Gravel Calculator
Plan the amount of gravel you need for driveways, paths, patios, drainage beds and other projects. Build one area or combine several sections, then see volume, approximate weight, bags and optional cost.
1. Set your project
Choose a unit system and a material preset. Preset densities are starting points; use your supplier's figure when you have it.
2. Add project areas
Use one section for a simple area. For an irregular project, split it into rectangles, circles or triangles and add each part.
3. Ordering assumptions
An allowance can cover spillage, uneven subgrade and similar field losses. It is not a universal engineering compaction factor.
Your estimate
Enter your project details and calculate to see the estimate.
Quick coverage reference
Approximate coverage area for one unit of volume at common layer depths. Actual coverage varies with material and compaction.
| Depth | Coverage per cubic yard | Coverage per cubic metre |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in / 50.8 mm | ≈ 18 sq yd | ≈ 19.7 sq m |
| 4 in / 101.6 mm | ≈ 9 sq yd | ≈ 9.84 sq m |
| 6 in / 152.4 mm | ≈ 6 sq yd | ≈ 6.56 sq m |
| 8 in / 203.2 mm | ≈ 4.5 sq yd | ≈ 4.92 sq m |
How the calculator works
For each area, the calculator determines surface area from the shape and multiplies it by the entered depth. Multiple sections are combined, then the optional allowance is applied to the total volume.
Gravel calculator in tons: weight & ordering
The selected bulk density converts volume into an approximate weight. For imperial projects, the result is shown in US short tons. For example, the Pea gravel preset is about 1.35 US tons per cubic yard, so 5 yd³ estimates 6.75 US tons before any extra allowance. Actual weight varies by material, source, moisture and compaction; use your supplier’s density when available.
Order quantity is then rounded according to the unit system and any supplier minimum you enter.
Using a Gravel Base Calculator for Driveways and Patios
For a driveway, patio or path base layer, choose the material closest to the product you plan to order, such as Paver base / crushed concrete or Crusher run / dense-grade. Enter the measured area and the installed depth from your project specification. For an irregular area, add separate sections so the calculator can combine them.
The calculator estimates volume first, then converts it to approximate weight using the selected density. When your supplier provides a bulk-density figure, use that value instead of relying on a generic preset. Keep the optional allowance separate from the measured volume so you can review the project quantity and purchase estimate independently.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Measure the surface area and the installed depth, calculate the volume, then use a supplier or material density to estimate weight. This calculator also lets you combine multiple areas and add an optional ordering allowance.
What density should I use?
Use the exact bulk density from your supplier or delivery paperwork when available. Presets here are planning estimates and can vary with stone type, source, moisture and compaction.
How much extra gravel should I order?
There is no single percentage that is correct for every site. Use the allowance field for spillage, uneven subgrade and similar losses, based on your project conditions or supplier advice.
Can I calculate an irregular project?
Yes. Add sections and split the project into simple shapes. The calculator sums the volumes before applying the common allowance.
Can I use this as a gravel base calculator?
Yes. Choose Paver base / crushed concrete or Crusher run / dense-grade, enter the measured area and use the base-layer depth specified for your project. The calculator estimates material volume and approximate weight; it does not prescribe an engineered base thickness, compaction requirement or drainage design.
How do I calculate gravel in tons?
Calculate volume by multiplying the measured area by the installed depth, then convert that volume to an estimated weight using the material's bulk density. Use your supplier's density when available, because presets can vary with stone source, moisture and compaction. The calculator keeps the measured volume separate from any optional order allowance.
Are the tons exact?
No. Your measured volume is determined by the dimensions and depth entered. Weight depends on the density assumption, so the final delivered weight may differ from the estimate.
Planning note
This tool is for planning and estimating material quantities. It does not determine an engineered base thickness or drainage design. For structural work, site-specific specifications or professional advice may be required.