Gravel Calculator
Work out how much gravel to order for a driveway, path or patio base — in cubic yards, tons and bags.
How the gravel calculation works
First the calculator finds the volume. Depth is entered in inches, so it is divided by 12 to convert it to feet:
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Then it multiplies cubic yards by the weight of the gravel to get tons. Most gravel weighs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on the stone size and how much it is compacted. A 40 × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs about 4.9 cubic yards — 5.4 cubic yards, or roughly 7.6 tons of crushed stone, once you add 10% extra.
How deep should gravel be?
- Walkways and garden paths: 2 – 3 inches
- Patio or paver base: 4 – 6 inches of compacted base
- New driveway: 8 – 12 inches in layers — larger stone at the bottom, finer gravel on top
- Refreshing an existing driveway: 2 – 3 inches on top
Bulk or bags?
Bags (usually 0.5 cubic feet, about 50 lb) are convenient for small jobs. For anything over about one cubic yard, bulk delivery from a landscape supplier is usually much cheaper per ton, though there may be a delivery fee.
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, one ton covers about 100 – 120 sq ft. At 4 inches, about 50 – 60 sq ft.
Why add extra?
Gravel settles and compacts after it is spread and driven on, and some is lost at the edges. Ordering 5% – 10% more avoids a second delivery.
Last reviewed November 14, 2026.
