Free Gravel Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons & Cost (2026)

How to Use This Calculator

1. 1Measure the length of the area you need to cover in feet.
2. 2Measure the width of the area in feet.
3. 3Enter the desired gravel depth in inches — 4 inches is standard for most applications, 6 to 8 inches for driveways.
4. 4Click Calculate to get cubic yards and tons with a built-in 10% waste factor.

About This Material

Gravel is a loose aggregate of rock fragments used for driveways, walkways, drainage, landscaping, and as a sub-base beneath concrete and asphalt. It comes in a wide range of sizes and types, each suited to different applications. The most common gravel sizes are #57 stone (3/4 inch, the standard driveway and drainage gravel), #411 (a blend of #4 and fine stone that compacts well for bases), and #2 stone (2 to 4 inch chunks used for drainage and erosion control). Pea gravel (3/8 inch rounded stones) is popular for walkways, patios, and decorative beds. Crushed stone has angular edges that lock together and compact firmly, while river rock has smooth rounded edges that shift underfoot and do not compact. Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs), though this varies by stone type — road base is heavier at 1.5 tons per yard, while pea gravel is lighter at 1.35 tons per yard. Most suppliers sell by the ton with delivery, and typical pricing ranges from $20 to $50 per ton depending on type and region. Delivery fees run $50 to $150 per load for distances up to 20 miles. For driveways, the standard approach is a 3-layer system: 4 inches of #2 or #3 stone as a base, 4 inches of #57 stone as the middle layer, and 2 inches of #8 or #411 stone as the top driving surface. This 10-inch total depth provides excellent drainage and a stable surface. For simple fill, walkways, and landscaping beds, a single layer of 3 to 4 inches is sufficient.

Installation Tips

• •Remove all topsoil and organic material before laying gravel — organic matter decomposes and causes settling.
• •Install landscape fabric over the compacted subgrade to prevent gravel from mixing with the soil below.
• •Spread gravel in 2 to 3-inch lifts and compact each layer with a plate compactor before adding the next.
• •Crown driveways and paths slightly (1/4 inch per foot) so water drains to the edges rather than pooling.
• •Use edge restraints (metal edging, timber borders, or concrete curbs) to keep gravel from migrating into adjacent areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ⚠Using rounded pea gravel for driveways — it does not compact and shifts under tire weight. Use angular crushed stone instead.
• ⚠Not removing organic topsoil — grass and roots under the gravel will decompose and create sinkholes.
• ⚠Skipping the compaction step — uncompacted gravel shifts and develops ruts quickly.
• ⚠Applying gravel too thin — less than 3 inches will not provide adequate coverage or support and you will see the subgrade through the stone.
• ⚠Not accounting for delivery minimums — most suppliers require a 5 to 10-ton minimum order for delivery.

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