Gravel Calculator
Calculate the exact amount of gravel needed for your driveway, path, or landscaping project. Get cubic yards, tons, and cost estimates instantly with visual charts.
About This Calculator
Our gravel calculator helps homeowners, landscapers, and contractors estimate the exact amount of gravel required for any project. Whether you are laying a new driveway, creating garden paths, or filling a patio base, this tool quickly converts your area dimensions into cubic yards, weight in tons, and estimated cost based on current market rates.
The calculator uses the standard formula: volume (cubic feet) = length × width × depth, then converts to cubic yards (÷ 27) and tons (× 1.4 tons per cubic yard, the average density of gravel). The cost estimate uses $50 per ton, which is typical for crushed stone and common gravel varieties in the US market. You can adjust the price based on your local supplier's rates.
Regional Notes
India: Gravel (known as "gitti" or "crushed stone") is commonly sold by the tonne or brass (100 cubic feet). Prices range from ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per tonne depending on grade and location. For concrete work, use 20mm or 40mm crushed stone aggregate.
US: Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or ton at landscaping supply yards and home improvement stores. Common prices range from $30-$55 per ton for crushed stone. Delivery fees are typically extra and depend on distance.
UK: Gravel and aggregate are sold by the tonne at builders' merchants. Prices range from £40-£80 per tonne. MOT Type 1 (crushed stone) is the standard base material for driveways. Always compare prices including VAT and delivery.
Features:
- Instant cubic yard, ton, and cost calculations
- Visual pie chart and bar chart breakdowns
- Shareable URLs with saved input values
- Region-aware defaults for India, US, and UK
- Mobile responsive for on-site use
- Free to use with no registration
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for my project?
To estimate gravel needs, measure the length and width of the area in feet and the desired depth in inches. Multiply length × width × (depth ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to find the tons of gravel required. For example, a 10ft × 10ft area at 6 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards or 2.6 tons of gravel.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel typically covers approximately 100 square feet at a depth of 2 inches. At 4 inches deep, one ton covers about 50 square feet. Coverage varies by gravel type and density — denser materials cover less area per ton.
What is the typical cost of gravel per ton?
Gravel costs vary significantly by region and type. In the US, gravel typically ranges from $30 to $55 per ton for basic crushed stone, while decorative gravel can cost $50 to $100 per ton. In the UK, expect £40 to £80 per tonne. In India, gravel costs roughly ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per tonne. Always check local supplier prices for accurate estimates.
What depth of gravel do I need for a driveway?
For a gravel driveway, a depth of 4 to 6 inches is recommended. Use 4 inches for light traffic (cars only) and 6 inches for heavier vehicles or frequent use. A typical driveway uses a 4-inch base layer of larger crushed stone topped with 2 inches of finer gravel.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons of gravel?
Multiply the volume in cubic yards by the gravel density (typically 1.4 tons per cubic yard). For instance, 2 cubic yards × 1.4 = 2.8 tons. Different gravel types have different densities: dry gravel averages 1.4 t/yd³, wet gravel about 1.6 t/yd³, and crushed stone around 1.5 t/yd³.
What types of gravel are available for landscaping?
Common landscaping gravel types include pea gravel (smooth, rounded stones good for paths), crushed stone (angular, locks together well for driveways), river rock (larger, decorative stones), decomposed granite (compacts firmly for pathways), and marble chips (decorative white stone). Each type has different density, cost, and best-use applications.
Should I order extra gravel beyond my calculated amount?
Yes, always order 10-15% extra gravel to account for compaction, settlement, and irregular ground surfaces. Gravel compacts by about 10% after installation and spreading. Buying extra also ensures color consistency and avoids delays from reordering if you run short.
Can I use this gravel calculator for both metric and imperial units?
This gravel calculator uses imperial units (feet for length and width, inches for depth). Results are shown in cubic yards and tons. If you work in metric, convert your measurements: 1 meter = 3.28 feet, 1 centimeter = 0.394 inches. The calculator supports region-specific defaults for India, US, and UK.