Gravel Calculator
How much gravel do I need? Calculate tons, cubic yards, bags, and cost for paths, patios, bases, and beds.
Gravel Details
Quick start
Length (ft)
Width (ft)
Depth (in)
Gravel type
Patios, walkways, play areas, decorative beds
Ready to calculate
Pick a preset or enter your gravel layer.
Last updated June 13, 2026 by our expert review team
Volume is length x width x depth. The calculator converts that volume to cubic yards, then to tons by gravel density.
Gravel Coverage by Depth
One ton of #57 gravel covers about 120 sq ft at 2 inches deep. Coverage drops as the layer gets deeper, so depth is the number that changes your order fastest.
| Depth | #57 stone | Crusher run |
|---|---|---|
| 2" paths | 120 sq ft/ton | 116 sq ft/ton |
| 3" pea gravel | 80 sq ft/ton | 77 sq ft/ton |
| 4" driveways | 60 sq ft/ton | 58 sq ft/ton |
| 6" base | 40 sq ft/ton | 39 sq ft/ton |
Coverage is computed from each material density and assumes one ton spread evenly at the listed depth before local settlement.
Expert Contributors
Ruth Wairimu
Landscape Architect
Landscape architect with 9+ years of experience, AAK member, IFLA climate activist, and founder of Bloomwell.
See full profileHawkin
Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileUpdated June 2026
How we verify our calculators
Choose Gravel by Project
#57 Stone
1.35 tons/yd3
Choose it if: Drainage, paths, concrete base, general landscaping
Washed angular stone drains well but does not compact like crusher run.
Pea Gravel
1.35 tons/yd3
Choose it if: Patios, walkways, play areas, decorative beds
Rounded stone feels smoother underfoot but shifts without edging.
Crusher Run
1.4 tons/yd3
Choose it if: Compacted bases, driveways, shed pads, paver support
Mixed fines lock together under compaction for a firm base.
River Rock
1.3 tons/yd3
Choose it if: Decorative beds, dry creek beds, splash zones
Rounded decorative stone drains but can roll on slopes and under tires.
DG
1.45 tons/yd3
Choose it if: Walkways, informal patios, compacted garden paths
Fine particles compact into a natural-looking surface with modest drainage.
Depth Tiers for Gravel Projects
refresh paths and thin decorative cover
patios and walkable pea gravel areas
top layer or light-duty gravel surface
compacted base under traffic or pavers
Methodology
How the Gravel Calculator Works
The calculator starts with a single gravel layer. It converts area and depth to cubic feet, changes cubic feet to cubic yards, then multiplies by the selected gravel density to estimate tons.
Waste covers edge spill, raking loss, and uneven grade. Compaction is separate so decorative loose stone can stay at 0%, while compacted crusher-run bases can add a few extra percent before ordering.
Formulas
Area = length x width, or your entered square feet
Cubic yards = area x depth / 12 / 27
Tons = cubic yards x density x (1 + waste%) x (1 + compaction%)
Bags = ceil(cubic feet / 0.5)
Densities are planning averages by gravel type. Supplier tickets, moisture, and local gradation can shift final tons.
Quick Reference
- 1 cubic yard
- 27 cu ft
- Bag size used
- 0.5 cu ft
- Bulk delivery
- 2+ tons
- Driveway layers
- use driveway tool
Gravel Estimates for Common Projects
Garden Path Refresh
30 x 3 ft, 2" deep, #57 stone, 10% wasteA thin refresh works only when the old base is still firm. Add edging before ordering if gravel is escaping into turf.
Pea Gravel Patio
12 x 12 ft, 3" deep, pea gravel, 10% wastePea gravel is comfortable, but it needs a crisp border. Without edging, the order is right and the patio still spreads.
Small Driveway Top Layer
40 x 12 ft, 4" deep, crusher run, 10% wasteThis generic tool estimates the top layer. For a full multi-layer driveway, use the gravel driveway calculator.
Compact Base Pad
20 x 10 ft, 6" deep, crusher run, 10% waste, 5% compactionOrder a little extra for compacted bases. Fines settle into voids when you water and plate-compact in lifts.
Avoid these
Gravel Mistakes That Change the Order
Using driveway depth for every project
A path refresh may need 2 inches, while a compacted base can need 6 inches or more. Pick the use case before entering depth.
Entering house footprint instead of gravel area
Measure only the gravel surface. For a curved path, break it into rectangles or enter the known square footage.
Ordering rounded gravel for a slope
Pea gravel and river rock can roll. Use angular crushed stone or crusher run where the surface needs to stay put.
Forgetting delivery weight
One cubic yard can weigh more than a pickup should carry. Use the tons result when calling the supplier.
Skipping edging on loose stone
Rounded and decorative gravel spreads without a border. Add edging to the project list before judging the gravel quantity.
Comparing yards to tons without density
A yard of crusher run weighs more than a yard of river rock. Use the material-specific tons result, not a generic conversion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gravel
How much area does 1 ton of gravel cover?
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
How much gravel do I need for a 10 x 10 area?
How much does gravel cost per ton?
Pea gravel or crushed stone: which should I use?
Crusher run or #57 stone for a base?
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
When should I use the gravel driveway calculator instead?
Doing a full driveway with base, middle, and top layers? Use the gravel driveway calculator. This page is the generic one-layer gravel tool for paths, patios, beds, pads, drainage layers, and quick bulk orders.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.