Gravel Calculator - Cubic Yards, Tons & Driveway Cost
Gravel quantity is area times compacted depth. The calculator converts volume to cubic yards and tons using the selected density, then adds compaction or waste.
Density of gravel used to convert volume into weight.
Percent added for cuts, waste, settlement, or field loss.
Cost uses the waste-adjusted material weight.
Change any value and the results, formula, and diagram update immediately. Use the same unit system throughout one estimate.
Gravel Tonnage Quick Reference
Gravel tonnage for common driveway and patio sizes at 4 inch finished depth, using an average density of 105 lb/cu ft. Use this for the dispatcher conversation; the calculator above runs your real depth and density.
| Area (length x width) | 2 in deep | 4 in deep | 6 in deep | Cubic yards @ 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft (100 sq ft) | 0.6 ton | 1.2 tons | 1.8 tons | 1.23 yd³ |
| 10 x 20 ft (200 sq ft) | 1.2 tons | 2.4 tons | 3.6 tons | 2.46 yd³ |
| 12 x 30 ft (single-car drive) | 2.1 tons | 4.2 tons | 6.3 tons | 4.44 yd³ |
| 20 x 40 ft (double-car drive) | 4.7 tons | 9.4 tons | 14.1 tons | 9.87 yd³ |
| 500 sq ft path / patio | 2.9 tons | 5.8 tons | 8.7 tons | 6.17 yd³ |
| 1000 sq ft area | 5.8 tons | 11.7 tons | 17.5 tons | 12.35 yd³ |
One cubic yard of typical crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons (1.27 tonnes). Coverage rule of thumb: 1 ton covers about 100 sq ft at 2 in or 50 sq ft at 4 in deep.
Gravel Types - Pick The Right One
Class 5 / road base / 3/4 minus / crusher run
Crushed stone with fines (dust). Packs tight when compacted. The base material under driveways, patios, sheds. Not pretty; used as the working layer under something else.
Pea gravel
Smooth, rounded 3/8 in stones. Plays well in pet runs, around drains, decorative pathways. Does not compact; rolls underfoot.
3/4 in clean / drainage stone
Washed crushed stone, no fines. Use under perforated drain pipe, French drains, around foundation drains. Will not compact.
River rock / decorative
Rounded natural stone, 1-3 inch. Landscaping mulch, around plantings, dry creek beds. Sold by the ton or per bag.
1.5 in stone / DOT base
Larger crushed stone for heavy traffic base layers. Common under commercial driveways and roads.
Stone dust / screenings
Fine crushed material under 1/4 in. Used as bedding for patio pavers and stepping stones in some markets.
Density and the Volume-to-Weight Conversion
Gravel is sold by weight (ton or tonne) and by volume (cubic yard or cubic metre). The bridge between them is density.
| Gravel type | Bulk density (lb/cu ft) | Tons per cu yd | Tonnes per m³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone, dry | 95-100 | 1.30 | 1.55 |
| Crushed stone, wet | 105-115 | 1.45 | 1.72 |
| Pea gravel | 95-105 | 1.35 | 1.60 |
| River rock | 90-100 | 1.30 | 1.55 |
| Lava rock / lightweight | 30-50 | 0.55 | 0.65 |
| Granite chips | 105-115 | 1.45 | 1.72 |
When the supplier quotes "a cubic yard" in the US, ask if they mean loose-pile yardage (the way a truck dumps it) or compacted yardage in place - they can differ by 20-25%.
Driveway Gravel - Depth and Layers
A proper gravel driveway is layered, not just one dump pile.
- Excavate the driveway area 8-12 inches deep, removing topsoil and grass roots.
- Geotextile fabric (optional but cheap insurance) to stop the gravel from sinking into clay or wet soil.
- Base layer: 4 in of 1.5 in crushed stone or DOT base, compacted.
- Intermediate layer: 2-4 in of 3/4 minus crushed stone, compacted.
- Finish layer: 1-2 in of pea gravel, decorative stone, or fine crushed stone.
Skip the layering and you get a soft, rutted driveway within one wet season. Compaction at each layer is what makes the driveway last.
Delivery and Logistics
- Minimum delivery: usually 1-2 tons (US) or 1 tonne (UK/EU). Below the minimum, the supplier may charge a flat delivery fee or refuse the order.
- Truck dump: a standard single-axle dump truck carries 5-7 tons; tri-axle 15-20 tons. Have a flat, accessible dump spot ready.
- Bagged retail: 50 lb (22 kg) bags at home stores, $4-9 per bag. Works for small jobs under about 1/2 ton; uneconomical above that.
- Tarp the pile if dumped near the street - wind and rain wash it into drains.
- Spread within a week if possible; gravel piles kill grass underneath.
