Landscaping & Outdoor
Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much loose gravel a rectangular area needs, then convert the volume into an estimated delivery weight.
- Volume & weight
- Editable density
- Imperial & metric
Enter your gravel area
Measure the finished area and compacted depth. Use the density supplied by your quarry when it is available.
Estimate result
How this estimate is calculated
The calculator finds the compacted rectangular volume and adds your selected allowance. It multiplies that adjusted volume by the density you enter to estimate delivery weight.
Gravel volume = length × width × depth × (1 + waste %); weight = volume × density
Gravel density changes with stone type, grading, moisture, and compaction. Treat the weight as a planning figure and let the quarry or landscape supplier size the final delivery.
Gravel Calculator FAQs
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
There is no single exact value. This calculator starts at 1.4 short tons per cubic yard, but you should enter the density supplied for your chosen aggregate.
What gravel depth should I use?
Depth depends on the application, subgrade, and aggregate. A decorative path and a vehicle driveway need very different base preparation, so follow the project specification.
Does the estimate include compaction?
The adjustable allowance can help cover compaction and uneven subgrade. Suppliers may recommend a different factor for the specific material.
What is the difference between tons and tonnes?
Imperial mode reports US short tons. Metric mode reports metric tonnes, so the purchasing unit follows the measurement system.
Suggested supplies
These non-affiliate Amazon search links can help you compare common project materials. Affiliate tracking can be enabled later from the shared site configuration.
Related project calculators
Continue planning with another calculator from the same BuildingMath site.