By Mike Richardson, construction estimator with 10+ years of experience.
Gravel Calculator
Volume, weight & cost for driveways, walkways & landscaping
Table of Contents
What Is a Gravel Calculator?
A gravel calculator estimates how much gravel, crushed stone, or decorative rock you need for any project — driveways, walkways, landscaping beds, drainage, or concrete subbases. You enter the area dimensions and depth, select a gravel type, and the calculator returns cubic yards, tons, 50-lb bag count, and total delivered cost.
Gravel calculations are more complex than they appear because different gravel types have different densities. A cubic yard of crusher run weighs 1.5 tons, while pea gravel weighs only 1.35 tons — a 200 lb difference per yard that changes your order and your cost. Our gravel calculator accounts for 7 material types with accurate density conversions.
Our gravel calculator includes features most competitors miss:
- 7 gravel type presets — Crushed stone, pea gravel, crusher run, river rock, decomposed granite, limestone, and white marble chips. Each preset uses the correct density for accurate weight conversion.
- 3 area shapes — Rectangle, circle, and triangle. No manual area conversion needed — select the shape and enter dimensions.
- Tons and cubic yards — Most suppliers sell by the ton, but some sell by the yard. Our calculator shows both so you can order either way.
- 50-lb bag count — For small projects where bagged gravel from a home center makes more sense than bulk delivery.
- Delivery cost included — Material cost plus delivery fee gives you a true total project cost, not just material price.
Gravel Types, Densities, and Prices (2026)
| Gravel Type | Density (tons/yd³) | Price per Ton | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | 1.40 | $20–$45 | General fill, bases, backfill |
| Pea Gravel | 1.35 | $25–$50 | Walkways, decorative, drainage |
| Crusher Run | 1.50 | $20–$40 | Driveways, road base, compaction |
| River Rock | 1.35 | $40–$80 | Decorative landscaping, dry creek beds |
| Decomposed Granite | 1.50 | $30–$55 | Patios, paths, xeriscaping |
| Limestone | 1.55 | $25–$55 | Driveways, pH adjustment, structural fill |
| White Marble Chips | 1.40 | $40–$70 | Decorative borders, flower beds |
Why density matters: If you order 5 cubic yards of crusher run (1.50 tons/yd³), the truck delivers 7.5 tons. At $30/ton, that is $225 in material. The same 5 yards of pea gravel (1.35 tons/yd³) weighs only 6.75 tons — $203 at $38/ton. Always match the density to the material you are actually ordering.
How to Calculate Gravel for Any Project (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Measure Your Area
Measure the length and width of your project area in feet. For rectangular areas, multiply length × width. For circular areas (around trees, fire pits), measure the diameter and use π × (diameter ÷ 2)². For triangular areas, use 0.5 × base × height. Break irregular shapes into rectangles and triangles, calculate each separately, and add the totals.
Step 2: Determine the Depth
Choose the correct depth based on your project type:
- 2 inches — Decorative ground cover, garden borders, mulch replacement
- 3 inches — Walkways, paths, patio bases
- 4 inches — Standard driveway base, light vehicle traffic
- 6 inches — Heavy-traffic driveways, truck access, RV pads
- 8–12 inches — French drains, deep drainage beds, structural subbases
Step 3: Calculate Volume in Cubic Yards
Multiply the area (sq ft) by depth (convert inches to feet by dividing by 12), then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. For example, a 20 ft × 10 ft area at 4″ depth: 200 × 0.333 = 66.6 ft³ ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards.
Step 4: Convert to Tons
Multiply cubic yards by the gravel density. For crushed stone at 1.40 tons/yd³: 2.47 × 1.40 = 3.46 tons. This is the number you give the supplier if they sell by the ton (most do).
Step 5: Add Extra Material
Add 10% extra for settling and edge loss on flat decorative projects. Add 15% for structural bases that will be mechanically compacted — compaction reduces loose volume by 10–15%. Skipping the overage means running short mid-project, which costs another delivery fee.
Quick Reference — Gravel by Area and Depth
| Area (ft) | Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons (Crushed Stone) | 50 lb Bags | Est. Material Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 | 2″ | 0.62 | 0.87 | 35 | $26 |
| 10 × 10 | 4″ | 1.23 | 1.73 | 69 | $52 |
| 12 × 40 | 4″ | 5.93 | 8.30 | 332 | $249 |
| 20 × 40 | 4″ | 9.88 | 13.83 | 553 | $415 |
| 20 × 40 | 6″ | 14.81 | 20.74 | 830 | $622 |
| 20 × 20 | 3″ | 3.70 | 5.19 | 207 | $156 |
| 30 × 30 | 4″ | 11.11 | 15.56 | 622 | $467 |
| 50 × 20 | 6″ | 18.52 | 25.93 | 1,037 | $778 |
These figures include 10% extra material. Material cost uses $30/ton (crushed stone average). Add $50–$150 for delivery.
