Gravel & Crushed Stone Calculator
Calculate the total cubic yards and tons of gravel needed for your driveway, patio base, or landscaping project.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter Length: Measure the longest side of your project area in feet.
- Enter Width: Measure the shorter side of your project area in feet.
- Enter Depth: Input your desired gravel thickness in inches (standard is typically 2 to 4 inches depending on the project).
- Enter Compaction/Waste (%): Input your desired waste factor (we recommend 5-10%) to account for settling and spillage.
Introduction
Guessing your gravel order is a rookie mistake. Eye-balling it means you're either paying a second delivery fee when you run short, or sweating over a massive pile of leftover rock killing your grass.
Our free gravel tonnage calculator eliminates the guesswork by instantly converting your project dimensions into an exact material order. It automatically accounts for the depth of your pour and the standard gravel compaction factor, ensuring you buy the perfect amount of stone the very first time.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
There is generally about 0.71 cubic yards in one ton of standard gravel. Because gravel weighs roughly 2,800 pounds (1.4 tons) per cubic yard, you will need to order slightly more than one ton to fill a single cubic yard of space.
Skip the manual math by entering your exact project dimensions into our interactive gravel tonnage calculator above to instantly get your supplier order size, complete with custom inputs and waste percentages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many tons of gravel for a 10x10 patio?
A. For a standard 10x10 patio space, you will need 1.73 tons of gravel if you are pouring a recommended 4-inch deep base. This translates to 1.23 cubic yards of material, providing a highly stable, well-draining foundation for your pavers.
Q. How deep should a gravel driveway base be?
A. A standard residential gravel driveway base should be between 4 and 8 inches deep. For heavy vehicle traffic or soft soil conditions, a deeper 8-inch base is highly recommended. Always compact the gravel in layers to prevent long-term shifting and rutting.
Q. How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A. The exact amount varies by dimensions, but a standard 10x20 foot driveway requiring a 4-inch depth needs roughly 3.5 tons of gravel. Because stone density varies, your exact tonnage will shift slightly depending on the specific rock you choose.
Planning your next project? Browse our master hub of Free DIY Home & Garden Calculators to get instant material lists, spacing math, and budget estimates.