Gravel Calculator - Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags

How to use this tool

Enter the area dimensions (length and width) and desired depth.
Select the material type.
Read 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.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should gravel be?

For driveways, use 4 inches of compacted gravel. For paths and decorative beds, 2–3 inches is typical.