Gravel Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons & Cost

    Calculate how much gravel, crushed stone, or aggregate you need for driveways, pathways, drainage, and landscaping. Get results in cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost. Supports 6 material types with accurate weight conversions.

    $/ ton

    Tips

    • Order 10–15% extra — settling and spreading always use more than you expect
    • 1 cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.3–1.5 tons depending on material
    • For driveways, use 4–6 inches of crushed stone with a compacted base layer
    • Bulk delivery is usually cheaper than bags for anything over 1 ton
    Estimates only — actual amounts vary by compaction, settling, and material density. Always confirm with your supplier before ordering.

    Example Calculation

    Laying a 10×40 foot gravel driveway at 4 inches deep with crushed stone? You need approximately 4.9 cubic yards, which weighs about 6.7 tons. At typical bulk prices of $40–$60 per ton delivered, that's roughly $267–$400 in materials. Most landscape supply yards offer bulk delivery by the truckload — for jobs over 2–3 tons, bulk is almost always cheaper than buying bags.

    Gravel Coverage by Depth

    DepthArea Covered per Cubic Yard
    2 inches162 sq ft
    3 inches108 sq ft
    4 inches81 sq ft
    6 inches54 sq ft
    12 inches27 sq ft

    Gravel Needed for Common Driveways

    Driveway SizeCubic YardsTons
    Single car, 10×20 ft (4" deep)2.53.3
    Single car, 10×40 ft (4" deep)4.96.7
    Double wide, 16×40 ft (4" deep)7.910.7
    Large, 20×50 ft (4" deep)12.316.7

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

    A single-car driveway (10×40 feet at 4 inches deep) needs about 4.9 cubic yards or 6.7 tons of crushed stone. A double-wide driveway (16×40 feet) needs roughly 7.9 cubic yards or 10.7 tons. Always add 10–15% extra for spreading and settling.

    How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

    Between 2,400 and 2,700 pounds depending on the type. Crushed stone averages 2,700 lbs per cubic yard (1.35 tons). Pea gravel and limestone are lighter at about 2,500 lbs per cubic yard (1.25 tons).

    How deep should a gravel driveway be?

    4 inches minimum for light passenger vehicles. Use 6–8 inches for heavy traffic or soft soil. The best driveways use a 4-inch compacted base of larger crushed stone topped with 2 inches of finer gravel.

    Is gravel sold by the ton or cubic yard?

    Both. Most bulk suppliers quote by the ton because that's how their trucks weigh it. Bagged gravel at hardware stores is sold by the bag (usually 0.5 cubic feet per bag). For any serious project, buy bulk by the ton.

    How much does gravel cost?

    Bulk crushed stone typically runs $40–$60 per ton delivered, depending on material type and your distance from the quarry. Pea gravel and river rock are often $50–$75 per ton. Delivery fees vary — some suppliers include delivery, others charge $50–$100 per load.

    How many tons of gravel fit in a dump truck?

    A standard single-axle dump truck carries about 10–14 tons. A tandem (double-axle) carries 15–20 tons. For a typical single-car driveway at 6.7 tons, one load usually covers it.

    Considering gravel vs mulch? See our comparison guide.

    Typical Results

    Walkway(3' × 20', 3" deep)0.6 yd³~0.8 tons
    Patio base(10' × 12', 4" deep)1.5 yd³~2.1 tons
    Driveway(10' × 40', 6" deep)7.4 yd³~10 tons

    💡 Order 10–15% extra for compaction — a 6" base loses about 1" of depth when compacted.