gravel calculator
Get the volume and weight of gravel you need for a driveway, path or patio, by stone type and depth, and what it’ll roughly cost.
fashion law journal · tools deskupdated 25 sep 2026tons, yards, tonnes
Quick answer: multiply length × width × depth to get the volume, then multiply by the stone’s density. Most gravel weighs about 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. A 10 × 20 ft path 3 inches deep is about 1.85 cubic yards, or roughly 2.6 tons of pea gravel.
how deep should gravel be?
| project | depth | typical stone |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative borders | 2 in (5 cm) | pea gravel, river rock |
| Garden paths | 2–3 in (5–8 cm) | pea gravel, decomposed granite |
| Patios | 3–4 in (8–10 cm) over a base | crushed stone, pea gravel |
| Driveways | 4–6 in (10–15 cm) topping over 4–8 in of base | crusher run base, #57 stone top |
| Drainage | 6–12 in (15–30 cm) | washed crushed stone |
gravel questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Usually about 1.4 to 1.5 tons (2,800 to 3,000 lb), depending on stone size and moisture. Sand and decomposed granite are slightly lighter per yard.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, one ton of gravel covers about 100 square feet. At 3 inches, about 70 square feet.
Should I buy gravel by the ton or the yard?
Either works. Just compare suppliers in the same unit. Quarries often sell by the ton, and landscape yards often sell by the yard.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
For paths and decorative areas, a permeable fabric helps suppress weeds and stops stone sinking into the soil. For driveways, a compacted base matters more than fabric.
Densities are typical averages. Actual weight varies with stone size and moisture, so confirm with your supplier. More tools: cubic yard calculator · square footage calculator.