Gravel Calculator

About this gravel calculator

Driveways, paths, and shed pads all start with the same volume math: length × width × depth. Quarries sell aggregate by the cubic yard or by weight — a cubic yard of crushed stone weighs roughly 1.4 tons (denser rock like trap rock runs heavier, lightweight aggregates lighter). This calculator reports both so you can compare quotes either way.

Depth is the planning decision. A pedestrian path works at 2–3 inches; a residential driveway wants 4–6 inches of compacted aggregate over a prepared subgrade. And "compacted" is doing work in that sentence — loose gravel settles 20–30%, so a 4-inch loose layer becomes about 3 inches of driveway. Order accordingly.

For driveways, the pro move is layers: larger crusher-run stone at the bottom for structure, smaller angular gravel on top for a tight surface. Round pea gravel looks nice in garden paths but migrates under tires — use angular crushed stone where vehicles drive.

Worked example: gravel for a 50×12 driveway

A 50×12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep: 50 × 12 × (4 ÷ 12) = 200 cubic feet, divided by 27 = 7.41 cubic yards. Suppliers sell by the yard but haul by the ton, so convert: 7.41 × 1.4 tons per yard = 10.37, or about 10.4 tons of crushed stone.

That 10.4-ton figure fits in a single dump-truck load (most carry 10–14 tons), which matters for delivery cost — a second partial load can cost nearly as much in trucking as the first. If your number lands at 11 tons, consider whether 10 tons at a slightly thinner depth works, or just accept the two-load delivery fee in your budget.

Buying tips

Order by cubic yards, not tons. Every quarry converts volume to weight with its own density factor, so quoting in yards keeps supplier quotes comparable — the 1.4 tons-per-yard figure used here is typical for crushed stone, but your supplier’s ticket is the final word. Ask for the price per yard delivered, not just per yard, since hauling is often half the invoice.

Expect 10–15% compaction: a 4-inch loose layer settles to about 3.5 inches after driving on it. Order for the compacted depth you actually want. For driveways, build in two layers — 3–4 inches of larger base stone topped with 2 inches of finer crusher run or #57 stone that locks together. A single thin 2-inch layer ruts out in the first rainy season.

How to use

1. Measure the length and width of the area in feet.
2. Enter the loose depth in inches — 4 inches is typical for driveways.
3. Press Calculate for cubic yards and tons.
4. Add ~10% for compaction; confirm tons-per-yard with your quarry.

Good to know

• Tons-per-yard varies by rock type (1.3–1.6 common) — confirm with your supplier.
• Does not include subgrade prep, geotextile fabric, or edging — all worth budgeting.
• Irregular areas: measure the bounding rectangle and adjust down for curves.
• Order by cubic yards, not tons — suppliers convert with their own density factors, and quoting volume keeps quotes comparable. The 1.4 tons/yd³ used here is typical for crushed stone.
• Expect 10–15% compaction: a 4-inch loose layer settles to about 3.5 inches. Order for the compacted depth you want, or add roughly 10% extra.