About the gravel calculator
Quarries and landscape yards sell gravel by weight (US tons or metric tonnes) or by volume (cubic yards or cubic metres), and the conversion between the two depends on the stone's bulk density. Many calculators hide that number. This one shows it and lets you change it, so you can use the exact figure your supplier gives you.
The default density of 105 lb/ft³ (about 1,680 kg/m³, or roughly 1.4 US tons per cubic yard) is a commonly used figure for crushed stone. Rounded river gravel, larger stone and wet material can be noticeably different.
How to use it
- Choose the shape of the area: rectangle, circle, or enter a total area you have already measured.
- Enter the dimensions and the depth you want once the material is in place.
- Check the density (for weight) — the default is a typical value; your supplier can give you the exact figure.
- Keep or adjust the allowance for compaction, settling and waste.
- Enter prices the way your supplier quotes them — per ton/tonne, per cubic yard/metre, or per bag.
Formula
Area
A = length × width or π × (diameter ÷ 2)²Volume
V = A × depth × (1 + allowance % ÷ 100)Weight
W = V × densityCost
cost = W × price per ton or V × price per yd³- 1 US ton = 2,000 lb = 907.18 kg. 1 tonne = 1,000 kg ≈ 1.10 US tons. The UK long ton (2,240 lb) is not used here.
- 105 lb/ft³ × 27 ft³/yd³ = 2,835 lb per cubic yard ≈ 1.42 US tons per cubic yard.
Worked example: A 20 ft × 10 ft path, 3 in deep
- Area = 200 ft²; volume = 200 × 0.25 = 50 ft³
- Add 10 % for compaction: 55 ft³ = 2.04 yd³
- Weight = 55 × 105 lb = 5,775 lb = 2.89 US tons
Result: Order about 2 yd³, or 2.9 US tons, of gravel.
Assumptions and limitations
- Density is a typical value unless you change it. Ask the supplier for their product's density or tons-per-yard figure.
- The allowance covers compaction and spreading losses; very loose or very coarse stone may compact more.
- Weight figures are for dry-to-moist material; saturated stone weighs more.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Commonly about 1.4 US tons (around 2,800 lb), but it ranges roughly from 1.3 to 1.7 tons depending on stone type, size and moisture. Use your supplier's figure when you have it.
How deep should gravel be?
Decorative paths and beds are often 2–3 in (5–8 cm). Driveways and bases are deeper and usually laid in compacted layers — see the Gravel Driveway Calculator.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 in deep and 105 lb/ft³, one US ton (2,000 lb) is about 19 ft³, which covers roughly 114 ft². Deeper layers cover proportionally less.
Tons or yards — which should I order?
Order in whatever unit your supplier sells, and use this calculator to convert. If they sell by weight, ask what density they use so your numbers match.
Sources and further reading
- NIST — Unit conversion (SI and US customary units)
- QUIKRETE — Product calculators (bag-count examples)
Results are estimates for planning purposes. See our disclaimer for details.