How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Gravel is ordered by the ton or cubic yard. The amount you need depends on your area size, the depth, and the type of stone — since density varies by stone type.
🧮Gravel Calculator — cubic yards and tons by stone type
Enter your exact dimensions for a personalized estimate →
The quick formula
Volume (cu yd) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324
Tons = Volume (cu yd) × Density (tons/cu yd)
Stone type densities
| Stone type | Tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.40 |
| Crushed stone (3/4”) | 1.40 |
| Crushed limestone | 1.50 |
| River rock (1–3”) | 1.35 |
| Decomposed granite | 1.35 |
Source: aggregate industry supplier standards
Depth guide: how deep should I go?
- 2 inches — decorative coverage for flower beds and pathways
- 3 inches — standard walkways and light-duty driveways
- 4 inches — high-traffic driveways and areas needing stability
- 6 inches — base layer for patio paver installation
Coverage table — cubic yards per 100 sq ft
| Depth | Volume needed |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 0.31 cu yd |
| 2 inches | 0.62 cu yd |
| 3 inches | 0.93 cu yd |
| 4 inches | 1.23 cu yd |
Quick examples (crushed stone, 1.40 t/cu yd)
| Project | Area | Depth | Cu Yd | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 4 × 20 ft | 2” | 0.49 | 0.69 |
| Patio fill | 12 × 12 ft | 3” | 1.33 | 1.87 |
| Driveway | 10 × 40 ft | 4” | 4.94 | 6.91 |
Add 10% for waste. Round tons up to nearest half-ton for ordering.
How to measure your area
- Measure length × width in feet for rectangular areas.
- For curved driveways or irregular paths, break into sections and add.
- Decide on depth based on your use case (see table above).
- Choose the stone type — it affects the tonnage significantly.
Use the Gravel Calculator to get exact tons and cubic yards for your specific stone and shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a 10×10 area?
A 10×10 ft area (100 sq ft) at 2 inches deep requires about 0.62 cubic yards or 0.87 tons of average-density gravel. Add 10% waste for a final order of approximately 0.95 tons.
How many tons of gravel do I need per cubic yard?
It depends on the stone type. Pea gravel and crushed stone (3/4") weigh 1.40 tons per cubic yard. Crushed limestone is 1.50 tons/cu yd. River rock and decomposed granite are about 1.35 tons/cu yd.
How deep should I put gravel?
2 inches for decorative ground cover and garden paths. 3–4 inches for driveways and high-traffic walkways where you need a stable base.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the stone density in tons/cu yd. For most crushed stone, that is about 1.40 tons/cu yd. Example: 2 cu yd × 1.40 = 2.8 tons.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Measure your driveway length × width in feet. At 3–4 inches deep, divide the cubic footage by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by the stone density for tons. Use the Gravel Calculator for the exact number.