Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons from an area and depth. Calculate waste-adjusted volume, editable material density, and optional bag quantities.
Enter measurements below. The result updates as you type.
Calculation breakdown
Geometry
Area = length x width
Base volume
20 cu ft before waste
Purchase volume
0.81 cu yd after 10% waste
Mass estimate
0.81 cu yd x 1.35 tons/cu yd
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Open the project hub for nearby tools, measurement guidance, and published articles.
Formula explanation
Core gravel estimate basis
Area = length x width or pi x radius^2; volume = area x depth; mass = volume x density
- Depth must be converted to the same base unit before multiplying.
- Tonnage requires a material density value and should be treated as an estimate.
- Compare base volume with the waste-adjusted volume, and confirm actual supplier coverage or bulk-delivery sizes before ordering.
Worked example
Rectangular path example
20 ft long x 4 ft wide x 3 in deep
- 1Convert 3 inches to 0.25 feet.
- 2Multiply 20 x 4 x 0.25.
- 3Convert cubic feet to cubic yards if needed.
Base volume: 20 cubic feet (0.74 cubic yards). At 10% waste: 22 cubic feet (0.81 cubic yards), before applying density to estimate tons.
Estimate assumptions
Check these assumptions before ordering
- Rectangular and circular areas are supported in this calculator.
- Depth, compaction, and gravel type can materially change the final order quantity.
- Density presets are approximate planning defaults and remain editable.
Measurement checklist
How to measure
- For rectangular projects, measure the usable length and width of the area to be covered.
- For circular projects, measure the full diameter across the circle.
- Measure gravel depth separately and use a compacted finished depth when that is what you need to order for.
- Use supplier density when available, especially for compacted crushed stone or decorative rock.
Avoid these errors
Common mistakes
- Using inches for depth while leaving the calculator in metric mode.
- Treating gravel tonnage as exact when density and moisture can vary.
- Forgetting that compaction can change the delivered quantity needed on site.
- Ordering without checking supplier minimums, delivery units, and local product density.
Estimate disclaimer
Verify before ordering.
Use the output as a planning baseline. Site conditions, product coverage, waste, supplier units, installation method, and local requirements can change the final quantity.
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Continue the same project estimate
Published guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Supporting guide
How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Driveway?
Turn driveway measurements into cubic yards, cubic metres, and approximate tons while keeping depth, density, compaction, and waste assumptions visible.
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Supporting guide
Gravel Driveway Cost: Size, Depth, Tons, and Delivery
Turn a measured driveway into a practical gravel cost estimate by separating volume, tonnage, delivery, site work, and local pricing assumptions.
Read guide
Common questions
Use the result with context
01Is gravel weight exact?+
No. Weight is an estimate based on the density value you choose. Gravel density varies by material, moisture, gradation, and compaction.
02Why does gravel need density?+
Gravel volume and gravel weight are different estimates. Tonnage depends on material type, moisture, compaction, and supplier data.
03How many cubic yards of gravel do I need?+
Multiply the project area in square feet by gravel depth in feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For a 20 ft by 4 ft path at 3 inches deep, the base volume is 20 cubic feet or about 0.74 cubic yards. Add the chosen waste allowance separately.
04Can I estimate gravel bags?+
Yes. Enter the bag volume in cubic feet or bag weight in pounds to estimate whole bags. Compare the estimate with the exact product packaging before purchasing.
05Does the gravel calculator estimate delivery price?+
No. This tool calculates material quantity and approximate tonnage, not supplier pricing or delivery charges. Request a local quote for the calculated cubic yards or tons.