Gravel Calculator

Calculate cubic yards and tons of gravel for your project. Works for pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, and decomposed granite.

🪨 Enter Your Area Dimensions

3 in is standard for paths and beds

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Read the full Gravel Cost Guide 2026

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How to Calculate Gravel

Our gravel calculator helps you estimate cubic yards and tons of gravel for paths, patios, driveways, and landscape beds. Multiply the length by the width and the depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. We add 5% waste to cover settling and uneven ground.

Choosing a Gravel Type

  • Pea gravel: Small, rounded, and comfortable underfoot - best for decorative beds and walkways
  • Crushed stone: Angular pieces that lock together - best for driveways and base layers
  • River rock: Larger smooth stones - best for drainage and accent areas
  • Decomposed granite: Fine, compactable material - best for paths and patios

Gravel Depth Guidelines

Use 2-3 inches of gravel for decorative ground cover and landscape beds, and 3 inches for most walking paths. Driveways need 4-6 inches installed in compacted layers, typically with a larger crushed stone base under a smaller top course. Deeper layers spread vehicle loads and prevent ruts.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a ton of gravel cover?⌄
A ton of gravel covers roughly 100 square feet at a 2 inch depth, or about 70 square feet at a 3 inch depth. Coverage varies slightly with the type of gravel and how much it compacts.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?⌄
Gravel driveways should be 4 to 6 inches deep, installed in compacted layers. A common build-up is a base layer of larger crushed stone topped with a smaller decorative or driveway-grade gravel.
What's the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?⌄
Pea gravel is small and rounded, so it shifts underfoot and works best for decorative beds and walkways with edging. Crushed stone is angular, locks together, and compacts well, making it better for driveways and base layers.
How many bags of gravel equal a cubic yard?⌄
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so it takes about 54 half-cubic-foot bags to equal one cubic yard. For anything beyond a small project, buying bulk gravel by the ton is significantly cheaper than bags.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?⌄
Yes, in most cases. Landscape fabric blocks weeds from growing up through the gravel and keeps the stone from sinking into the soil below, so your gravel layer stays cleaner and lasts longer.

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