Calculator
Gravel Calculator
Quick Answer
Enter area, depth, gravel type, density, and extra material to estimate cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons.
Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel volume and tons for decorative cover, walkways, and drainage areas.
Formula Explanation
cubicFeet = areaSqFt x depthFt. cubicYards = cubicFeet / 27. tons = cubicYards x density. Result with extra material = result x (1 + extraPercent).
Example Calculation
A 12 ft by 10 ft area is 120 square feet. At 3 inches deep, depth is 0.25 feet, so volume is 30 cubic feet or 1.11 cubic yards. Pea gravel at 1.4 tons per cubic yard is about 1.56 tons before extra material.
| Depth | Use | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | Decorative cover | Best for low-traffic coverage. |
| 3 inches | Walkway | Common for foot traffic with edging. |
| 4+ inches | Driveway or heavier use | May require compacted base guidance. |
Material Density Note
Gravel density varies by supplier, stone type, size, compaction, and moisture content. Use supplier-provided density for final ordering decisions.
FAQ
How does the gravel calculator estimate tons?+
It estimates cubic yards first, then multiplies cubic yards by the selected gravel density in tons per cubic yard.
What density should I use for gravel?+
Use the supplier's density when possible. Planning defaults include pea gravel at 1.4, crushed stone at 1.5, river rock at 1.35, and decomposed granite at 1.45 tons per cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be?+
Use 2 inches for decorative cover, about 3 inches for many walkways, and 4 inches or more for heavier use after confirming base requirements.
Why do gravel estimates vary?+
Stone size, moisture content, compaction, local material, and supplier measurement methods can all change the final weight.