosion control.

Road Base/Crushed Concrete: Coarse aggregate used as a compactable base under driveways, patios, and building pads.

How to Use the Gravel Calculator

Step 1: Enter Dimensions: Input the length and width of the area in feet or meters.
Step 2: Select Depth: Enter the desired depth in inches. Driveways need 4-6 inches; decorative covers need 2-3 inches.
Step 3: Choose Material: Select the gravel type to apply the correct density for weight calculations.
Step 4: Review Volume & Weight: Get the total in cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons.
Step 5: Add Compaction Factor: Gravel compacts under load. Add 10-20% to the calculated volume to account for settling.

Gravel Volume and Weight Calculations

Volume (Cubic Yards)

Volume = (Length × Width × Depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27

Convert depth from inches to feet (divide by 12), calculate cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards.

Weight (Tons)

Weight = Cubic Yards × Density (tons per cubic yard)

Crushed stone is approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is about 1.3 tons. Sand is about 1.35 tons.

With Compaction

Actual Volume = Calculated Volume × 1.15 to 1.20

Gravel settles and compacts under traffic and weight. Always add 15-20% extra to compensate for compaction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gravel

How much does a cubic yard of gravel cover?

One cubic yard covers 100 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or 80 sq ft at 4 inches deep. Use the formula: Area ÷ 100 = cubic yards needed (at 3-inch depth).

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

Crushed stone typically weighs 1.4 tons per cubic yard. This varies by material type and moisture content.

How much gravel do I need for a 10x20 driveway?

A 10x20 ft (200 sq ft) driveway at 4-inch depth needs about 2.5 cubic yards plus 15% for compaction ≈ 2.9 cubic yards.

Do I need a base under gravel driveways?

Yes! For vehicle traffic, compact a 4-6 inch base of road base or crushed stone before adding the decorative top layer. This prevents sinking and rutting.