Gravel Calculator
A 20×10 ft path at 4 in deep needs 2.5 cu yd (~3.5 tons) of gravel — $63–$150 in crushed stone. Enter your area for an exact estimate.
Inputs
Estimate
- Cubic yards needed2.47cu yd
- Tons needed (1.4 tons/cu yd)Most gravel weighs 1.3–1.5 tons per cubic yard. Heavier rocks (river, lava) can be 1.6+.3.46tons
- Gravel cost — low$62
- Gravel cost — high$148
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Try Remodel AI freeHow to calculate gravel for any project
Gravel volume = length × width × depth (in feet), then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Most gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to get tons (the unit used for delivery pricing).
Standard depths: 4 inches for paver patio bases and walkways. 6 inches for driveways and vehicle areas. 2 inches for decorative ground cover. Always compact gravel base in 2-inch lifts for paver or building applications.
Bulk delivery is dramatically cheaper than bagged gravel. A 1-ton scoop covers about 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep. Most suppliers have a 1-ton minimum.
Formulas used
- Cubic yards
(length × width × depth_inches/12) / 27Volume in cubic feet divided by 27 = cubic yards. - Tons
cubic_yards × 1.4Most gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of gravel cost?+
Crushed stone / class 5: $25–$60 per cubic yard. Pea gravel: $30–$70. River rock: $60–$200. Decomposed granite: $45–$110. Bagged gravel costs 2–3× more per cubic yard.
How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?+
About 1.4 tons per cubic yard for most crushed stone. River rock can be 1.5–1.7 tons. Pea gravel: ~1.4 tons. Decomposed granite: ~1.5 tons.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?+
4–6 inches of compacted crushed stone base, plus 2 inches of finer top dressing. Compact in 2-inch lifts.
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need?+
Multiply length × width × depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 20×10 ft path at 4 inches deep = 2.5 cubic yards = about 3.5 tons.
What's the difference between crushed stone and pea gravel?+
Crushed stone has angular edges that lock together — used as load-bearing base. Pea gravel is round and shifts under weight — used for decorative top dressing and walkways, not driveway bases.