Gravel Calculator

How to Use the Gravel Calculator

Our free gravel calculator helps you estimate the amount of gravel needed for driveways, walkways, patios, and other landscaping projects. Follow these simple steps to calculate your gravel requirements.

Step 1: Enter the length and width of your project area.

Step 2: Enter the required gravel depth.

Step 3: Select your measurement units and gravel type.

Step 4: Adjust the gravel density and extra material percentage if needed.

Step 5: Click “Calculate Gravel” to see the estimated volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, along with the weight in US short tons.

Gravel Calculator Formula

To calculate how much gravel you need, first determine the volume of your project area using its length, width, and depth.

Step 1: Calculate Cubic Feet
Cubic Feet = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 12

Step 2: Convert to Cubic Yards
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet ÷ 27

Step 3: Calculate Gravel Weight
US Short Tons = Cubic Yards × Gravel Density (US tons per cubic yard)

Step 4: Add Extra Material
Total Gravel Required = Calculated Quantity × (1 + Extra Material Percentage ÷ 100)

Our calculator automatically performs these calculations based on your measurements, selected gravel type, and extra material percentage.

Gravel Calculation Example

Let’s calculate how much gravel is needed for a driveway measuring 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches deep.

Project Measurements:
Length: 20 feet
Width: 10 feet
Depth: 4 inches
Gravel Density: 1.4 US short tons per cubic yard
Extra Material: 10%

Step 1: Calculate Volume
20 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.67 cubic feet

Step 2: Convert to Cubic Yards
66.67 ÷ 27 ≈ 2.47 cubic yards

Step 3: Add 10% Extra Material
2.47 × 1.10 ≈ 2.72 cubic yards

Step 4: Calculate Gravel Weight
2.72 × 1.4 ≈ 3.80 US short tons

Final Estimate: You need approximately 2.72 cubic yards or 3.80 US short tons of gravel, including a 10% extra material allowance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gravel

How much gravel do I need for a 20 × 10 ft driveway?

For a driveway measuring 20 feet by 10 feet with a 4-inch gravel depth, you need approximately 2.47 cubic yards of gravel. With 10% extra material, the estimate increases to 2.72 cubic yards.

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

One cubic yard of gravel typically weighs around 1.3 to 1.7 US short tons, depending on the gravel type, moisture, and compaction. Our calculator uses adjustable density values.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

Gravel driveways commonly require several inches of compacted material, often installed in layers. The appropriate depth depends on soil conditions, vehicle loads, drainage, and the driveway’s construction.

Can I use this calculator for pea gravel and crushed gravel?

Yes. Select your gravel type from the dropdown menu. The calculator automatically applies an estimated density, which you can adjust using your supplier’s information.

Does the gravel calculator include extra material?

Yes. The calculator includes an adjustable extra material percentage, set to 10% by default, to help account for waste and uneven ground.

Explore our other free landscaping calculators to estimate mulch, sand, soil, and more for your next project.

For more information about gravel and construction aggregates, visit the US Geological Survey.