Gravel Calculator

For a 20 ft by 20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, you'll need about 4.94 cubic yards of gravel. That's 400 square feet times 0.333 feet (4 inches) equals 133.2 cubic feet, divided by 27 gives 4.94 cubic yards. Since a cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons, you'll need approximately 6.9 tons. Always add 10% for compaction and waste, so order about 7.6 tons. If you're using a different depth, say 6 inches, the volume increases to 7.41 cubic yards and about 10.4 tons. For a 20x20 ft area, you might also consider a base layer of larger crushed stone and a top layer of smaller gravel. Use our concrete calculator if you're comparing costs with a concrete driveway, which typically requires 4-6 inches of concrete and rebar.

Gravel is a naturally occurring material made of rounded stones, while crushed stone is mechanically broken from larger rocks, resulting in angular edges. Gravel is often used for walkways and decorative purposes because it's smoother, but it doesn't compact as well. Crushed stone, like #57 stone, locks together when compacted, making it better for driveways and base layers. For a driveway, crushed stone is recommended; for a garden path, gravel works fine. In terms of coverage, both have similar densities, around 1.4 tons per cubic yard. However, crushed stone may require slightly more material due to its angularity and interlocking nature. If you're calculating for a 12x12 ft patio at 2 inches deep, you'll need about 0.89 cubic yards or 1.25 tons of either material. For precise estimates, use our gravel calculator and adjust based on your chosen material.

For a standard residential driveway, you need a minimum of 4 inches of compacted gravel, but 6 inches is better for heavier vehicles. If you're starting from bare soil, you'll want a 4-inch base layer of larger crushed stone (like #3 or #4) and a 2-inch top layer of smaller gravel (like #57 or #21A). That totals 6 inches. For a 16 ft by 30 ft driveway, 6 inches deep equals 7.11 cubic yards, or about 10 tons. Add 10% for compaction, bringing it to 11 tons. If your soil is clay or poorly draining, add a 2-inch layer of sand first. For lighter use, like a single car, 4 inches may suffice. Compare with our concrete calculator to see if a concrete driveway, which typically needs 4 inches of concrete over a 4-inch gravel base, is a better fit.

One cubic yard of gravel typically weighs between 1.4 and 1.7 tons, depending on the stone type and moisture content. Pea gravel is on the lighter side at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, while crushed limestone can weigh up to 1.7 tons. For estimation, use 1.5 tons per cubic yard as a middle ground. For example, if you need 3 cubic yards of gravel, you're looking at about 4.5 tons. If you're ordering from a supplier, they often sell by the ton, so knowing this conversion is crucial. For a 10x10 ft shed base at 4 inches deep, you need 1.23 cubic yards, which is about 1.85 tons. Always confirm the density with your supplier, as it can vary by region. Our topsoil calculator uses a similar density conversion if you're mixing materials.

Yes, the volume calculation works for any loose material, but you'll need to adjust the density for weight. Sand weighs about 1.3 tons per cubic yard, topsoil about 1.1 tons, and mulch about 0.4 tons. For example, a 10x10 ft garden bed at 6 inches deep requires 1.85 cubic yards. If you're filling it with topsoil, that's about 2 tons; with sand, 2.4 tons. The calculator's material estimate assumes gravel density, so for other materials, multiply the cubic yards by the appropriate density. If you're spreading topsoil, our topsoil calculator gives more precise results. For concrete, which is a mixture, use our concrete calculator. Always round up to the nearest quarter yard when ordering to avoid shortages.

For a circular area, measure the diameter in feet, divide by 2 to get the radius, then use the formula: area = π × radius². For example, a 12-foot diameter circle has a radius of 6 feet, so area = 3.14 × 36 = 113 square feet. If you want a 3-inch depth, convert to feet (0.25 ft) and multiply: 113 × 0.25 = 28.25 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 1.05 cubic yards, or about 1.6 tons of gravel. Add 10% for compaction, bringing it to 1.76 tons. For a fire pit area, you might use a 6-foot diameter circle at 2 inches deep: area = 28.26 sq ft, volume = 4.71 cubic ft, or 0.17 cubic yards (0.26 tons). For irregular shapes, break them into rectangles and circles, calculate each, and sum the volumes. Our roof pitch calculator can help with angles if you're working on a sloped surface.