Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much gravel you need for driveways, paths, patios, and landscaping projects. Get tons, cubic yards, and total cost in seconds. Supports pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, and decomposed granite.
📊 Gravel Estimate Results
Area—
Cubic Feet—
Cubic Yards—
Tons Required—
Estimated Cost—
Gravel Type—
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover in feet. Choose your desired depth in inches — 2–3 inches is typical for decorative gravel paths and driveways. Select your gravel type from the dropdown; each type has a different weight per cubic yard. Enter the cost per ton from your local supplier, and click Calculate Gravel. The results show the area in square feet, volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, total tons required, and estimated material cost.
Recommended Depth by Project
| Project Type | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Decorative paths & walkways | 2–3 inches |
| Driveways (gravel base) | 4–6 inches |
| Landscape beds (mulch alternative) | 2–3 inches |
| French drains & drainage | 6–12 inches |
| Under pavers (base layer) | 4–6 inches |
Gravel Types Guide
- Pea Gravel — Small, smooth, rounded stones (~⅜ inch). Great for paths, patios, and playgrounds. Compacts well but shifts under heavy loads.
- Crushed Stone — Angular, rough-edged gravel that locks together. Ideal for driveways and base layers. The most common choice for roads and parking areas.
- River Rock — Larger, smooth stones (1–3 inches). Best for decorative landscaping and dry creek beds. Not recommended for driveways — rocks can shift under tires.
- Decomposed Granite — Fine, sandy gravel that compacts into a hard surface. Excellent for pathways and patios. Packs down almost like concrete.
- Lava Rock — Lightweight, porous volcanic rock. Great for decorative beds and excellent drainage. Weighs less per cubic yard, so you get more volume per ton.
Tips for Ordering Gravel
- Order 5–10% extra — Gravel compacts over time, and some is lost during spreading. It's cheaper to have a little extra than to order a second delivery.
- Check delivery minimums — Most suppliers have a 3–5 ton minimum for delivery. If your project is small, consider buying bulk bags from a home improvement store.
- Use landscape fabric — Lay weed barrier fabric under gravel to prevent weeds from growing through. This is especially important for paths and decorative beds.
- Compact in layers — For driveways, spread and compact gravel in 2–3 inch lifts for best results. A plate compactor rental costs about $50–80/day.
- Edge restraints matter — Install edging (metal, plastic, or stone) to keep gravel contained, especially on sloped areas.