Gravel calculator for paths, driveways and landscaping.
Estimate cubic yards or metres, bulk weight, bag quantity and material cost for rectangular or circular areas.
Default project
20 × 10 ft
3 inches deep · crushed stone
Calculator
Calculate your gravel order
Your gravel estimate will appear here
Calculate to compare bulk delivery with bagged gravel.
Methodology
How the gravel estimate works
The calculator finds the area of a rectangle or circle, multiplies it by depth, adds your extra-material allowance, and estimates weight from the selected gravel density.
Measure the area
Use finished dimensions and measure several points when the ground is uneven.
Choose the depth
Match depth to the project use, aggregate size, subgrade and expected load.
Confirm locally
Supplier density, minimum delivery, moisture and bag volume can change the purchase quantity.
Core formulas
Rectangle volume = length × width × depth
Circle volume = π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × depth
Related tools
Continue planning the project
FAQ
Gravel calculator questions
How much gravel do I need?+
Multiply the area by the planned depth and add extra material for uneven ground, settlement and handling. This calculator performs the conversions and rounds bags upward.
How deep should gravel be?+
The correct depth depends on whether the gravel is decorative, used for drainage, or supporting foot or vehicle traffic. Confirm the base design for the actual project.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?+
There is no single exact conversion. Stone type, grading, moisture and compaction change the weight, so this tool uses the selected planning density.
Should I buy bulk gravel or bags?+
Bags can suit small jobs and difficult access. Bulk delivery usually becomes more economical for larger volumes, but delivery charges and minimum orders matter.
Project guide
Use this calculator with confidence
Last reviewed: July 19, 2026
Use the gravel calculator for rectangular paths, beds, pads and base layers where volume can be estimated from area and compacted depth. It converts the geometry into bulk volume, then applies entered density, waste and package size to show tons, truckloads or bags. Aggregate grading, moisture and compaction change both weight and final depth, so supplier data and field conditions should replace the planning defaults.
How to use it
- 1Measure the finished coverage area.
- 2Enter the compacted layer depth rather than loose stockpile depth.
- 3Choose the closest material density or use supplier data.
- 4Add an allowance for settlement, uneven subgrade and handling.
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft area at 3 in. deep is 50 ft³, or about 1.85 yd³. With 10% extra, order volume is about 2.04 yd³. Weight depends on the selected aggregate density.
What the defaults mean
Material density
A planning estimate; stone type, grading and moisture change it.
10% allowance
Accounts for minor settlement and subgrade variation.
Bag size
Used only for a bag-equivalent comparison.
| Measurement | Imperial reference | Metric reference |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | 3 in = 0.25 ft | 75 mm = 0.075 m |
| Bulk volume | 27 ft³ = 1 yd³ | 1,000 L = 1 m³ |
| Weight | use local tons/yd³ | use local tonnes/m³ |
Common measurement mistakes
- Entering inches as feet.
- Confusing loose depth with final compacted depth.
- Using one universal tons-per-yard value.
- Ordering by weight without checking supplier sales units.
Limits and safety
- Not a pavement or drainage-base design tool.
- Compaction factors should come from the selected material and installation method.
- Delivery access, minimum loads and spreading are not included.
Continue the project
estimate gravel for a driveway — Use a driveway-specific layer workflow.
adjust gravel for compaction — Compare loose and compacted quantities.
calculate gravel for a garden path — Plan narrow landscaped runs.
estimate decorative landscape rock — Use rock-specific density and packaging.