A gravel calculator estimates the exact amount of gravel you need for any landscaping or construction project — whether you are surfacing a driveway, building a patio base, lining a garden path, or filling a drainage trench. It converts your area dimensions and depth into cubic yards and tons, accounting for different gravel densities, so you can order the right amount and avoid costly over- or under-ordering.
Gravel Estimator
Area Shape
Rectangle Dimensions
Options
Project Breakdown
Coverage Reference: Area per Ton at Common Depths
| Depth | Sq Ft per Cubic Yard | Sq Ft per Ton (1.4 t/yd³) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft | ~116 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft | ~77 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft | ~58 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft | ~39 sq ft |
Coverage values are approximate. Actual coverage varies by gravel type, compaction, and ground conditions.
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
Ordering the wrong amount of gravel is expensive either way. Too little means a second delivery charge and unfinished areas that look patchy. Too much means piles of leftover stone that are heavy, hard to move, and costly to haul away. This gravel calculator helps you estimate the precise quantity in cubic yards and tons so you can order exactly what your project needs, whether it is a driveway base, patio surface, or garden walkway.
Step 1: Select Your Area Shape
Choose the shape that best matches your project area. Rectangle is the most common shape for driveways, patios, and walkways. Circle works for round garden features, fire pit surrounds, and tree rings. Triangle handles corner areas and angled garden beds. L-Shape combines two rectangular sections for irregularly shaped areas like L-shaped driveways or patios that wrap around a corner. For complex shapes not covered by these options, calculate each section separately and add the totals.
Step 2: Enter Your Dimensions
Use the unit toggle at the top to switch between imperial (feet and inches) and metric (meters and centimeters). For rectangles, enter the length and width of your area. For circles, enter the radius. For triangles, enter the base and height. Depth is always entered in inches (or centimeters in metric mode) because gravel layers are typically measured in inches. Standard depths are 2 to 3 inches for walkways, 3 to 4 inches for patios, and 4 to 6 inches for driveways.
Step 3: Choose Your Gravel Type
Select the type of gravel from the dropdown. Each type has a different density, which affects how many tons you need per cubic yard. Pea gravel and crushed stone weigh about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. River rock, limestone, and marble chips are denser at 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Decomposed granite is lighter at 1.3 tons per cubic yard. The calculator uses these densities to convert volume into weight, which is how most suppliers price and deliver gravel.
Step 4: Add a Waste Factor
Enable the 10% waste factor toggle to account for uneven ground, spreading loss, and compaction. This adds an extra 10% to your calculated volume, which is the standard recommendation for most gravel projects. If your site is well-graded and level, you may not need the waste factor. If the ground is particularly uneven or you are filling a rough area, consider calculating manually with a higher margin.
Step 5: Get Your Cost Estimate
Optionally enter your local price per ton to see a total material cost estimate. Gravel prices vary significantly by region and type, typically ranging from $30 to $75 per ton. Contact your local landscape supplier for current pricing. The cost shown covers materials only — factor in delivery fees (usually $50 to $150 per load) and any site preparation or labor costs separately. Use the coverage reference table below the results to quickly verify how many square feet one ton will cover at your chosen depth.
FAQ
Is this gravel calculator free to use?
Yes, this gravel calculator is completely free with no signup required, no paywalls, and no usage limits. All calculations run entirely in your browser — your project dimensions are never sent to any server and stay private on your device.
Is my data private when using this tool?
Absolutely. Every calculation runs locally in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No project dimensions, measurements, or personal information are ever transmitted to a server. Your data stays entirely on your device.
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
It depends on your driveway dimensions and depth. A typical 12 ft x 25 ft driveway at 3 inches deep needs roughly 1.4 cubic yards or about 1.9 tons of crushed stone. Enter your exact measurements into the calculator above for a precise estimate including your chosen gravel type.
What depth of gravel should I use?
For driveways, use 4-6 inches of gravel. Walkways and patios typically need 2-3 inches. Garden paths can work with 2 inches. Drainage projects may require 4-6 inches. The calculator lets you enter any depth and instantly shows the material quantity needed.
What is the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?
Pea gravel consists of small, naturally rounded stones (about 3/8 inch) with a smooth texture, ideal for walkways and gardens. Crushed stone has angular, irregular edges that lock together, making it better for driveways and base layers. Both weigh approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Why should I add a waste factor to my gravel order?
A 10% waste factor accounts for uneven ground that requires extra fill, material lost during spreading, settling and compaction after installation, and slight measurement inaccuracies. Running short mid-project means a second delivery charge, so it is better to order slightly more than calculated.
How much does gravel cost per ton?
Gravel prices typically range from $30 to $75 per ton depending on type and region. Pea gravel and crushed stone are usually $30-$50 per ton, while decorative options like marble chips or river rock can be $50-$75 per ton. Enter your local price in the cost estimator for a total project cost.
Can I calculate gravel for irregular or L-shaped areas?
Yes. The calculator includes an L-shape option for irregular areas. Enter the dimensions of both rectangular sections and the calculator computes the combined volume. For more complex shapes, you can calculate each section separately and add the results together.