Gravel Calculator: How Much Gravel Do I Need?
· By DIY Calc
Planning a driveway, patio, or landscaping project? Getting the right amount of gravel prevents waste and extra delivery fees. Use our free calculator below, then check the cost guide for 2026 prices.
🧮 Free Gravel Calculator
The Gravel Formula
Gravel is measured in both cubic yards and tons. Here's how to calculate:
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 324
Tons = Cubic Yards × Density Factor (usually 1.3–1.5 depending on type)
Suppliers sell gravel by the ton. A cubic yard of most gravel weighs about 1.3–1.5 tons (2,600–3,000 lbs).
How Much Gravel for a Driveway?
The most common question we get. Here are quick answers for typical driveway sizes:
| Driveway Size | Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single car (10×20 ft) | 6" | 3.7 | 5.2 | $230–260 |
| Double car (20×20 ft) | 6" | 7.4 | 10.4 | $460–520 |
| Long single (12×50 ft) | 6" | 11.1 | 15.5 | $690–780 |
| Long double (20×50 ft) | 6" | 18.5 | 25.9 | $1,150–1,300 |
Prices based on crushed stone at $45–50/ton. Add $50–150 for delivery.
Gravel Types & Best Uses
| Type | Size | Price/Ton | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone (#57) | ¾"–1" | $45–55 | Driveways, drainage, general fill |
| Pea gravel | ⅜" | $50–65 | Walkways, patios, between pavers |
| Crushed gravel | mixed | $40–50 | Driveways, compactable surfaces |
| CA6/AB3 limestone | ¾" minus | $35–45 | Road base, under concrete/pavers |
| River rock | 1"–3" | $60–80 | Decorative, dry creek beds |
| Decomposed granite | ⅛" minus | $40–60 | Paths, rustic patios |
Gravel Depth Guide
- 2 inches: Decorative topping only. Won't hold up to foot traffic.
- 4 inches: Standard for walkways, patios, light foot traffic areas.
- 6 inches: Minimum for any vehicle traffic. Good for residential driveways.
- 8–12 inches: Heavy-duty driveways. Use 6" of compactable base (CA6) topped with 4" of surface gravel.
Money-Saving Tips
- Always buy by the ton, not the bag. Bags cost $5–8 for 0.5 cu ft. That's $270+ per cubic yard vs $50 in bulk.
- Get delivery quotes from 3 suppliers. Delivery can range from $50 to $200+ depending on distance.
- Use a base layer of cheaper material. CA6/AB3 ($35/ton) as base, then top with decorative gravel.
- Order 10% extra. You'll lose some to compaction and spreading.
- Check for "quarry specials." Many quarries have surplus or off-spec gravel at 30–50% discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a 10×10 patio?
At 4 inches deep: about 0.5 cubic yards or 0.7 tons. That's roughly $35–40 in material. For a pickup truck trip, you'll want about 1,400 lbs.
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel covers about 80–100 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 50–60 square feet at 4 inches deep. Exact coverage depends on gravel type and size.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
About 0.7–0.77 cubic yards per ton for most gravel. The conversion varies: crushed stone is about 0.71 yd³/ton, pea gravel is about 0.74 yd³/ton.
Can I pick up gravel myself or do I need delivery?
A standard pickup truck can safely carry 0.5–1 ton (half to full cubic yard). For anything more than 2 tons, get delivery — it's safer and usually cheaper per ton at higher volumes.