How to calculate how much gravel you need
Gravel and stone are sold by volume and weight, so you'll figure both. The math is area × depth for volume, then a density factor for tons. Measure length and width in feet, convert depth from inches to feet, and multiply.
- Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft)
- Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
- Tons = cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard)
Most suppliers sell by the ton for bulk stone and by the yard for landscape gravel — having both numbers lets you order either way.
The gravel mistake that turns into a weedy mess
Dump gravel straight onto bare dirt and two things happen: it slowly sinks into the soil, and weeds push right up through it. The fix is to lay landscape fabric first, then your stone, and compact it — so it stays put, drains well, and stays weed-free for years.
Gravel also settles as it compacts, so order about 10% over the number here, and base your depth on the compacted thickness you actually want.
Pro move: for a driveway or path, a deeper layer of larger crushed stone under your top gravel keeps it from rutting.
How deep should gravel be?
| Use | Recommended depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative ground cover | 2 inches |
| Walkway or garden path | 2–3 inches |
| Driveway top layer | 3–4 inches |
| New driveway base + top | 6–8 inches total |
For a full driveway, build it up in layers — a coarse base topped with finer stone compacts better and lasts longer than one deep pour.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons dry; crushed stone is similar, while sand and river rock fall a little lower. Wet material weighs more. The calculator lets you pick the material so the tonnage matches what you're hauling.
Gravel calculator FAQ
- How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?
- About 1.4 tons for typical gravel. Crushed stone runs near 1.35, sand around 1.3, and river rock close to 1.25. Moisture pushes all of these higher.
- Should I order by the yard or the ton?
- Either works — this gives you both. Bulk stone is often priced per ton; bagged and landscape material per yard. Use whichever your supplier quotes.
- Do I need landscape fabric underneath?
- For paths and decorative areas, fabric over the soil keeps gravel from sinking and blocks weeds. Driveways usually rely on a compacted base instead.