Gravel Calculator
Find out how many cubic yards and tons of gravel, crushed stone or river rock you need for a driveway, path or garden bed - no more guessing when ordering.
How to use this gravel calculator
Measure the length and width of the area in feet and decide the depth in inches (see the FAQ for recommended depths). Choose the material - each type has a different weight per cubic yard - and the calculator returns both cubic yards and tons.
Most suppliers sell gravel by the ton and will quote a delivery fee on top. As a sanity check: a standard pickup truck bed holds about 1.5 tons of gravel, and a tandem dump truck delivers around 18 tons.
Gravel calculator FAQ
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Crushed limestone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, river rock and pea gravel about 1.2-1.3 tons, and decomposed granite 1.35 tons. Lighter materials like volcanic rock weigh less per yard.
What type of gravel is best for a driveway?
Three layers: 6-8 inches of #2 or #57 crushed stone as base, 2 inches of #57 for the middle, and 1 inch of #411 fines for the top wearing course.
Should I use landscape fabric under gravel?
Yes - geotextile fabric stops gravel from sinking into the soil, prevents weeds, and saves you from topping up the gravel every year.