Gravel Calculator
Enter your area and depth to see cubic yards, tons, and bags for the gravel you are spreading.
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons (crushed) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 1.48 | 2.0 |
| 3 in | 2.22 | 3.0 |
| 4 in | 2.96 | 4.0 |
| 6 in | 4.44 | 6.0 |
Measure the area
For a driveway or path, measure length and width in feet. For a curved or irregular area, split it into rectangles and add them up. A little overage is smart because gravel settles into the base.
Depth by job
Two inches works for decorative beds and light paths over a solid base. Use three to four inches for walkways and driveways, and up to six inches for a new driveway over bare soil with a fabric base layer.
Ordering by the ton
Bulk gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard, while bags are sold by volume. Weigh the convenience of bags against the lower cost per ton of delivery. Ask the yard what a cubic yard of your stone weighs, since it varies.
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Questions about this calculator
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
A ton of crushed stone covers about 120 square feet at 2 inches deep, or about 60 square feet at 4 inches deep.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Crushed stone runs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is a little lighter, near 1.3 tons, and river rock is lighter still.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Aim for 4 inches of gravel over a compacted base for a residential driveway. New ground may need 6 inches plus a geotextile fabric to stop the stone sinking.
How many bags of gravel are in a cubic yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so about 54 bags of 0.5 cubic feet make a cubic yard. Bagged gravel is best for small jobs.
Do I need a weed barrier under gravel?
A woven landscape fabric under decorative gravel slows weeds and keeps stone from mixing with soil. Skip it on a compacted driveway base, where it can trap water.
What is the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?
Pea gravel is smooth and rounded, comfortable underfoot and good for beds and paths. Crushed stone has angular faces that lock together, which makes it better for driveways and drainage.