Materials
Gravel Calculator
Enter the area and depth of gravel to get the volume in cubic yards and the approximate weight in tons. Quarries usually sell by the ton, so the density input converts volume to weight.
Formula
Volume (ft³) = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 12. Cubic yards = ft³ ÷ 27. Tons = yd³ × density (tons/yd³). Crushed stone and gravel commonly weigh about 1.3 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard depending on gradation, moisture and compaction.
Worked example
A 30 ft by 10 ft parking pad, 4 in deep: 30 × 10 × 4 ÷ 12 = 100 ft³ = 3.70 yd³. At 1.4 tons/yd³ that is 5.19 tons.
Assumptions and limits
- Density is an average for loose crushed stone; ask your supplier for the product's actual weight.
- Compacted base needs roughly 10% to 20% more loose material than the finished volume.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Typically about 1.4 tons, with a range of roughly 1.3 to 1.7 tons for common crushed stone and gravel.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A common build-up is 4 to 6 in of compacted base over a stable subgrade, with 2 to 3 in of surface stone, more over soft soils.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons/yd³, one ton is about 19 ft³, which covers about 58 ft² at 4 in deep.