Miscellaneous
Gravel Calculator - Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags
Calculate how much gravel, sand, or crushed stone you need for a project. Returns cubic yards, cubic metres, and approximate weight in tons.
Coverage guide
One cubic yard (27 cubic feet) of gravel covers approximately:
- 1 inch deep: ~324 sq ft
- 2 inches deep: ~162 sq ft
- 3 inches deep: ~108 sq ft (recommended depth for driveways)
- 4 inches deep: ~81 sq ft (recommended for high-traffic areas)
Gravel types
- Pea gravel: smooth, rounded; good for walkways and drainage. Tends to shift.
- Crushed stone/gravel: angular; interlocks and compacts well. Best for driveways.
- Decomposed granite: fine, compacts to almost a solid surface. Good for paths.
Gravel types comparison
| Type | Size | Best use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 3/8″ | Playgrounds, dog runs, drainage | Shifts underfoot; needs edging |
| Crushed stone (#57) | 3/4″ | Driveways, base layers | Angular; compacts and locks together |
| River rock | 1–3″ | Decorative landscaping | Smooth; expensive; good for drainage beds |
| Decomposed granite | Fine | Paths, patios, xeriscaping | Compacts firm; weeds can grow through |
Recommended depths
- Decorative pathways: 2–3 inches
- Driveways: 4 inches (compactable base layer) + optional 2″ surface layer
- Drainage beds and French drains: 6–12 inches of washed stone
- Playground safety surface: 9–12 inches for ASTM F1292 fall protection
Weight estimation
1 cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs), though density varies by stone type. Pea gravel is lighter (~2,500 lbs/cu yd); river rock is heavier (~3,000 lbs/cu yd). Use this to plan truck loads: a standard pickup can carry ~1,000 lbs safely; a tandem dump truck delivers 14–16 tons.