Standard: 2-4 inches for landscaping
Average: $20-$60 per ton (varies by material)
How to Calculate Gravel
Volume Formula
Formula: Volume = Length × Width × Depth
Example (20' × 10' × 3"):
- Area: 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft
- Depth: 3" = 0.25 feet
- Volume: 200 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet
- Cubic Yards: 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
- Tons: 1.85 × 1.4 = 2.6 tons (crushed stone)
Gravel Material Types & Densities
- Crushed Stone: ~1.4 tons/cu yd - Driveways, base material
- Clean Gravel: ~1.35 tons/cu yd - Drainage, decorative
- River Rock: ~1.4 tons/cu yd - Landscaping, dry creek beds
- Pea Gravel: ~1.35 tons/cu yd - Walkways, playgrounds
- Crushed Rock: ~1.5 tons/cu yd - Road base, heavy duty
- Road Base: ~1.5 tons/cu yd - Under pavers, driveways
Depth Recommendations
- Walkways: 2-3 inches
- Driveways: 4-6 inches (plus base)
- Paver Base: 4-6 inches
- Landscaping: 2-3 inches
- French Drain: 6-12 inches
Installation Tips
- Use landscape fabric to prevent weeds
- Add edging to contain the gravel
- Compact base layers for stability
- Order 5-10% extra for compaction and spreading
About This Calculator
Gravel Calculator - Estimate Gravel, Crushed Stone & Rock
Calculate gravel needs in cubic yards and tons. Get accurate estimates for driveways, landscaping, drainage, and construction projects with multiple material types.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select Material: Choose from crushed stone, gravel, river rock, pea gravel, etc.
- Enter Dimensions: Input length and width in feet
- Set Depth: Enter depth in inches or feet
- Add Price (optional): Enter cost per ton for estimate
- Get Results: See cubic yards and tons needed
Gravel Volume Formula
Rectangular Area
Formula:
Volume = Length × Width × DepthExample (20' × 10' × 3" crushed stone):
- Area: 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft
- Depth: 3" = 0.25 feet
- Volume: 200 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet
- Cubic Yards: 50 ÷ 27 = 1.85 cubic yards
- Tons: 1.85 × 1.4 = 2.6 tons
Material Types & Densities
| Materialtons/cu yd | Density | Best Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone | 1.4 | 100 lb/cu ft | Driveways, base |
| Clean Gravel | 1.35 | 95 lb/cu ft | Drainage, decorative |
| River Rock | 1.4 | 100 lb/cu ft | Landscaping, creeks |
| Pea Gravel | 1.35 | 95 lb/cu ft | Walkways, patios |
| Crushed Rock | 1.5 | 107 lb/cu ft | Road base, heavy duty |
| Road Base | 1.5 | 107 lb/cu ft | Paver foundation |
| Sand & Gravel Mix | 1.45 | 103 lb/cu ft | Concrete mix |
Depth Recommendations by Application
| Application | Depth | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Walkways/Paths | 2-3 inches | Pea gravel, river rock |
| Driveways | 4-6 inches | Crushed stone, road base |
| Paver Base | 4-6 inches | Crushed stone, road base |
| Landscaping | 2-3 inches | River rock, pea gravel |
| French Drain | 6-12 inches | Clean gravel 3/4"-1" |
| Dry Well | 12+ inches | Large crushed stone |
Cost Considerations
- Gravel: $20-$60 per ton (varies by material)
- Crushed Stone: $25-$65 per ton
- River Rock: $40-$80 per ton
- Pea Gravel: $30-$50 per ton
- Delivery: $50-$150 per truckload
- Minimum Order: Often 5-10 tons
Installation Tips
- Install landscape fabric to prevent weed growth
- Use edging (metal, plastic, stone) to contain gravel
- Compact base layers every 2-3 inches
- Order 5-10% extra for compaction and spreading
- Grade area with slight slope for drainage
- Layer larger rocks at bottom for better drainage
Gravel Sizes Explained
- #57 Stone (3/4"): Most common, driveways, drainage
- #67 Stone (3/4" to 1"): Drainage, French drains
- #89 Stone (3/8"): Walkways, pipe bedding
- #4 (1-2"): Erosion control, drainage
- Pea Gravel (3/8"): Decorative, playgrounds
- River Rock (1-3"): Decorative, dry creek beds
Frequently Asked Questions
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