Gravel Calculator
Enter the length, width and depth of the area. You get cubic yards and tons, using the weight per yard you enter for your gravel.
Last updated November 13, 2026
How to calculate gravel
- Multiply length × width × depth, all in feet, to get cubic feet.
- Divide by 27 to get cubic yards.
- Multiply by the weight of your gravel in tons per cubic yard to get tons.
Example: a 20 ft × 10 ft area, 4 inches deep, is 20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.7 cubic feet, or 2.47 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per yard that is 3.46 tons, or 3.8 tons with 10% extra.
Gravel for 100 square feet
Figures use 1.4 tons per cubic yard with no extra added.
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 0.62 | 0.86 |
| 3 in | 0.93 | 1.30 |
| 4 in | 1.23 | 1.73 |
| 6 in | 1.85 | 2.59 |
| 8 in | 2.47 | 3.46 |
Why the weight per yard matters
Gravel is usually sold by the ton, but you measure your project by volume. The link between the two is the weight of one cubic yard, and that changes with the type of stone, the size of the pieces and how wet the pile is. 1.4 tons per cubic yard is only a planning figure. Your supplier knows the real number for their product, so ask and enter it in the calculator.
Under a concrete slab
A compacted gravel base is common under slabs and driveways. Work out the gravel here and the concrete with the concrete slab calculator.
Gravel yard calculator: cubic yards and tons by area
Gravel is priced two ways: by the cubic yard and by the ton. The calculator above gives both. For a quick check, cubic yards = square feet × depth in inches ÷ 324. The tons below use 1.4 tons per cubic yard, a planning figure you can change in the calculator.
| Area | Yards at 2 in | Tons at 2 in | Yards at 4 in | Tons at 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 | 1.73 | 2.47 | 3.46 |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 | 4.32 | 6.17 | 8.64 |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 | 8.64 | 12.35 | 17.28 |
How many tons are in a yard of gravel?
It depends on the stone. Most suppliers quote somewhere between 1.2 and 1.6 tons per cubic yard, and the figure shifts with the size of the stone and how wet it is. That is why the calculator lets you type in the supplier’s own number. To go the other way, use the tons to yards calculator.
Pea gravel, crushed stone and other types
- Pea gravel. Small rounded stone for paths, play areas and drainage. The volume math is identical, so this works as a pea gravel calculator: enter the area and depth, then use your supplier’s tons per yard.
- Bagged pea gravel. Home centers commonly sell bagged gravel in 50 lb bags of about 0.5 cubic feet. At that size you need 54 bags for one cubic yard, so bags only make sense for small jobs. Check the weight and volume printed on the bag.
- Crushed stone. Angular stone that locks together when compacted. It is the usual choice under slabs and driveways.
- Crushed concrete. Recycled concrete used as a base material. It has its own crushed concrete calculator.
Working out gravel cost
Gravel cost = tons (or yards) × the supplier’s price, plus delivery. Prices vary a lot by region and by stone, so get a quote and ask whether it is per ton or per yard, what the delivery charge is and what the minimum load is. For a driveway, the gravel driveway calculator has tonnage by driveway size.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need?
Multiply length × width × depth in feet and divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply by the weight of your gravel, about 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a planning figure, to get tons.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
It depends on the stone. About 1.4 tons per cubic yard is a common planning figure. Ask your supplier for the weight of the product you are buying.
How deep should gravel be?
It depends on the use. A few inches is common for paths and a deeper layer for driveways and under slabs. Follow the recommendation for your project and soil.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes. Gravel compacts and spreads unevenly, so 10% extra is a reasonable allowance.
How many bags of pea gravel are in a cubic yard?
54 bags if the bags are 0.5 cubic feet each, which is the common size. Check the volume printed on your bag.
How many tons are in a yard of gravel?
Usually between 1.2 and 1.6 tons, depending on the stone. This calculator uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard unless you enter your supplier’s figure.