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Free project planning tool
Gravel calculator
Estimate gravel volume, weight, full bag quantity, and material cost for driveways, paths, and landscape bases.
✓ Metric & imperial✓ Transparent assumptions✓ No signup
Driveways & pathsInstant estimate
Formula
How the gravel estimate works
- Gravel volume = area length × area width × gravel depth
- Adjusted volume = gravel volume × (1 + extra allowance %)
- Gravel weight = adjusted volume × material density
- Full bags = gravel weight ÷ bag weight, rounded up
Example calculation
A 12 × 10 ft area at 3 in deep is 30 cubic feet before extra allowance. With 10% extra and gravel at 100 lb per cubic foot, the estimate is about 1.65 short tons or 66 full 50 lb bags.
Planning tips
- Measure compacted depth, then allow for settlement and an uneven base.
- Replace the default density with a supplier value when available.
- Bulk delivery is usually more practical than bags for larger areas.
Common questions
Gravel calculator FAQ
How deep should gravel be?
Depth depends on the project and base conditions. Decorative paths may use a shallower layer than driveways, which commonly require a prepared base and multiple material layers.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Weight varies by stone size, moisture, and compaction. A common planning range is roughly 1.3–1.5 short tons per cubic yard, but supplier values are more reliable.
Does the calculator include compaction?
Use the extra allowance field to cover compaction, settlement, and minor grade variation. Confirm the final order with the material supplier.