How this calculator works. Volume = area × depth, converted to cubic yards. Weight = cubic yards × material density. The default density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard is the standard figure for crushed stone and gravel used across the US aggregate industry; adjust it in advanced settings for other materials.
How much gravel do I need?
Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard for bulk delivery, and in small bags (typically 0.5 cu ft) for minor jobs. The quick conversion to remember: a cubic yard of typical crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons and covers roughly 80 square feet at 4 inches deep.
Depth is where projects go wrong. A decorative path over fabric needs just 2–3 inches. A driveway needs layers: 4 inches of large base stone, then 4 inches of medium, then 2–3 inches of surface gravel — order each layer separately, as they're different products. For drainage projects like French drains, calculate the trench volume and subtract the pipe's volume (roughly 0.09 cu ft per foot for 4-inch pipe; our calculator's override handles odd shapes).
Coverage per cubic yard
| Depth | 1 cu yd covers | 1 ton covers (typical gravel) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | ≈160 sq ft | ≈115 sq ft |
| 4 inches | ≈80 sq ft | ≈57 sq ft |
| 6 inches | ≈54 sq ft | ≈38 sq ft |
Buying tips
Suppliers sell by the ton; delivery is usually a flat fee, so one full load beats two partial ones — round your order up, not down, and use extra for low spots. Bags only make sense under about half a yard: a single cubic yard equals 54 half-cubic-foot bags.
Common questions
Tons or yards — which should I order?
Call your supplier with both numbers (our result shows each). Most quarries price by the ton; landscape yards often sell by the cubic yard. They're the same material — just different units.
Do I need fabric under gravel?
Under driveways and paths, yes — geotextile fabric stops gravel from sinking into soil and doubles the life of the surface. Under drainage stone, use non-woven fabric only.
How much does a pickup truck hold?
A half-ton pickup safely carries about half a cubic yard of gravel (roughly 0.7 tons) — the bed volume isn't the limit, the suspension is. For a yard or more, get it delivered.
What's the difference between gravel types?
Crushed stone (angular) locks together — best for driveways and bases. Pea gravel (round) stays loose — best for paths and decoration, but it migrates and needs edging.