Cost Estimates Around The World
2026 retail prices for crushed stone / road base; delivered to job site within 25 miles / 40 km.
| Region | Crushed stone | Pea gravel | Decorative river rock | Bagged retail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (USD) | $20-50 / ton delivered | $35-65 / ton | $50-120 / ton | $5-9 / 50 lb bag |
| Canada (CAD) | C$28-65 / tonne | C$45-85 / tonne | C$70-150 / tonne | C$7-12 / 30 kg bag |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | £30-55 / tonne | £40-70 / tonne | £55-120 / tonne | £5-9 / 25 kg bag |
| Eurozone (EUR) | €25-55 / tonne | €40-70 / tonne | €55-130 / tonne | €6-12 / 25 kg bag |
| Australia (AUD) | A$60-100 / tonne | A$80-130 / tonne | A$120-220 / tonne | A$10-18 / 20 kg bag |
| India (INR) | ₹500-1,200 / tonne (40 mm jelly) | ₹700-1,500 / tonne (10 mm aggregate) | ₹1,500-4,000 / tonne (decorative) | ₹80-200 / 50 kg bag (rare retail) |
| Mexico (MXN) | MX$350-700 / tonne | MX$500-1,000 / tonne | MX$1,200-2,800 / tonne | MX$80-180 / 25 kg bag |
| Philippines (PHP) | PHP 1,200-2,200 / m³ (delivered) | PHP 1,500-2,800 / m³ | PHP 3,000-7,000 / m³ | PHP 90-180 / bag |
Add delivery: $50-150 per truck in the US (under 25 miles), often free above 10 tons. Tipping fees and disposal of excavated soil are separate.
Common Mistakes
- Using loose-pile depth when the job needs compacted depth - compaction reduces volume 15-25%.
- Ordering crushed stone for decorative landscaping - the dust gives a dirty look.
- Pea gravel on a driveway with vehicle traffic - rolls underfoot and migrates to the edges.
- Skipping the layered base on a new driveway - ruts within a year.
- Forgetting weed barrier under decorative stone - weeds push through.
- Buying bags for jobs over half a ton - 20 bags of 50 lb is heavy lifting and costs 2-3x bulk delivery.
- Skipping edge restraint on gravel paths - the gravel spreads onto lawn and beds.
- Mixing density-by-volume with density-by-weight when comparing supplier quotes.
Gravel Calculator FAQ
How many tons of gravel do I need for a 20 x 40 ft driveway at 4 inches deep?
20 x 40 x 0.333 = 267 cu ft = 9.87 cu yd. At 1.4 tons/yd³, that is 13.8 tons. Order 14-15 tons to cover waste and compaction. With layered base (6 in total), increase by 50%.
How many cubic yards in a ton of gravel?
About 0.7 yd³ per ton of crushed stone. Conversely, 1 yd³ weighs about 1.4 tons. Density varies by material - decorative lava rock is much lighter (about 0.55 tons/yd³).
How deep should gravel be?
Driveway: 4-6 in compacted minimum, plus a 2-4 in finish layer. Patio base: 4-6 in. Decorative landscape: 2-3 in over weed barrier. Drainage stone in a French drain: 6-12 in around the pipe.
What is the difference between road base and crusher run?
Same material, different regional names. Both are crushed stone with fines (dust) included, which lets it compact tight. Class 5 (Minnesota term), 3/4 minus, DOT base, dense-graded aggregate are also names for it.
How much gravel for a French drain?
For a 100 ft long, 12 in wide, 18 in deep trench around 4 in perforated pipe: about 4.6 cu yd of 3/4 in clean (drainage) stone, or about 6.5 tons. Wrap the gravel in landscape fabric to prevent silting.
Pea gravel vs crushed stone for driveways?
Crushed stone packs and stays put; pea gravel rolls underfoot and migrates to the edges. Use crushed stone as the base; if you want a pea-gravel look, install it over a crushed-stone base with edge restraint - even then, expect to rake it back into place occasionally.
How much does a yard of gravel cost?
US: $30-70 per cubic yard delivered (varies by region and quarry distance). UK: £40-80 per tonne. India: ₹700-1,500 per tonne of 40 mm aggregate. Decorative stones cost 2-3x base material.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
About 100 sq ft at 2 in deep, 50 sq ft at 4 in deep, 33 sq ft at 6 in deep. These are coverage rules for typical crushed stone at compacted density.
Should I lay landscape fabric under gravel?
Yes for decorative gravel beds - blocks weeds. For driveway base, geotextile fabric (Mirafi, US Fabrics, similar) over expansive clay or wet soils keeps gravel from sinking into the subsoil. Skip fabric on dry, stable subgrade.
How do I keep gravel in place?
Edge restraint (plastic, metal, or treated wood) at the perimeter. Slope toward drainage so water does not move the gravel. For driveways, regrade and add 1-2 in of fresh stone every 3-5 years - it migrates and compacts no matter what you do.
Related Construction Calculators
For sand (concrete sand, bedding sand, mason sand), use the Sand Calculator. For larger decorative or wall stone, see the Stone Calculator. For paver base gravel and bedding, use the Paver Calculator. For asphalt paving over a gravel base, the Asphalt Calculator. More tools live on the Construction Calculators hub.
Sources
- USGS - Crushed Stone Statistics and Information
- National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) resources
- FHWA Pavement Materials Resources
- ASTM D448 / D2940 standard aggregate gradations
- Bureau of Indian Standards - IS 383 coarse and fine aggregate
- NIST Handbook 44 unit conversion tables
This calculator is for planning and ordering conversations. Local code, project drawings, engineered design, and manufacturer instructions control the final work.