Gravel calculator — cubic yards and tons
Enter the area dimensions and depth of your gravel project to find out how many cubic yards to order. The calculator also estimates weight in tons.
Cubic yards
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Cubic feet
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Cubic meters
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Tons (approx.)
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Formula
Volume (cu ft) = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft)
where depth (ft) = depth (in) / 12
Volume (cu yd) = volume (cu ft) / 27
Weight (lb) = volume (cu ft) × density (lb/cu ft)
Tons = weight (lb) / 2,000
Common depths
| Use | Depth |
|---|---|
| Walkway | 2–3 in |
| Driveway | 4–6 in |
| Drainage layer | 3–4 in |
| Decorative landscape | 2–3 in |
Frequently asked
How much gravel do I need?
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) / 324. For example, a 10×10 ft area at 3 inches deep needs about 0.93 cubic yards.
How heavy is a cubic yard of gravel?
Gravel weight varies by type. The calculator uses 100 lb per cubic foot (2,700 lb per cubic yard, or about 1.35 US tons) — typical for pea gravel and crushed limestone. River rock and granite are heavier.
How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?
Roughly 1.35 US short tons per cubic yard at typical density. Suppliers usually sell by the ton or cubic yard, so check their listed density.
Do I need to add extra for waste?
For most projects, order 5–10% extra to account for settling, spillage, and uneven ground.
How do I share my calculation?
Click "Share with my numbers" to copy a URL that saves your dimensions.