Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel for driveways, paths and drainage. Convert length, width and depth into cubic yards, tons and bags.
Gravel needed
3.63 tons
- Volume
- 2.59 cu yd
- Volume
- 70 cu ft
- 0.5 cu ft bags
- 140
- Estimated material cost
- $163.33
Uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Density varies by stone type: #57 is about 1.4, crushed stone base can reach 1.5.
Gravel is usually sold by the ton or by the cubic yard, and the conversion depends on the stone. This calculator uses a default density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard, which is typical for #57 crushed stone and similar drainage gravel.
Depth is the number that changes the estimate most. A decorative path needs 2 inches, a driveway top layer needs 4 inches, and a new driveway built from scratch needs a compacted base plus a surface layer.
How the gravel calculator works
Volume in cubic feet = length × width × depth, with depth converted to feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the stone density to get tons. The waste allowance is applied before conversion. Bag count assumes 0.5 cu ft bags.
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep is 66.7 cu ft, or 2.47 cu yd. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard that is 3.46 tons. With 5% waste, plan on about 3.63 tons.
Building a driveway base
- Excavate deep enough for the base plus the surface gravel. A new driveway often needs 8–12 inches total.
- Compact the subgrade, then place the base in 2–4 inch lifts and compact each lift.
- Use a geotextile fabric between soft subgrade and base to prevent the stone from disappearing into the soil.
- Shape the base with a crown or cross-slope so water drains to the sides, not toward the garage.
- Add the surface layer last and compact it again before opening the driveway to traffic.
Stone types and uses
| Stone | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| #57 crushed stone | Driveway surface, drainage | Clean stone; 1.4 tons per yard |
| #411 / crusher run | Compacted base | Includes dust; firms up |
| #304 | Base and paths | Similar to #411; check local naming |
| Pea gravel | Paths, beds, play areas | Rounds and shifts; not a base |
| River rock | Decorative beds | Larger, smooth; hard to walk on |
Common gravel mistakes
- Using one layer of mixed stone instead of a compacted base and a clean surface layer.
- Skipping edge restraint, which lets the driveway spread and lose its shape.
- Spreading the stone too thin; 2 inches disappears into the subgrade.
- Putting landscape fabric under a driveway base, where it can trap water or tear.
- Ordering by volume without checking the supplier's tons-per-yard conversion.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
It depends on the stone. #57 crushed stone is about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, pea gravel about 1.35, and compactable crushed base can reach 1.5. Ask your supplier for the density of the specific product.
How deep should driveway gravel be?
A resurfaced driveway needs about 4 inches of new stone over a stable base. A new driveway typically needs 4–6 inches of compacted base plus 4 inches of surface gravel, for 8–12 inches total.
How much area does one ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 19 cubic feet. That covers roughly 115 sq ft at 2 inches deep or 57 sq ft at 4 inches deep.
Should I use #57 or #411 gravel?
#57 is a clean, free-draining stone used for drainage and driveway surfaces. #411 contains stone dust and compacts into a firm base. Many driveways use #411 for the base and #57 for the top.
Do I need a weed barrier under gravel?
A woven landscape fabric helps under decorative gravel and paths, but it is not a substitute for proper excavation and a compacted base under a driveway. Skip plastic sheeting, which traps water.
How much does a dump truck load of gravel weigh?
A typical tandem dump truck carries 12–15 tons, which is roughly 9–11 cubic yards at 1.4 tons per yard. Delivery minimums and truck access often matter more than the exact load size.
Assumptions and accuracy
- Dimensions are converted to feet before the calculation; 1 ft = 12 in = 0.3048 m.
- Waste allowances are estimates. Add more for irregular shapes, many cuts and uneven subgrade.
- Bag yields, coverage rates and material densities vary by product. Check the label or ask your supplier.
- Local building codes and site conditions always take precedence over a general-purpose calculator.
- Read our full methodology