How Much Do I Need?

Gravel Calculator

How much gravel do I need?

Enter the area and depth of gravel you want. The calculator works out the volume, then uses a typical density to estimate the weight, which is how gravel is usually sold.

Units
Area to cover

For L-shaped or irregular spaces, split them into rectangles and add each one.

Material

About 1.4 US tons per yd³ (1.66 tonnes per m³) is typical for loose gravel. Your supplier can give the figure for their stone.

For uneven ground and spreading. Raise it if you will compact the gravel.

Cost (optional)

Add the price to see an estimated total.

Results update as you type.

Your estimate

Gravel to order

4.25 tons

About 3 yd³ by volume, including 5% extra. The weight depends on the stone.

Estimated amount to buy

By weight
4.25 tons
By volume
3 yd³
Weight with 5% extra
4.08 US tons (8,167 lb)

Calculated quantity (no extra)

Area covered
300 ft²
Cubic yards
2.78 yd³
Cubic feet
75 ft³
Cubic metres
2.12 m³
Litres
2,124 L
Weight (US tons)
3.89 US tons
Weight (tonnes)
3.53 tonnes
How this was calculated
  1. Area = 30 ft × 10 ft = 300 ft²
  2. Volume = 300 ft² × 3 in deep = 75 ft³ = 2.78 yd³
  3. With 5% extra = 2.78 yd³ (75 ft³) × 1.05 = 2.92 yd³ (78.75 ft³)
  4. Weight = 2.92 yd³ × 1.4 tons per yd³ = 4.08 US tons
  5. Order weight = 4.09 tons, rounded up to the next quarter ton = 4.25 tons
  6. Order volume = 2.92 yd³, rounded up to the next quarter yd³ = 3 yd³
  • A US ton is 2,000 lb (907 kg). A metric tonne is 1,000 kg (2,205 lb).
  • Density varies with stone type, size and moisture, so the weight is approximate. Ask your supplier how they measure and sell it.

How the gravel calculation works

  1. Area = length × width.
  2. Volume = area × depth, with all measurements in the same unit.
  3. Add extra: volume × (1 + extra ÷ 100).
  4. Weight = volume × density.

Gravel is often sold by weight (tons or tonnes), but you measure the space by volume, so density links the two. The default of 1.4 US tons per cubic yard (about 1,660 kg per m³) is a common planning figure for loose gravel. Real values typically fall somewhere around 1.2–1.5 tons per cubic yard (roughly 1,400–1,800 kg/m³), depending on the stone, its size and how wet it is. If your supplier quotes a density, enter that instead.

Choosing a depth

The right depth depends on the job. Decorative beds and garden paths are often laid 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) deep. Driveways and other surfaces that carry vehicles usually need a deeper, compacted sub-base built up in layers. Follow local guidance or a contractor's specification for those, because the base matters more than the top layer.

Compacting crushed stone reduces its volume, so if you will compact the gravel, allow more than the default extra. Your supplier can advise how much.

Rounding rules

  • The order weight is rounded up to the next 0.25 ton (US) or 0.25 tonne (metric).
  • The order volume is rounded up to the next 0.25 yd³ or 0.25 m³.
  • Exact volume and weight, before extra and rounding, are shown separately.

Useful conversions

  • 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet ≈ 0.765 m³
  • 1 US ton = 2,000 lb ≈ 0.907 tonnes
  • 1 ton per cubic yard ≈ 1,187 kg per m³ ≈ 74 lb per ft³