Yard Materials

Gravel Calculator

Enter the project area, depth, density estimate, and waste factor to convert gravel volume into cubic yards and tons.

Planning estimate

This calculator provides a planning estimate only. Material coverage, compaction, waste, surface conditions, product yield, and installation methods can change the final quantity needed. Always check the product label and local supplier guidance before purchasing materials.

How To Use This Calculator

Step 1 Measure the area in feet and enter the planned stone depth in inches. Driveways, paths, and drainage beds often use different depths, so calculate each layer separately.
Step 2 Set tons per cubic yard to match the supplier's material. Crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock do not all weigh the same.
Step 3 Use the waste factor for edges, uneven spreading, and compaction allowance rather than treating the clean volume as the final order quantity.

What The Result Means

The gravel result gives both cubic yards and tons because suppliers quote both ways. Cubic yards describe volume. Tons describe weight. The conversion depends on density, so the tons number is an estimate until you confirm the supplier's value for the specific gravel.

For landscape beds that use bark or compost instead of stone, use the mulch calculator to compare cubic-foot and cubic-yard quantities.

Before You Buy

Ask the supplier for the tons-per-yard estimate for the exact stone size and type.
Confirm whether delivery is priced by ton, cubic yard, load, or minimum order.
Check driveway or drainage depth recommendations before ordering base material.
Plan where the load can be dropped without blocking access or damaging surfaces.

Accuracy Notes

Compacted base layers may need more material than loose decorative coverage.
Moisture changes stone weight, which can affect tonnage.
A sloped or rutted surface should be measured in sections instead of one rectangle.

Formula

Cubic feet = length_ft × width_ft × depth_inches / 12

Cubic yards = cubic_feet / 27

Tons = cubic_yards × tons_per_cubic_yard

Adjusted tons = tons × (1 + waste_factor)

Example Project

A 40 ft by 10 ft driveway section at 4 in deep is 133.33 cubic feet, or 4.94 cubic yards, before compaction and waste.

Waste Factor

Use 5-10% for edging and spreading loss. Compacted bases or soft subgrade may need more material than a simple depth calculation shows.

Unit Notes

Bulk gravel is often quoted by cubic yard or ton. The density field lets you match the supplier's stone type.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting that driveway stone depth is entered in inches.
Using one density for every type of crushed stone or river rock.
Not allowing for compaction on base layers.

FAQ

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

Many gravel estimates use about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, but the exact value depends on stone type, gradation, and moisture.

Can I use this for a driveway?

Yes for planning material quantity. Driveway base depth, drainage, and compaction requirements should be checked locally.

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