How Much Gravel for 1000 Square Feet? (Tons & Cubic Yards)

For 1000 square feet at 4 inches deep — standard for paths, borders, and patios — you need 13.58 cubic yards or 19 tons of gravel (with 10% waste).

Answer at a glance — 1000 sq ft

Depth	Cu ft	Cu yards	Tons (with 10% waste)
2 inches	166.7	6.17	9.5 tons
3 inches	250	9.26	14.3 tons
4 inches	333.3	12.35	19 tons
6 inches	500	18.52	28.5 tons

How we calculated it

For 1000 sq ft at 4 inches:

Volume = 1000 × 4 ÷ 12 = 333.3 cu ft
Cubic yards = 333.3 ÷ 27 = 12.35 cu yd
With 10% waste = 13.58 cu yd
Tons = 13.58 × 1.4 = 19 tons

Gravel density varies by type: pea gravel ≈ 1.35 tons/cu yd, crushed stone ≈ 1.5 tons/cu yd. The 1.4 figure is a reliable average.

Compare nearby sizes

Area	At 3" (paths)	At 4" (standard)	At 6" (driveway)
500 sq ft	7.1 tons	9.5 tons	14.3 tons
750 sq ft	10.7 tons	14.3 tons	21.4 tons
1000 sq ft	14.3 tons	19 tons	28.5 tons
1500 sq ft	21.4 tons	28.5 tons	42.8 tons
2000 sq ft	28.5 tons	38 tons	57 tons

Depth guide by use

2–3 inches — decorative coverage, flower beds, tree rings
4 inches — paths, patios, play areas (most common)
6 inches — driveways (base layer), high-traffic areas
8–12 inches — driveway full build (base + surface combined)

Ordering tips

Gravel is sold by the ton or by the cubic yard depending on supplier. Always confirm which unit your quote uses before ordering. For 1000 sq ft at 4 inches you need roughly 13.58 cu yd — if ordering by the ton, ask for 19 tons.

Use the Gravel Calculator to enter your exact dimensions and get a precise tonnage with price estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravel do I need for 1000 square feet?

For 1000 sq ft at 4 inches deep (standard for paths and borders), you need 13.58 cubic yards or 19 tons of gravel (includes 10% waste).

How many tons of gravel for 1000 square feet?

At 4 inches: 19 tons. At 3 inches: 14.3 tons. At 6 inches (driveway): 28.5 tons. One cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons.

How many cubic yards of gravel for 1000 square feet?

At 4 inches: 13.58 cu yd (with 10% waste). At 2 inches: 6.79 cu yd. At 6 inches: 20.37 cu yd.

What type of gravel is best for 1000 sq ft?

For paths and borders, pea gravel (3/8") or decomposed granite works well. For driveways, use #57 crushed stone (3/4") for the base. For drainage, use #57 or #67 stone.