Gravel Driveway Calculator — Depth, Material, and Cost
A gravel driveway is one of the most common and cost-effective surfaces for residential properties. The key to a long-lasting gravel driveway is building it in layers with the right materials.
| Driveway Size | Dimensions | Cubic Yards (4″) | Tons | Material Cost | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single car | 12 × 40 ft | 5.93 | 8.30 | $250–$375 | $600–$1,500 |
| Two car | 20 × 40 ft | 9.88 | 13.83 | $415–$625 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Long single | 12 × 80 ft | 11.85 | 16.59 | $500–$750 | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Wide double | 24 × 50 ft | 14.81 | 20.74 | $620–$935 | $1,500–$3,750 |
Best driveway material: Crusher run (road base) is the best gravel for driveways because it compacts tightly into a solid surface. The angular crushed stone with fine dust creates a self-binding layer that resists rutting, erosion, and tire displacement. Avoid pea gravel for driveways — the smooth, rounded stones never lock together and shift constantly under traffic.
Gravel Coverage by Depth
Knowing how much area one cubic yard or one ton covers at different depths helps you estimate quickly without a calculator:
| Depth | Coverage per Cubic Yard | Coverage per Ton (Crushed Stone) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1″ | 324 sq ft | 231 sq ft | Thin top dressing |
| 2″ | 162 sq ft | 116 sq ft | Decorative ground cover |
| 3″ | 108 sq ft | 77 sq ft | Walkways, paths |
| 4″ | 81 sq ft | 58 sq ft | Driveways, parking pads |
| 6″ | 54 sq ft | 39 sq ft | Heavy-traffic drives |
| 12″ | 27 sq ft | 19 sq ft | Deep drainage, French drains |
Gravel Costs in 2026
| Cost Component | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone | $20–$45/ton | Most common, best value |
| Pea gravel | $25–$50/ton | Decorative, smooth |
| Crusher run | $20–$40/ton | Best for driveways, compacts well |
| River rock | $40–$80/ton | Premium decorative |
| Delivery (per load) | $50–$150 | Dump truck, 10–15 yd³ capacity |
| Spreading/grading | $0.50–$1.50/sq ft | Professional install labor |
| Compaction | $0.25–$0.75/sq ft | Plate compactor or roller |
For a 20 × 40 ft driveway at 4″ depth using crushed stone, expect $415–$625 in material, $100 for delivery, and $400–$800 for professional spreading and compaction — total $915–$1,525 installed.
Tips for Buying and Installing Gravel
Always order by the ton, not the yard. Tons are weighed on a certified truck scale — you get exactly what you pay for. Cubic yards are measured by eye in the truck bed, and “a yard” can vary 10–20% between loads. If your supplier sells by the yard, ask for the weight ticket when the truck arrives.
Get 2–3 quotes from local suppliers. Gravel prices vary significantly between quarries, landscape supply yards, and home centers. A local quarry often sells crushed stone at $20–$25/ton, while a landscape supplier may charge $35–$45/ton for the same material. Delivery distance is the biggest cost variable.
Use landscape fabric under decorative gravel. A layer of woven landscape fabric between the soil and gravel prevents weeds from growing through and keeps the gravel from sinking into soft ground. This is essential for pea gravel, river rock, and marble chip installations. Skip fabric only for driveway bases where compaction into the subgrade is desired.
Build driveway gravel in layers. The best gravel driveways have three layers: 4″ of coarse #3 stone (1.5–2.5″) at the base, 3″ of #57 stone (¾–1″) in the middle, and 2″ of crusher run or #8 stone (⅜–½″) on top. Compact each layer before adding the next.
Compact in lifts, not all at once. For structural applications, compact gravel in 2–3″ lifts using a plate compactor (rental: $60–$100/day). Dumping 6 inches of loose gravel and compacting once does not achieve proper density — the bottom stays loose while only the top compacts.
Crown your driveway for drainage. A gravel driveway should be slightly higher in the center than the edges — about 1 inch of rise per 4 feet of width. This crown sheds rainwater to both sides and prevents puddles from forming in wheel tracks.
Edge your gravel areas. Without edging, gravel migrates into lawn areas, gardens, and walkways. Steel landscape edging ($1–$3/ft), aluminum edging, or pressure-treated 4×4 timbers keep gravel contained. Install edging before spreading gravel, not after.
Calculate with the delivery minimum in mind. Most suppliers have a 2–5 ton minimum for delivery. If your project needs 1.5 tons, you may pay the same delivery fee as a 3-ton order. Consider ordering slightly more to fill another area rather than paying full delivery for a small load.
Check local permits for driveway gravel. Some municipalities require permits or have setback rules for new gravel driveways, especially in subdivisions with HOA covenants. Rural properties typically have no restrictions.
Plan for annual top-up. Gravel driveways lose 1–2 inches of surface material per year from displacement, erosion, and snowplow damage. Budget for a 1-ton top-up per 500 sq ft annually to maintain proper depth and surface quality.
