Calculate cubic yards, tons, coverage, and cost for gravel, stone, sand, and landscaping materials. Enter your dimensions below.
Calculating gravel for any project requires three measurements: length, width, and depth. The standard formula converts these dimensions into cubic yards, the unit most suppliers use for pricing and delivery.
The formula: Volume (cubic yards) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324
The number 324 comes from dividing 12 inches per foot by 27 cubic feet per cubic yard (12 × 27 = 324). This shortcut lets you enter depth in inches without converting to feet first.
If you have multiple areas to cover, calculate each one individually and add the totals together. Our calculator above handles this automatically with the "Add Another Area" feature.
Use this table to quickly look up how many cubic yards of gravel you need based on area size and depth.
| Area (sq. ft.) | 2" Deep | 3" Deep | 4" Deep | 6" Deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.62 | 0.93 | 1.23 | 1.85 |
| 200 | 1.23 | 1.85 | 2.47 | 3.70 |
| 500 | 3.09 | 4.63 | 6.17 | 9.26 |
| 1,000 | 6.17 | 9.26 | 12.35 | 18.52 |
Values shown in cubic yards. Multiply by 1.35 to estimate tons for standard gravel.
Different materials have different densities, which affects how much a cubic yard weighs. Use this reference when ordering by weight instead of volume.
| Material | lbs / cu. yd. | tons / cu. yd. |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel (loose) | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| Gravel (compacted) | 3,100 | 1.55 |
| Crushed Stone | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| Pea Gravel | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| River Rock (1-3") | 2,500 | 1.25 |
| Limestone | 3,000 | 1.50 |
| Sand (dry) | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| Sand (wet) | 3,400 | 1.70 |
| Topsoil | 2,200 | 1.10 |
| Mulch | 800 | 0.40 |
| Fill Dirt | 2,300 | 1.15 |
| Crushed Concrete | 2,600 | 1.30 |
| Rip Rap | 2,700 | 1.35 |
| Crusher Run | 3,000 | 1.50 |
| Road Base | 3,100 | 1.55 |
You want to lay pea gravel for a backyard patio measuring 10 feet long by 12 feet wide, with a depth of 3 inches.
Order approximately 1.25 cubic yards (adding 10% for waste) to ensure full coverage.
You need to gravel a single-lane driveway that is 50 feet long and 10 feet wide, using a standard 4-inch depth for vehicle traffic.
Plan on ordering about 7 cubic yards to account for compaction and slight variations in grade. Most suppliers deliver in full-yard increments.
Choosing the right depth is essential for durability and performance. Heavier traffic and load-bearing applications require thicker layers of gravel.
| Project | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Driveway | 4 - 6 inches |
| Walkway | 2 - 3 inches |
| Patio | 3 - 4 inches |
| French Drain | 12 inches |
| Shed Base | 4 - 6 inches |
| Landscape Bed | 2 - 3 inches |
For driveways and areas with vehicle traffic, consider using a compacted base layer of crusher run beneath the surface gravel to improve stability and reduce shifting over time.
Measure the length and width of your area in feet, then choose your desired depth. Use the formula: Length × Width × Depth (in inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Always add 10% extra for waste, compaction, and uneven surfaces. For example, a 20 × 10 ft area at 3 inches deep requires about 1.85 cubic yards.
About 0.74 cubic yards. One ton of standard gravel divided by 1.35 tons per cubic yard equals approximately 0.74 cubic yards. This conversion varies slightly depending on the type of gravel and its moisture content.
The ideal depth depends on the project. Driveways need 4-6 inches for adequate vehicle support. Walkways and landscape beds do well at 2-3 inches. Patios require 3-4 inches, and french drains need a full 12 inches of gravel for proper water flow and filtration.
A cubic yard of loose gravel weighs about 2,700 pounds or 1.35 tons. The actual weight varies by material: compacted gravel is heavier at roughly 3,100 lbs, while lighter materials like mulch weigh only about 800 lbs per cubic yard. Check the weight chart above for specific materials.
Gravel typically costs $30-60 per cubic yard or $25-50 per ton for the material itself. Delivery fees add $50-150 depending on distance and quantity. Decorative gravel and specialty stone cost more, while basic crushed stone and road base are at the lower end of the range.
Measure the length and width of your driveway in feet and use a depth of 4-6 inches. Apply the formula: Length × Width × Depth (inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. For a typical 50 × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep: 50 × 10 × 4 ÷ 324 = 6.17 cubic yards, or about 8.33 tons of gravel.