How to measure for gravel
Measure the length and width of the area in feet, then decide how deep the gravel should be in inches. For an irregular area, split it into rectangles, circles and triangles, run the calculator for each and add the results together. Rounding measurements up slightly is better than coming up short halfway through a job.
How the calculator works
Gravel is sold by volume (cubic yards) or by weight (tons), so the calculator gives you both:
- It finds the area: length × width for a rectangle, π × (diameter ÷ 2)² for a circle, or ½ × base × height for a triangle.
- It multiplies the area by the depth converted to feet to get cubic feet, then adds your allowance for settling and waste.
- It divides by 27, because a cubic yard is 3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 cubic feet.
- It multiplies cubic yards by the density to get tons.
The formula
Most gravel weighs about 2,400 to 3,000 pounds per cubic yard, so 1.4 tons (2,800 lb) per cubic yard is a common estimate. Washed river rock, pea gravel and crushed stone with fines can all differ, so use your supplier's figure when you have it.
Worked example
A garden path is 20 ft long, 10 ft wide and will be 4 in deep.
20 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 cubic feet. Divided by 27, that is 2.47 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard you need about 3.46 tons. Adding 5% for settling brings the order to roughly 2.6 yards or 3.6 tons.
How deep should gravel be?
| Project | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative top layer or garden bed | 2–3 in |
| Walkway or path | 3–4 in |
| Patio or shed base | 4–6 in |
| Driveway (base plus top layer) | 8–12 in total, in layers |
For driveways, a common approach is a compacted base of larger crushed stone with a 2–4 in top layer of smaller stone. Run the calculator once for each layer so you can order the right material for each.
Tips before you order
- Bulk delivery is usually far cheaper than bags for anything over about half a cubic yard.
- Many suppliers have a minimum delivery, so ask before you round down.
- Gravel compacts. If you will run a plate compactor over it, add 10–15% rather than 5%.
- Lay landscape fabric first on soil to slow weeds and stop the stone sinking into mud.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
Usually about 1.2 to 1.5 tons, with 1.4 tons a good average. The exact weight depends on the stone type, its size and how wet it is.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At a 2 inch depth, one ton covers roughly 100 to 120 square feet. At 4 inches it covers about half that. Use the calculator for an exact figure at your depth.
How many cubic yards fit in a pickup truck?
A full-size pickup can usually carry about 1 to 2 cubic yards by volume, but gravel is heavy, so the truck's payload limit is often reached first. Check your payload rating before loading.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes, a little. Add about 5% for waste and uneven ground, or 10–15% if the gravel will be compacted.
Can I use this for sand or crushed concrete?
Yes. The volume math is identical; just change the density to match the material. Ask your supplier for the tons-per-yard figure.
Last reviewed November 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.