Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much gravel you need in cubic yards, tons, bags, and pallets. Choose a project preset for the right depth and material, or enter custom values. Supports multiple areas and includes material suitability guidance.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Decorative Garden Bed
A homeowner is covering a 10 × 20 ft garden bed with pea gravel at 2.5 inches deep.
- 1 Garden bed area: 10 ft × 20 ft = 200 sq ft
- 2 Depth (decorative bed preset): 2.5 inches
- 3 Volume: 200 × (2.5/12) = 41.7 cu ft = 1.5 cu yd
- 4 Add 7% waste: 1.5 × 1.07 = 1.6 cu yd
- 5 Weight (pea gravel at 1.25 ton/yd): 2.0 tons
- 6 Bags: ~86 bags of 50-lb OR 2 pallets (56 bags each)
Example 2: Driveway Top-Up
A homeowner is refreshing a 12 × 40 ft driveway with 1.5 inches of crusher run.
- 1 Driveway area: 12 ft × 40 ft = 480 sq ft
- 2 Depth (driveway top-up preset): 1.5 inches
- 3 Volume: 480 × (1.5/12) = 60 cu ft = 2.2 cu yd
- 4 Add 10% waste: 2.2 × 1.10 = 2.4 cu yd
- 5 Weight (crusher run at 1.40 ton/yd): 3.4 tons
- 6 Recommendation: Order 2.4 cu yd bulk delivery (~$96 at $40/yd)
How Gravel Is Calculated
Area × Depth = Volume (cu ft) → divide by 27 for cubic yards → multiply by material density for tons → divide by bag size for bag count. All quantities include your waste factor so you always have enough.
Density matters. Different gravel types weigh different amounts per cubic yard. Pea gravel is lighter (1.25 ton/yd) while dense crusher run is heavier (1.40 ton/yd). Our calculator uses the correct density for each material you select.
Choosing the right gravel: For decorative use, pea gravel and river rock look great but don't compact. For paths, driveways, and structural bases, use angular crushed gravel or crusher run — these interlock when compacted for a stable surface.
Gravel Depth Guide
| Use Case | Depth | Recommended Material |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative beds | 2–3" | Pea gravel, river rock |
| Paths / Walkways | 2.5–3" | Crushed gravel (angular) |
| Driveway top-up | 1.5–2" | Crusher run / DGA |
| French drains | 4–12" | Drainage gravel (#57) |
| Paver base | 4–6" | Crushed stone (3/4") |
Rounded vs Angular Gravel
Rounded gravel (pea gravel, river rock) — smooth, decorative, comfortable underfoot. Does not compact or interlock. Best for garden beds, borders, and ground cover. Not suitable for driveways or load-bearing surfaces.
Angular gravel (crushed stone, crusher run, DGA) — rough edges that lock together when compacted. Creates a stable, firm surface. Best for paths, driveways, parking areas, and structural bases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should gravel be for my project? +
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh? +
Bags or bulk — when should I buy loose gravel? +
Will pea gravel work for my driveway? +
How much extra gravel should I order? +
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