Gravel Calculator

Why Gravel Quantity Matters for Your Project

Gravel is sold in two different units — volume (cubic yards) and weight (tons) — and suppliers use whichever one favors their pricing model. A ton of pea gravel is not the same volume as a ton of crushed stone, because gravel types have different densities. This calculator gives you both numbers at once, plus a quick converter below, so you can compare quotes accurately before the truck arrives. For the math behind the volume conversion, see our guide on how to calculate cubic yards. Setting a patio or walkway? The gravel base for pavers typically needs 4–6 inches of crushed stone — our guide on paver base: sand vs. gravel explains when each material makes sense, and the sand calculator sizes the bedding layer that goes on top.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your area and depth. Switch between Length × Width and Area tabs, then set the depth — shallower for decorative beds, deeper for driveways.
2. Pick the gravel type. This updates the ton estimate to match your material's density. Toggle compaction on for driveways and base layers.
3. Enter a price per ton to see cubic yards, tons, bags, and cost together — or use the quick converter above for a one-off yards-to-tons check.

How to Convert Cubic Yards of Gravel to Tons

To convert cubic yards of gravel to tons, multiply your cubic yardage by the gravel's density factor: 1.4 for pea gravel, 1.5 for crushed stone, 1.35 for river rock, or 1.6 for decomposed granite. For example, 5 cubic yards of crushed stone × 1.5 = 7.5 tons.

The multiplier is each material's density in tons per cubic yard — denser gravel needs a higher multiplier. To go the other way, divide tons by the density factor instead of multiplying: 10 tons of crushed stone ÷ 1.5 = 6.7 cubic yards.

Common Gravel Estimation Mistakes

Forgetting that gravel compacts. Loose gravel settles 15–20% under foot traffic or a plate compactor. For 4 inches of finished driveway surface, order 4.8 to 5 inches loose — the compaction toggle above handles this automatically.

Confusing tons and cubic yards. Suppliers quote in either unit, and the two aren't interchangeable — they depend on the gravel's density. Get both numbers from your supplier, or use the converter above so the ton figure and the yard figure actually match before you confirm the order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?

A standard 12×30-foot driveway (360 sq ft) with a 4-inch compacted crushed-stone base needs roughly 10 tons before the compaction buffer — about 11 tons with 10% added. Add a 2-inch surface layer and total material rises to about 15 tons. Use the calculator above with your actual dimensions for a precise order quantity, or price the whole job — gravel, delivery, and DIY vs. contractor — with the gravel driveway cost calculator.

How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?

It depends on the gravel type. One cubic yard of crushed stone weighs about 1.5 tons, pea gravel about 1.4 tons, river rock about 1.35 tons, and decomposed granite about 1.6 tons. Multiply your cubic yardage by the density factor for your gravel type — the converter above does this automatically.

How many cubic yards of gravel in a ton?

Divide instead of multiplying: cubic yards = tons ÷ density factor. A ton of crushed stone (1.5 tons/cu yd) is about 0.67 cubic yards; a ton of pea gravel (1.4 tons/cu yd) is about 0.71 cubic yards. Use the quick converter above to check any gravel type instantly.

How much does a yard of pea gravel weigh?

A cubic yard of pea gravel weighs about 1.4 tons, or 2,800 lbs. That's slightly lighter than crushed stone (1.5 tons/cu yd) because pea gravel's rounded shape packs with more air space than angular crushed stone.

How much gravel do I need for pavers?

A paver base typically needs 4 inches of compacted crushed stone (order 5 inches loose) plus a 1-inch bedding sand layer on top. Enter your patio square footage at 4–5 inches depth above for the tonnage, or use the paver calculator, which computes gravel and sand together with your paver count.

How deep should gravel be for a patio base?

A compacted base under pavers or flagstone should be 4 inches thick after compaction — order 5 inches loose to account for the 15–20% that compacts away. A simple gravel patio with no pavers needs only 3–4 inches.

Does gravel need to be compacted?

Yes, for driveways, base layers under pavers, and drainage trenches. Compact in 2- to 3-inch lifts with a plate compactor. Decorative top-dressing over landscape fabric doesn't need compaction — skipping it on load-bearing gravel causes ruts and shifting.

How much does a ton of gravel cover?

One ton of crushed stone (1.5 tons/cu yd) covers roughly 108 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 54 square feet at 4 inches. Pea gravel covers slightly more per ton. Use the calculator above for exact coverage by gravel type and depth.