Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel volume by area and depth for driveways, paths, and landscaping.
Gravel Needed: —
Gravel FAQ
What depth is typical for a driveway?
4 inches is standard for new driveways; 2 inches for top-dressing.
Should I order extra?
Add 10% for settling and waste.
Results are estimates for planning purposes. Verify with product labels and local requirements before purchasing materials.
How to calculate gravel volume for any project
To find how much gravel you need, multiply your area in square feet by the depth in feet (divide depth in inches by 12). This gives cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards — the standard unit for bulk gravel orders.
The formula is: Cubic yards = (Area sq ft × Depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27
Always add 10% for settling and waste. Gravel compacts 10–20% after installation, especially when run over by vehicles.
Gravel volume by project and depth
| Project | Area | Depth | Cubic yards (+ 10% waste) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway (new) | 10×40 ft | 4 in | 5.2 yd³ |
| Driveway (top-dress) | 10×40 ft | 2 in | 2.7 yd³ |
| Walkway | 3×20 ft | 3 in | 0.6 yd³ |
| Landscaping bed | 10×15 ft | 3 in | 1.5 yd³ |
| French drain backfill | 2×50 ft | 12 in | 4.4 yd³ |
| Patio base | 12×14 ft | 4 in | 2.3 yd³ |
Gravel depth recommendations by project type
| Project | Recommended depth | Gravel type |
|---|---|---|
| New driveway base | 4–6 inches | Crushed stone, road base |
| Driveway top dressing | 2 inches | Crushed stone screenings |
| Garden walkway | 2–3 inches | Pea gravel, river rock |
| Drainage trench | 8–12 inches | Washed clean stone |
| Landscaping bed | 2–3 inches | Decorative rock over fabric |
| French drain | 6–12 inches | Clean 3/4 inch crushed stone |
| Patio or fire pit base | 4 inches compacted | Road base or crusher run |
Types of gravel and their best uses
- Crushed stone (3/4 inch) — angular, compacts well, excellent for driveways, walkways, and drainage. The most versatile gravel for construction.
- Pea gravel — smooth, round, 3/8 to 3/4 inch. Good for pathways, playgrounds, and decorative beds. Moves under foot traffic — not ideal for driveways.
- River rock — larger, rounded, 1–4 inches. Decorative use in landscaping and drainage channels. Expensive but attractive.
- Decomposed granite — compacts into a firm surface. Excellent for pathways, patios, and driveways in dry climates.
- Limestone screenings — crusher fines that pack very firmly. Used for base layers and under pavers.
- Lava rock — lightweight, porous, reddish-brown. Used as mulch replacement in landscaping. Excellent drainage.
Frequently asked questions about gravel calculations
How much gravel do I need for a 10x20 driveway?
A 10×20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 2.5 cubic yards of gravel. Add 10% for settling and waste, bringing it to approximately 2.75 cubic yards — round up to 3 yards when ordering.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
4–6 inches is standard for a new driveway base layer. For a decorative top layer, 2 inches is sufficient. Proper drainage requires a minimum 4-inch base of compacted gravel.
How many cubic yards in a ton of gravel?
This varies by gravel type. Crushed stone weighs approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is slightly lighter at about 1.2 tons per cubic yard. Ask your supplier for the specific weight of their material.
How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
Divide cubic feet by 27. For example, 54 cubic feet equals 2 cubic yards. Gravel is sold by the cubic yard, so this conversion is essential when calling your supplier.
Should I put landscape fabric under driveway gravel?
No. Use a proper compacted base layer (crushed stone or road base) for driveways. Landscape fabric is appropriate for decorative garden beds to prevent weed growth, but it does not provide structural support for vehicle traffic.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel cost?
Gravel typically costs $15–$75 per cubic yard depending on type, location, and delivery fees. Pea gravel runs $30–$45 per yard. Crushed stone runs $20–$50 per yard. Delivery fees vary by distance and supplier.
What type of gravel is best for driveways?
Crushed stone (3/4 inch or 1-inch clean crushed) is the best base layer — it compacts well and drains effectively. For the surface layer, crushed stone screenings or compacted road base hold up under vehicle traffic better than round pea gravel, which tends to scatter.
How often do I need to replenish driveway gravel?
Most gravel driveways need a fresh top dressing of 1–2 inches every 2–5 years. Factors include traffic volume, climate, drainage quality, and whether the gravel was properly compacted on installation.
Related tools
- Square Footage Calculator — calculate your project area first
- Mulch Volume Calculator — estimate mulch for landscaping beds
- Concrete Volume Calculator — estimate concrete for foundations and pads
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