Gravel Calculator
Gravel is ordered by the ton but measured by volume. Enter the area and depth, pick the material, and you get both.
- 50 lb bags
- 139
From volume to tons
Cubic yards = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard)
Density depends on the stone, its size and how wet it is. These are typical loose values. The yard or quarry will quote its own figure.
| Material | Tons per cu yd | Lb per cu ft |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.40 | 104 |
| Crushed stone (#57) | 1.40 | 104 |
| River rock | 1.35 | 100 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.30 | 96 |
| Sand | 1.35 | 100 |
| Topsoil | 1.10 | 81 |
| Fill dirt | 1.20 | 89 |
How deep?
A garden path takes 2–3 in of pea gravel or decomposed granite. A new gravel driveway is usually built in layers: 4–6 in of larger crushed stone as a base, then 2–3 in of smaller surface stone. Patios and pavers sit on 4–6 in of compacted base. The paver calculator works out the base and sand for you.
Compaction shrinks crushed base by roughly 10–20 %. Order extra when the layer will be compacted.