Free Online Gravel Calculator
Calculate the exact amount of gravel needed for your construction project. Get accurate estimates for volume, weight, and cost of gravel materials with our professional gravel calculator tool.
Calculation Results
Volume Needed
Weight Required
Estimated Cost
Number of Bags
Share Your Results
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
- Measure your project area: Enter the length and width of the area you want to cover with gravel in feet.
- Determine depth: Enter the desired depth of gravel in inches. For walkways, 2-4 inches is typical; for driveways, use 4-6 inches.
- Select gravel type: Choose from various gravel types, each with different densities and characteristics.
- Add pricing (optional): Enter the local price per ton to get cost estimates.
- Set waste factor: Account for waste, compaction, and extra material (typically 5-15%).
- Calculate: Click the calculate button to get volume, weight, and cost requirements.
Formula Used
Our gravel calculator uses the following formulas to provide accurate calculations:
Volume Calculation:
Volume (cubic feet) = Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12)
Volume (cubic yards) = Volume (cubic feet) ÷ 27
Weight Calculation:
Weight (tons) = Volume (cubic yards) × Gravel Density × (1 + Waste Factor)
Cost Calculation:
Total Cost = Weight (tons) × Price per Ton
About This Gravel Calculator
Our free online gravel calculator is designed to help contractors, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts accurately estimate the amount of gravel needed for their projects. Whether you're building a driveway, walkway, patio base, or drainage system, this tool provides precise calculations for volume, weight, and cost.
The calculator accounts for different types of gravel with varying densities and includes a waste factor to ensure you order enough material. It supports multiple measurement units and provides results in both cubic yards and tons, making it easy to communicate with suppliers.
Gravel Types and Applications
Common Gravel Types:
- Pea Gravel: Small, rounded stones ideal for walkways and decorative applications
- Crushed Stone: Angular stones perfect for driveways and structural bases
- River Rock: Smooth, rounded stones for drainage and landscaping
- Limestone: Durable crushed limestone for heavy-duty applications
Applications:
- Driveways and parking areas
- Walkways and garden paths
- Concrete foundation bases
- Drainage systems and French drains
- Landscaping and decorative features
Calculation Examples
Example 1: Residential Driveway
Dimensions: 20 feet long × 12 feet wide × 4 inches deep
Gravel Type: Crushed Stone (1.5 tons/yd³)
Results: 2.96 cubic yards, 4.44 tons of gravel needed
Example 2: Garden Walkway
Dimensions: 50 feet long × 3 feet wide × 2 inches deep
Gravel Type: Pea Gravel (1.28 tons/yd³)
Results: 0.93 cubic yards, 1.19 tons of gravel needed
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for my driveway?
For a standard driveway, multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. A typical driveway uses 4-6 inches of gravel depth.
What's the difference between gravel types?
Different gravel types have varying densities, sizes, and applications. Crushed stone is angular and compacts well for structural uses, while pea gravel is rounded and better for decorative purposes.
Why do I need a waste factor?
A waste factor accounts for material loss during transportation, compaction, and minor measurement variations. It ensures you have enough material to complete your project.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the gravel density (tons per cubic yard). Each gravel type has a different density, which our calculator accounts for automatically.