Gravel Calculator
Estimate cubic yards, tons, and cost for gravel, pea gravel, sand, or topsoil
Frequently Asked Questions
Most gravel driveways use a 4-inch depth of base gravel. Multiply the driveway's length by width to get square footage, then use this calculator with a 4-inch depth to get the cubic yards and tons needed.
Standard gravel/crushed stone weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is a bit lighter at around 1.3 tons per cubic yard, and sand is about 1.35 tons per cubic yard — these are typical supplier figures, but always check with your specific supplier since density varies by material and moisture.
A 2-inch depth is common for a thin decorative gravel walkway, while a compacted base layer under pavers or a patio typically calls for 4-6 inches — check your specific project's requirements.
Yes — loose gravel compacts by roughly 10-20% once compacted and settled, so many suppliers recommend ordering a bit extra beyond the raw calculated volume, similar in principle to a waste factor.