Gravel Calculator
Enter the area and depth of your gravel bed. The calculator returns the volume in cubic yards and converts it to tons (gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard) so you can order by weight.
Updated · How we calculate
Your measurements
Gravel needed
6.91 tons
≈ 4.94 yd³
Estimates only. Verify against your supplier's coverage figures before ordering.
Footprint
Footprint to scale
Coverage
- Surface area
- 400 ft²
How much gravel for common jobs
| Job | Size | Gravel needed | Also |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 30 × 3 ft, 2 in deep | 0.78 tons | ≈ 0.56 yd³ |
| Shed base | 12 × 10 ft, 4 in deep | 2.07 tons | ≈ 1.48 yd³ |
| Patio base | 16 × 12 ft, 4 in deep | 3.32 tons | ≈ 2.37 yd³ |
| Parking pad | 20 × 20 ft, 4 in deep | 6.91 tons | ≈ 4.94 yd³ |
| Single-car driveway | 40 × 12 ft, 4 in deep | 8.3 tons | ≈ 5.93 yd³ |
| Two-car driveway | 40 × 20 ft, 4 in deep | 13.83 tons | ≈ 9.88 yd³ |
| Long driveway | 150 × 12 ft, 4 in deep | 31.11 tons | ≈ 22.22 yd³ |
| French drain trench | 50 × 1.5 ft, 12 in deep | 3.89 tons | ≈ 2.78 yd³ |
Figures use this calculator's default settings; tap one above the inputs to load it and adjust.
The formula
Tons = (Length ft × Width ft × (Depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27) × 1.4 tons/yd³
Example: A 40 ft × 10 ft driveway at 4 in deep = 4.94 yd³ ≈ 6.9 tons of gravel.
How it works
- 1Calculate the volume in cubic yards (area × depth ÷ 27).
- 2Multiply by ~1.4 to convert cubic yards to tons for crushed gravel.
- 3Suppliers usually sell gravel by the ton, so order by weight.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Plan for 4–6 inches for a residential driveway, often in two layers: a coarser base and a finer top layer.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton of gravel is about 19 cubic feet. That covers roughly 116 ft² at 2 inches deep, 77 ft² at 3 inches and 58 ft² at 4 inches.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 tons for typical crushed gravel, with a normal range of 1.3 to 1.5 depending on the stone size and moisture. One cubic yard covers 162 ft² at 2 inches deep, 108 ft² at 3 inches and 81 ft² at 4 inches.
How much gravel do I need for a 12 × 40 ft driveway?
A 12 ft × 40 ft driveway is 480 ft². At 4 inches deep that is 5.93 cubic yards, or about 8.3 tons of gravel. At 6 inches deep it is 8.89 cubic yards, or about 12.4 tons.
How much does a ton of gravel cost?
Bulk gravel typically runs $30–$65 per ton before delivery. Decorative stone costs more, and most suppliers add a delivery fee or have a minimum load, so ask for a delivered price.