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About This Calculator
Gravel is sold by the ton but installed by volume, so accurate conversion between weight and cubic yards is essential to avoid delivery surprises. This calculator accounts for material density, which varies significantly between pea gravel, crushed stone, and river rock, to provide both volume and weight estimates. It covers driveways, pathways, drainage beds, and decorative applications with appropriate depth recommendations for each use case.
Quick Tips
- 1 Compact crushed gravel settles about 30% so order extra for driveways.
- 2 Use #57 stone for drainage and pea gravel for walkways and patios.
- 3 One ton of gravel covers roughly 50 sq ft at 4 inches deep.
Example Calculation
Pathway 30ft x 4ft, 2 inches deep.
Volume: 0.74 cubic yards | Weight: approximately 1.0 tons of gravel
How Gravel Volume Is Calculated
Gravel volume equals area (length x width) times depth. Convert the depth from inches to feet by dividing by 12, then multiply by the area. Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons.
Gravel Depth Guidelines
For driveways, use 4 to 6 inches of gravel in layers. Pathways need 2 to 3 inches. Decorative ground cover requires 2 inches. French drains typically need 12 inches of gravel. Proper depth ensures stability and coverage.
Types of Gravel
Common types include pea gravel (small, rounded, decorative), crushed stone (angular, locks together well for driveways), river rock (large, decorative), and gravel base (compactable foundation material). The type affects both weight per cubic yard and price.
Converting Volume to Weight
Gravel is often sold by the ton. One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs), though this varies by type. Pea gravel is lighter at about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, while crushed limestone is heavier at about 1.5 tons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculate the cubic yards needed, then multiply by 1.4 to convert to approximate tons. The exact weight varies by gravel type. This calculator provides the tonnage estimate automatically.
A gravel driveway should be 4 to 6 inches deep, applied in 2-inch compacted layers. Use larger crushed stone for the base layer and smaller gravel for the surface. Proper layering improves drainage and stability.
Crushed stone (size #57 or #411) is best for driveways because its angular edges lock together and resist displacement. Use a base of larger #3 stone, a middle layer of #57, and a top layer of #411 or stone dust.
Yes. Gravel settles about 10% to 15% after compaction. Order that much extra to achieve your target depth. Proper compaction with a plate compactor or roller minimizes future settling.