Gravel Calculator
Find out how many tons and cubic yards of gravel you need to order.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cubic yards (with extra) | |
| Cubic feet (with extra) | |
| Area covered | |
| Estimated cost |
Shopping list
How the gravel calculator works
Gravel is sold by the ton or by the cubic yard. The calculator multiplies the area by the depth to get cubic feet, divides by 27 for cubic yards, adds your extra percentage, then multiplies by the weight of your chosen material to get tons.
Worked example: a 10 ft x 20 ft area, 4 inches deep, pea gravel
The area is 200 sq ft. At 4 inches deep that is 66.7 cubic feet, or 2.47 cubic yards. Adding 10% brings it to 2.72 cubic yards. Pea gravel weighs about 1.28 tons per cubic yard, so you would order about 3.5 tons.
Weights used
| Material | lb per cu yd | Tons per cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 2,565 | 1.28 |
| Crushed stone #57 | 2,431 | 1.22 |
| Crushed stone #411 | 2,835 | 1.42 |
| River rock | 2,835 | 1.42 |
| Decomposed granite | 2,781 | 1.39 |
| Bank run gravel | 3,240 | 1.62 |
| Dense graded aggregate | 3,374 | 1.69 |
These are typical dry weights. Moisture and the quarry's product change the real number, so confirm with your supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
It depends on the material. Typical dry weights run from about 1.2 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone #57 to about 1.7 tons for dense graded aggregate. Pea gravel is about 1.3 tons.
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Multiply length by width in feet, then by depth in feet (inches divided by 12) to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the material's tons per cubic yard.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes. Gravel settles and compacts, and some is lost to spillage. Ten percent extra is a common starting point.
Is it cheaper to buy by the ton or by the yard?
Neither is always cheaper. Suppliers price per ton or per cubic yard, so enter your supplier's unit above to compare quotes on the same job.
Estimates only. Confirm quantities and depth with your supplier or contractor.