Calculate gravel volume and weight for a driveway, path, or base layer.
Hauling
Estimated cost
Usage Tip
Order about 10 percent extra for compaction and edges, and lay landscape fabric underneath to slow weeds and keep stone from sinking.
tons = cubic yards × density
The result gives both cubic yards and an approximate weight in tons for ordering.
How much gravel do I need?
Multiply the area by the depth to get the volume, then convert to cubic yards and tons — because most suppliers sell gravel by the ton, not the yard. A 20 by 10 ft area at 4 in deep is about 2.5 cubic yards, or roughly 3.5 tons of crushed stone. This calculator gives both, plus how many truck or trailer loads that is and whether delivery makes more sense than hauling it yourself.
Gravel coverage chart
How far one ton of gravel spreads depends on depth. These figures assume typical crushed stone:
| Depth | One ton covers |
|---|---|
| 1 in | about 216 sq ft |
| 2 in | about 108 sq ft |
| 3 in | about 72 sq ft |
| 4 in | about 54 sq ft |
Gravel density and tons per yard
Different gravels weigh different amounts, which is why the same volume can be more or fewer tons. Typical densities:
| Material | Tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| River rock | 1.35 |
| Pea gravel | 1.40 |
| Drain rock | 1.40 |
| Crushed rock | 1.50 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.50 |
| Crushed limestone | 1.55 |
| Road base | 1.65 |
Driveway gravel calculator
A gravel driveway is usually built in layers and 4 to 6 in deep total. Use a coarse road base below and a finer crushed stone on top. Spread depth recommendations by project:
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| Walkway / path | 2 to 3 in |
| Patio base | 4 in |
| Driveway | 4 to 6 in |
| Shed base | 4 to 6 in |
| RV pad | 6 to 8 in |
| French drain | fill the trench |
Gravel ton calculator
To go from cubic yards to tons, multiply by the material density. Crushed stone is about 1.5 tons per cubic yard, so 4 cubic yards is roughly 6 tons. Suppliers and delivery trucks both think in tons, so it pays to know the weight before you order.
How many truck loads of gravel?
Gravel is heavy — a cubic yard weighs roughly 2,700 lb. A half-ton pickup safely carries only about half a yard, so even a small project is several trips. A dump trailer handles around 3 yards. Past about a yard, delivery is usually worth it for the back alone.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 to 1.5 tons for most gravel, a bit more for road base and a bit less for river rock.
How much gravel for a driveway?
Figure 4 to 6 in deep. A 100 sq ft section at 4 in is about 1.25 cubic yards, or close to 2 tons.
How deep should gravel be?
2 to 3 in for paths, 4 in for patios, 4 to 6 in for driveways and 6 to 8 in for RV pads.
Should I buy gravel by the yard or the ton?
Most bulk suppliers sell by the ton. The calculator gives both so you can match whatever your supplier quotes.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
Roughly 2,700 lb, which is why a half-ton pickup can only take about half a yard at a time.
Is gravel delivery worth it?
Usually, past about a cubic yard. Hauling several half-yard pickup loads costs time, fuel and your suspension.
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Estimates are for planning and use typical densities; actual tonnage varies with material, moisture and compaction. Order about 10 percent extra for compaction and spread, and confirm density and delivery minimums with your supplier.