Gravel calculator
For driveways, paths and base layers: volume and tons.
Your inputs
Your inputs are processed on your device and are not sent to a server.
Example loaded. You can change any value.
There is no figure yet: nothing is calculated until you ask for it.
- Enter your measurements.
- Check the units and the assumptions.
- Press Calculate, or load the example.
Rather see a worked case? Press “Load example” and change any value afterwards.
Next step
A levelling sand layer goes on top of the gravel, over the same area.
Where each number comes from Conversion constants are exact; densities and coverage rates come from cited sources; everything else is an assumption you can change. Methodology · Sources and updates
How to use it
- Measure the length and width of the area.
- Enter the depth of the gravel layer.
- Adjust the density if you know the stone type.
- The result gives cubic yards, kilograms and tons.
How it is calculated
Same as sand: volume times density. What changes is the typical depth and the density range.
Loose gravel runs about 1,400-1,700 kg/m³ (88-106 lb/ft³) depending on size and stone type. The default is 1,550 kg/m³, a reasonable midpoint, and editable.
Depth is the decision that moves the most money. A footpath needs 2 in; a driveway needs 4-6 in, often over a compacted sub-base. Doubling the depth doubles the bill.
Worked example
A 33 x 10 ft path with 4 in of gravel, density 1,550 kg/m³, 5 % waste:
- Volume: 3 m³ (3.92 cubic yards)
- With waste: 3.15 m³ (4.12 cubic yards)
- Weight: 4,882 kg, or 5.4 short tons
Over five tons for a 330 sq ft path. At that volume, bulk delivery is the only sensible option.
Good to know
- Gravel sinks. Without a geotextile membrane underneath, part of it mixes into the soil within months. The membrane pays for itself.
- Stone size. 6-12 mm pea gravel compacts well and walks comfortably; 20-40 mm drains better but shifts underfoot.
- Driveways. They need a compacted sub-base underneath, not just decorative gravel.
- Editable density. If your supplier quotes tons per cubic yard, use their figure: it beats any generic value.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
For a 33 x 10 ft drive at 4 in deep, about 4.1 cubic yards, which is over 5 tons. For a footpath at 2 in you would need half that.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Between 2,400 and 2,900 lb depending on stone size and type. The default here is 1,550 kg/m³ (about 2,600 lb per cubic yard), and you can change it.
How deep should gravel be?
About 2 in for footpaths and decorative areas. 4 to 6 in where vehicles drive, and in that case over a compacted sub-base.
Is gravel sold by weight or volume?
Bulk aggregate is usually sold by the ton, bagged gravel by weight per bag. The result gives both figures so you can compare.