Calculation details
Planning estimate only. Verify dimensions, waste, coverage, product specifications, and local requirements before purchasing materials.
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Use this result
Share the current inputs or ask ChatGPT to explain the calculation in context.
What does this calculator estimate?
A 10 x 10 foot area covered 4 inches deep is 33.3 cubic feet, which is 1.23 cubic yards and about 2.25 tons of gravel at 135 pounds per cubic foot. Cubic feet = length x width x depth / 12; cubic yards = cubic feet / 27.
- One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet (NIST).
- Gravel density runs about 100 to 135 pounds per cubic foot depending on material.
- Ordering 10 percent extra covers compaction and uneven subgrade.
How gravel quantities are estimated
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard and priced per ton, so estimates convert the excavated volume to weight using the material's density. The calculator handles the length × width × depth volume and the yard/ton conversion.
Limitations to watch for
Gravel density varies by type (pea gravel vs crushed stone) — 1.4 tons/yd³ is a common average; check your supplier. The estimate is a flat layer; slopes and compaction change it. Order extra for settling.
How to use it in practice
Measure the area and choose the depth (2–4 inches for paths, 4–6 for driveways). Compute the volume, add 10%, and use the tonnage for quotes — suppliers deliver by the ton.
['Enter the length, width, and depth.', 'Choose the gravel type or density.', 'Read cubic yards and tons.']
How gravel is measured
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard and the ton. Volume = length × width × depth in feet ÷ 27. A 10×20-foot area at 4 inches deep is 66.7 cubic feet — about 2.47 cubic yards, roughly 3.5 tons. The calculator converts dimensions into yards, tons, and cost.
The depth is the variable
A 2-inch layer of decorative gravel is about 100 sq ft per cubic yard; 4 inches is 50 sq ft. The depth choice drives the material count more than the area. Most projects need 2–4 inches; driveways typically 4–6 inches of base plus surface.
Gravel weight varies by type
A cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 2,600–3,100 pounds depending on the stone: pea gravel is lighter, crushed stone denser. The calculator's ton conversion uses a standard density — check your supplier's product for exact weight.
A worked example
A 12×16-foot area at 3 inches: 48 sq ft·ft... 12×16×0.25 = 48 cubic feet = 1.78 yards ≈ 2.5 tons. At $45 per ton plus delivery, the material runs about $112. The calculator returns yards, tons, and cost so the quote is checkable.
Ordering extras
Compaction settles gravel 10–15 percent; slopes and borders add waste. Ordering 10 percent extra avoids a mid-project trip. The calculator's waste input covers it.
How this calculator works
Formula
Volume = length × width × depth. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27. Tons = cubic yards × density (~1.4 tons/yd³ for gravel).
Worked example
A 10 × 20 ft area at 4 inches: 66.7 ft³ ≈ 2.5 yd³ ≈ 3.5 tons of gravel.
Assumptions to verify
- Gravel density ≈ 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
- The layer is uniform depth.
- Waste/settling is added by the user (~10%).
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate gravel?
Volume = L × W × depth; cubic yards = ft³ ÷ 27; tons = yd³ × 1.4. A 10×20 ft bed at 4" ≈ 3.5 tons.
How many tons in a yard of gravel?
About 1.4 tons per cubic yard, depending on the gravel type and moisture.
How deep should gravel be?
2–4 inches for paths and drainage; 4–6 for driveways.
How do I convert cubic feet to yards?
Divide by 27 (3×3×3).
Should I order extra?
Yes — add ~10% for settling, compaction, and spreading waste.
Does gravel type matter?
Yes — pea gravel, crushed stone, and river rock have different densities and uses.
Can I calculate in metric?
The tool works in feet/inches; convert metric measurements first.
How much gravel do I need?
Length × width × depth ÷ 27 = cubic yards; multiply by density for tons.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
About 2,600–3,100 pounds depending on the stone type.
Cite this tool
BoringToolsKit. “Gravel Calculator.” boringtoolskit.com/gravel-calculator/ (reviewed 2026-08-25). Free to reference in articles, syllabi, and answer posts with a link.
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