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.

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.