Calculators / Gravel
Gravel Calculator
To calculate gravel, enter the length, width, and depth; this tool returns the volume in cubic yards, the weight in tons, and a cost estimate. Gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Real math, not AI guesses.
You need
2.72 tons
Estimated cost
~$122
- Volume
- 1.94 cu yd
- Tons (≈1.4 t/yd³)
- 2.72
Estimate only — actual quantities and prices vary by region and supplier. Verify with a professional before purchasing. Default price is a national average (as of 2026-06); edit it to match your supplier.
How to calculate gravel
The formula: tons = (length × width × depth⁄12) ÷ 27 × 1.4
- Measure the length and width in feet and the depth in inches.
- Multiply length × width × (depth ÷ 12) for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to estimate tons.
- A 2–3 inch depth is typical for paths; 4 inches for driveways.
Prices shown are national averages (as of 2026-06) and vary by region, brand, and supplier. They are estimates, not quotes.
Gravel weight, coverage & conversions
Gravel is sold by the ton but measured by volume, so the conversion is where people get stuck. Typical gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (≈2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply by 1.4; to convert tons to cubic yards, divide by 1.4 (1 ton ≈ 0.71 cubic yards). The tables below cover weight, how much area a ton or yard covers at common depths, and the weight and price of each gravel type.
Cubic yards → tons (≈1.4 tons/yd³)
| Cubic yards | Weight (tons) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 1.4 tons | 2,800 lbs |
| 2 yd³ | 2.8 tons | 5,600 lbs |
| 3 yd³ | 4.2 tons | 8,400 lbs |
| 5 yd³ | 7.0 tons | 14,000 lbs |
| 10 yd³ | 14 tons | 28,000 lbs |
Tons to cubic yards: divide tons by 1.4 (1 ton ≈ 0.71 yd³). Dense crushed run runs closer to 1.5 tons/yd³.
Coverage — area per ton and per cubic yard
| Depth | 1 ton covers | 1 cubic yard covers |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | ~115 sq ft | ~160 sq ft |
| 3 in | ~80 sq ft | ~108 sq ft |
| 4 in | ~60 sq ft | ~81 sq ft |
| 6 in | ~40 sq ft | ~54 sq ft |
Loose gravel before compaction, based on ~1.4 tons per cubic yard. Driveways are usually 4 in, often in two layers.
Gravel type — weight & bulk price (before delivery)
| Type | Weight / yd³ | Price / ton |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | ~1.4 tons | $30 – $55 |
| Crushed stone #57 (3/4 in) | ~1.4 tons | $20 – $40 |
| Crushed run / road base | ~1.5 tons | $15 – $30 |
| Crushed limestone | ~1.4 tons | $20 – $40 |
| River rock (decorative) | ~1.4 tons | $45 – $130 |
Bulk per-yard price is roughly 1.4× the per-ton price. Delivery is a flat fee, so the per-ton cost drops on larger loads. Prices are 2026 national averages — estimates, not quotes.
How much does gravel cost?
Gravel costs roughly $25–$65 per ton, or about $15–$45 per cubic yard, for common landscape and driveway stone before delivery. Delivered, expect $40–$90 per ton including a flat delivery fee. For a 20×10 driveway at 3 inches deep (about 2.6 tons), that is roughly $150–$400 delivered. Spreading and grading by a pro adds labor on top.
What drives the cost
- Stone type: crushed run and pea gravel are cheaper than decorative or washed stone.
- Delivery is a big share on small loads — the per-ton price drops as the load gets bigger.
- Distance from the quarry or yard drives the delivery fee.
- Depth and area: a 4-inch driveway in two layers needs more than a 2-inch path.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Gravel is one of the most DIY-friendly materials — order a delivery, then rake and spread it yourself. The cost is the stone and delivery, not labor, so spreading it yourself saves the most on small jobs. For a long driveway or one needing grading and compaction, a contractor with a skid steer is faster and flatter; get a couple of quotes.
Installed and labor figures are national-average ranges, not quotes — get a few local estimates for your project.
Gravel FAQ
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?+
A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at 3 inches deep is about 1.85 cubic yards, or roughly 2.6 tons of gravel.
How deep should gravel be?+
2–3 inches for walkways and beds, and 4 inches (often in two layers) for a gravel driveway.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?+
About 1.4 tons — roughly 2,800 lbs — for typical dry gravel. Dense crushed run or wet gravel weighs a bit more, around 1.5 tons (3,000 lbs) per cubic yard.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?+
Multiply cubic yards by 1.4. So 3 cubic yards is about 4.2 tons. To go the other way, divide tons by 1.4 — 1 ton is roughly 0.71 cubic yards.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?+
About 100–115 sq ft at 2 inches deep, ~80 sq ft at 3 inches, and ~60 sq ft at 4 inches. A full cubic yard covers about 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
How much does a ton of gravel cost?+
Bulk gravel runs about $20–$55 per ton for common crushed stone and pea gravel before delivery. Crushed run / road base is cheapest ($15–$30 per ton); decorative river rock is the most ($45–$130). Delivery adds a flat fee, so the per-ton price drops on larger loads.
How much does gravel cost for a driveway?+
A 20×10 driveway at 3 inches deep needs about 2.6 tons. At $40–$90 per ton delivered, that is roughly $150–$400 in gravel, before any grading labor.
Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the ton or yard?+
Bulk by the ton or cubic yard is far cheaper than bagged gravel for any real area. Bags only make sense for small touch-ups.