[Free tools](https://rebulk.com/tools)

# Gravel Calculator

Work out how much gravel, stone, sand, or any bulk material you need: enter the area and depth, and get cubic yards, tons, and an estimated cost. To calculate by hand: area (ft²) × depth (ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards; multiply by density for tons.

Area shape

RectangleCircle

Length (ft)Width (ft)Depth (inches)Common: 2–3″ top-up, 4″ new gravel driveway base lift.

MaterialDensity (lb/yd³)Price per ton (optional)

Material needed

1.9yd³

Tons

2.6

Coverage

200ft²

Order 5–10% extra for settling and uneven grade. Delivered loads are usually sold by the ton or by the yard, and this gives you both.

## How the gravel calculation works

yd³ = (length × width × depth-in-feet) ÷ 27 · tons = yd³ × density ÷ 2,000

Depth is the number people get wrong most often: it's entered in inches but computed in feet (3 inches = 0.25 ft). The calculator handles that for you, along with circular areas: π × (diameter ÷ 2)² for the footprint.

## Choosing the right depth

For driveways: a 4-inch compacted base of larger stone, topped with 2–3 inches of smaller gravel, is the standard build. For paths and pads, 2–3 inches over a weed barrier is typical. Drainage applications usually spec by the engineer's detail, not rules of thumb.

Working with piles instead of areas? Use the [stockpile volume calculator](https://rebulk.com/tools/stockpile-calculator) for cones, windrows, and bunkers, or the [cubic yards to tons converter](https://rebulk.com/tools/cubic-yards-to-tons) with the full material density chart.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much gravel do I need?

Multiply your area's square footage by the depth in feet to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by density (about 2,800 lb/yd³ for gravel) and divide by 2,000 for tons. A 20×10 ft area at 3 inches deep needs about 1.9 cubic yards, or roughly 2.6 tons.

### How deep should gravel be?

A 2–3 inch top-up layer suits existing driveways and paths. A new gravel driveway needs a 4-inch base lift (often two lifts of different stone sizes). Decorative and landscape gravel is usually laid 2 inches deep.

### How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?

At 2 inches deep, one ton of gravel covers roughly 80–100 square feet. At 4 inches, figure 40–50 square feet per ton.

### Should I order gravel by the yard or by the ton?

Suppliers sell both; trucks are weighed, so tons is what you're billed for. Order 5–10% extra for settling and uneven grade. Coming up short costs a second delivery fee.

## More free tools

Yards in a Ton of Gravel

Conversion chart by material, both directions.

[Read more](https://rebulk.com/tools/how-many-yards-in-a-ton-of-gravel)

Gravel Cost Guide

What gravel costs per yard and per ton.

[Read more](https://rebulk.com/tools/gravel-cost)

Stockpile Volume Calculator

Volume and tonnage from pile dimensions.

[Read more](https://rebulk.com/tools/stockpile-calculator)

Cubic Yards ↔ Tons Converter

Convert volume to weight for 18 bulk materials.

[Read more](https://rebulk.com/tools/cubic-yards-to-tons)

## Run a quarry, yard, or terminal?

Rebulk measures whole sites automatically: every pile, bay, and silo on one live dashboard, with phone scanning for the piles your sensors don't watch.

[See the Rebulk system](https://rebulk.com/products/inventory) [Rebulk for aggregates](https://rebulk.com/industries/aggregates)

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Source: https://rebulk.com/tools/gravel-calculator