Find out how much gravel, crushed stone, or landscaping rock you need. Enter your area dimensions and desired depth to get cubic yards and estimated weight.
Gravel Calculator
Recommended Depths by Application
| Application | Depth |
|---|---|
| Driveway base | 4–6 inches |
| Driveway top layer | 2–3 inches |
| Walkway / path | 2–3 inches |
| Drainage / French drain | 12+ inches |
| Decorative landscaping | 2 inches |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
It depends on the type. Most standard crushed stone or pea gravel weighs 1.2–1.7 tons per cubic yard, averaging about 1.4 tons/yd³. Check with your supplier for the specific material’s density.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A properly built gravel driveway uses a 4–6 inch compacted base of larger crushed stone plus a 2–3 inch top layer of smaller gravel — 6–9 inches total for light vehicle traffic.
How much does one cubic yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers about 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches. Divide 324 by your desired depth in inches to find coverage per cubic yard.
Should I order in tons or cubic yards?
Suppliers often sell by the ton for delivery and by the cubic yard for pickup. The calculator gives both. When ordering delivery, confirm the density conversion the supplier uses.
Do I need a weed barrier under gravel?
For landscaping and decorative areas, a geotextile weed barrier significantly reduces weed growth and prevents gravel sinking into soft soil. For driveways, a compacted base layer serves a similar structural purpose.