Comparison Table: Choosing the Right Gravel
| Gravel Type | Compaction | Drainage | Appearance | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher Run | Excellent — locks tight | Moderate | Grey, rough | Driveways, road base, parking |
| Crushed Stone (#57) | Good | Excellent | Grey, angular | General fill, drainage, bases |
| Pea Gravel | Poor — shifts | Excellent | Multi-color, round | Walkways, decorative, pipe bedding |
| River Rock | Poor — shifts | Excellent | Natural, smooth | Landscaping, dry creek beds |
| Decomposed Granite | Excellent — binds | Good | Gold/tan, fine | Patios, paths, xeriscaping |
So, crusher run is the best gravel for driveways and structural bases because it compacts into a solid, stable surface that resists erosion and rutting. For decorative landscaping, pea gravel and river rock look better but require edging and fabric to stay in place.
For a 10 ft × 10 ft area (100 sq ft) at 3″ depth, you need about 0.93 cubic yards or 1.3 tons of crushed stone. At 4″ depth, that increases to 1.23 cubic yards or 1.73 tons. At typical crushed stone pricing ($30/ton), that is $39–$52 in material before delivery.
On average, 1 ton of crushed stone equals about 0.71 cubic yards (since crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard). Pea gravel is slightly lighter, so 1 ton equals about 0.74 cubic yards. Crusher run is heavier — 1 ton equals about 0.67 cubic yards.
One cubic yard of gravel weighs between 2,600 and 3,400 lbs (1.3–1.7 tons) depending on the type. Crushed stone averages about 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons) per cubic yard. Crusher run and decomposed granite are heavier at around 3,000 lbs (1.5 tons) per cubic yard.
For a typical single-car driveway (12 ft × 40 ft = 480 sq ft) at 4″ depth, you need about 5.93 cubic yards or 8.3 tons of crushed stone. A two-car driveway (20 ft × 40 ft) needs about 9.88 cubic yards or 13.8 tons. Use crusher run for the best compaction and surface stability.
A gravel driveway should be 4–6 inches deep total. For light vehicle traffic (cars), 4″ is sufficient. For heavy traffic (trucks, RVs), go with 6″. Ideally, build in layers: 4″ of coarse crusher run base compacted, then 2″ of finer surface gravel.
In 2026, gravel prices range from $20 to $80 per ton depending on the type. Crushed stone and crusher run are the cheapest at $20–$45/ton. Pea gravel runs $25–$50/ton. River rock is the most expensive at $40–$80/ton. Delivery adds $50–$150 per load depending on distance.
One ton of crushed stone (about 0.71 cubic yards) covers approximately 57 sq ft at 4″ depth, 77 sq ft at 3″ depth, or 115 sq ft at 2″ depth. Heavier materials like crusher run cover slightly less area per ton because they are denser.
Most gravel suppliers sell by the ton (weight), but some sell by the cubic yard (volume). Buying by the ton is more accurate because the truck is weighed at a certified scale. Our calculator provides both measurements so you can order either way.
A standard dump truck holds 10–15 cubic yards (14–21 tons) of gravel. At $30/ton for crushed stone, one full truckload costs $420–$630 for material plus $50–$150 for delivery, totaling $470–$780. A tri-axle truck holds 22–26 tons for larger projects.
Crusher run (road base) is the best choice for driveways. Its mix of angular crushed stone and fine dust compacts tightly into a solid, stable surface that resists rutting and erosion. Avoid pea gravel for driveways — the smooth, round stones shift under tires and never lock together.
Divide the total weight in pounds by 50. For example, if you need 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs), you need 56 bags. One 50-lb bag covers about 3 sq ft at 2″ depth or 2 sq ft at 3″ depth. Bags are practical only for small projects under 0.5 tons — beyond that, bulk delivery is cheaper and faster.
Yes — for structural applications like driveway bases and concrete subbases, add 10–15% extra material to account for compaction. Compacted gravel loses 10–15% of its loose volume. For decorative gravel that will not be compacted, the standard 10% overage for settling and edge loss is sufficient.
Yes — a 4–6″ compacted gravel subbase under a concrete slab is standard practice. Use crusher run or ¾″ crushed stone, compact in 2″ lifts with a plate compactor, and top with 1–2″ of sand for a perfectly level surface before pouring concrete.
Pea gravel has smooth, rounded edges (¼–½″ diameter) and is best for decorative use, walkways, and drainage. Crushed stone has sharp, angular edges that lock together when compacted, making it better for driveways, structural bases, and areas that need to support weight.
Use the formula: Area = π × (diameter ÷ 2)². For a 10 ft diameter circle: 3.1416 × 5² = 78.54 sq ft. Then multiply by depth in feet and divide by 27 for cubic yards. Our calculator handles this automatically — just select “Circle” as the shape and enter the diameter.
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