Gravel & Aggregate Calculator
Enter the area and depth to get cubic yards and tons of gravel, crushed stone, sand, or decomposed granite, with a waste allowance built in.
How to estimate gravel and aggregate
Multiply length by width by depth, all in feet, to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Because suppliers sell by weight, this calculator also converts to tons using an average density for the material you pick.
Choosing a depth
A gravel driveway base typically runs 4–6 inches; walkways and paths usually need only 2–3 inches; a decorative top-dressing layer is often just 1–2 inches over a compacted base.
Gravel calculator FAQ
How many tons of gravel do I need per cubic yard?
Most crushed gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Sand runs lighter at about 1.35, river rock about 1.3, and decomposed granite about 1.5. These are averages. Ask your supplier for their exact density on large orders.
How deep should a gravel driveway base be?
A typical gravel driveway uses 4 to 6 inches of compacted base, sometimes with an additional 2-inch top-dressing layer of decorative stone. Paths and walkways usually only need 2 to 3 inches.
Should I order gravel by the ton or by the yard?
Most quarries and landscape suppliers price by the ton; some smaller loads are quoted by the cubic yard. This calculator gives you both.