Gravel Calculator

Work out how much gravel you need for a project — enter the area and depth, and get the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus the approximate tonnage.

Gravel Calculator

Estimates only — material density varies with type, moisture and compaction. Order a little extra and confirm with your supplier. 🔒 Calculated in your browser.

🔒 Nothing you enter is sent anywhere or stored. All processing happens in your browser.

Features

Estimates in the units you buy

Enter the area and depth and get the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus the approximate weight in tons — the quantities suppliers actually sell by, so you can order with confidence.

Rectangle or circle

Works for straight rectangular areas and for round patios, fire-pit surrounds or planters — switch shape and enter the diameter.

Built-in waste allowance

A 10% extra is added by default for waste, compaction and uneven ground, so you're less likely to run short mid-job. Turn it off for an exact volume.

Weight in tons too

Gravel is often sold by the ton — the calculator shows the approximate tonnage (about 1.4 tons per cubic yard) alongside the volume.

How it works — in four simple steps

No signup, nothing to install — it all runs in your browser.

Step 01

Measure your area

Measure the length and width in feet (or the diameter for a round area) and enter them.

Step 02

Set the depth

Enter how deep you want the gravel in inches — a typical range is suggested for you.

Step 03

Calculate

Read the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, plus the tonnage.

Step 04

Order with a little spare

Keep the 10% waste allowance on, or add your own margin, so you don't run short.

How it works

Estimating gravel comes down to one idea: volume = area × depth. Measure the area you're covering (length × width, or π × radius² for a circle), multiply by how deep you want the gravel, and you have the volume. This calculator does that and converts the result into the units suppliers sell by — cubic yards, cubic feet and an approximate weight in tons.

Depth is entered in inches because most gravel layers are only a few inches deep, while the area is in feet — the tool handles the unit conversion for you. A 10% waste allowance is added by default, since real ground is uneven and material compacts. Everything is calculated in your browser.

Examples

A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at 3 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards (~2.6 tons) of gravel.

Frequently asked questions

How much gravel do I need?
Multiply the area (length × width, in feet) by the depth in feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. For a 200 sq ft area at 3 inches deep that's about 1.85 cubic yards. The calculator does this and adds the tonnage.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Roughly 1.4 tons, though it varies with the stone type and moisture — pea gravel is a little lighter, crushed stone a little heavier. The tool uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a standard estimate.
How deep should gravel be?
For a walkway 2 inches is usually enough; for a driveway 3–4 inches over a base is common. Deeper layers need proportionally more material.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes — keep the 10% waste allowance on. Ground is rarely perfectly level and gravel compacts, so a little extra avoids a second delivery.