Solverly

Gravel Calculator

Plan landscaping and hardscape orders with confidence—this tool converts project dimensions and target depth into volume and weight, estimating cubic yards, tons, and even bag counts. It’s helpful for driveways, paths, drainage beds, or patio bases, so you avoid under-ordering aggregate or paying for excess material.

The Gravel Calculator lets you enter area measurements (regular or multi-section spaces), set compacted depth, pick units, and apply a waste buffer to reflect real-world spreading. The goal is a clear materials estimate you can act on—fewer delivery surprises, tighter cost control, and a smoother install. Add your project details below to see a ready-to-buy summary in yards, tons, or bags.

Find gravel tons, cubic yards, and truckloads from area and depth — with compaction and cost estimates.

Enter project details

We’ll add this percentage to cover settling after placement.

Optional cost inputs

Quick breakdown

Area (ft²)
240
Depth (in)
3
Cubic yards
2.44
Tons
3.54
Truckloads
1
Est. cost
—

We add a compaction allowance to loose volume. Moisture and gradation affect real-world weights—confirm with your supplier.

Results interpretation

We convert area and depth into a loose cubic yardage, add your compaction allowance, and translate to tons using the density you select. Truckloads reflect your hauler’s typical load size so we can order once and avoid short loads.

  • Depth: Paths 2–3 in; driveways 3–6 in; heavy traffic may need a compacted base under a top layer.
  • Density: Use a preset as a baseline or set a custom tons/yd³ value from your supplier.
  • Loads: We round up to whole loads to avoid shortages at delivery.

How it works

Our math keeps units explicit so we can sanity-check each step.

Formulas, steps, assumptions, limitations

Area: Either length×width or direct ft² input.

Depth: Inches ÷ 12 → feet.

Volume (ft³): area_ft² × depth_ft.

Volume (yd³): ft³ ÷ 27.

Compaction allowance: yd³_loose = yd³ × (1 + allowance%).

Tons: tons = yd³_loose × density_tons_per_yd³.

Truckloads: loads = ⌈tons ÷ truck_size_tons⌉.

Costs (optional): (tons × $/ton) + (loads × delivery).

Limits: Slopes, deep lifts, layered base/top courses, and moisture swing weights beyond our simple model.

Use cases & examples

Driveway resurface

60×12 ft at 3 in over a compacted base, crushed stone 1.45 t/yd³, 8% allowance, 10-ton truck. We can plan a single delivery window and keep the crew moving.

Garden path

80 ft² at 2 in, pea gravel 1.30 t/yd³, 10% allowance. Lightweight carts make installation simple; rounding up prevents a late second trip.

Parking pad

18×18 ft at 6 in split into two 3-in lifts for compaction. Run two passes—one for base, one for top—if you want separate material totals.

How to estimate gravel for a project

We keep the process simple: measure, pick a depth, account for settling, choose density, and convert to the units your hauler uses.

  1. Measure the project area or enter a total square footage.
  2. Choose a depth in inches appropriate for use (e.g., 3–6 in for driveways).
  3. Add a compaction allowance to account for settling after placement.
  4. Pick a material density in tons per cubic yard (preset or custom).
  5. Convert to cubic yards, tons, and truckloads using your hauler’s typical load size.
Tools
  • Measuring tape or wheel
  • Notepad or our page’s Copy link feature
Supplies
  • Gravel or crushed stone
  • Compaction equipment if required

Tip: For layered builds (base + top), run two passes so we can size each layer separately.

FAQ: Gravel estimating

How do we choose a gravel depth?
Paths and garden beds are often 2–3 inches. Driveways commonly use 3–6 inches depending on base, climate, and traffic. Heavier loads may require multiple layers with compaction between lifts.
What density should we use for tons per cubic yard?
Typical ranges: pea gravel ≈ 1.30 t/yd³, washed gravel ≈ 1.35 t/yd³, crushed stone ≈ 1.45 t/yd³, limestone ≈ 1.50 t/yd³. Moisture and gradation can shift actual weights. We suggest starting with the presets and entering a custom value if your supplier quotes something different.
Do we need a compaction allowance?
Yes. Loose material settles. A 5–12% allowance is common. Increase the allowance for thicker lifts or when using a plate compactor or roller.
How many tons fit in a dump truck?
Small single-axle trucks may carry 5–6 tons; typical tandem-axle trucks often carry around 10–15 tons depending on local limits. We let you enter a truck size so our load count matches your supplier.
Should we separate base and top layers?
For driveways, a compacted base (e.g., crushed stone) under a thinner decorative top often performs best. Our inputs estimate the total; run two passes for base and top if you want separate totals.
Why do our results differ from supplier quotes?
Suppliers use their own material densities, moisture assumptions, and minimum load sizes. Treat our estimate as a planning baseline and confirm with your local yard.

Gravel planning that lands the right amount the first time

We size gravel orders by pairing site measurements with realistic density and compaction assumptions. That lets us coordinate delivery, avoid short loads, and keep installation smooth from start to finish.

Depth that matches the job

Decorative paths can float at 2–3 inches. Driveways need 3–6 inches depending on traffic and climate. For new builds we often separate a compacted base and a thinner top. Running our math twice produces clean totals for each layer.

Density, moisture, and why tons vary

Real piles aren’t identical. Gradation, fines, and water content shift weight per yard. Using supplier-specific densities tightens estimates and prevents surprise overages.

Deliveries and staging

We convert tons to truckloads with your hauler’s capacity so timing fits crew and equipment. If access is tight, smaller loads may be safer even if the total cost is slightly higher.