Gravel FAQ
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Answers to the gravel questions US homeowners ask most, from converting cubic yards to tons to choosing depth for a driveway, walkway or patio base. Figures are US units; confirm stone density with your supplier.
Have measurements already? Use the free Gravel Calculator or see the gravel topic hub.
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Multiply length × width in feet to get square feet, multiply by depth in feet (inches ÷ 12) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Example: 30 ft × 12 ft × 0.333 ft = 120 cubic feet ÷ 27 ≈ 4.4 cubic yards.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
It depends on the stone. Crushed stone commonly weighs about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per loose cubic yard, and wet or fine material weighs more. Ask your supplier for the density of the exact product, then multiply cubic yards by that figure to get tons.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A new gravel driveway is usually built in layers totaling about 8 to 12 inches: a coarse base, a middle layer and a 2 to 3 inch top layer. Resurfacing an existing, stable driveway usually needs only 2 to 3 inches of top stone.
How deep should gravel be for a walkway or patio?
Garden paths are commonly laid 2 to 4 inches deep over landscape fabric. A patio base for pavers is usually 4 to 6 inches of compacted crushed stone for foot traffic, with more on clay or poorly drained soil.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 0.71 cubic yards (19.3 cubic feet). Spread 2 inches deep, that covers roughly 116 square feet; at 4 inches, about 58 square feet. Your supplier's density changes these numbers.
Should I order extra gravel for compaction?
Yes. Compacted crushed stone takes up less volume than loose stone, and edges, low spots and spillage consume more. Adding about 10% to the calculated volume is a common planning allowance; confirm with your supplier for compacted bases.
How many bags of gravel equal a cubic yard?
Divide 27 cubic feet by the bag's stated volume. A 0.5 cubic foot bag gives 54 bags per cubic yard; a 0.6 cubic foot bag gives 45. Bag labels list yield, so check before you buy.
Is crushed stone or pea gravel better for a driveway?
Angular crushed stone interlocks and compacts into a firm surface, so it is the usual driveway choice. Rounded pea gravel rolls underfoot and under tires, so it suits paths and decorative beds with edging.
Detailed gravel guides
Sources
- Sakrete product yield sheet (via Lowe's) — Bag yield in cubic feet and bags per cubic yard.
- National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) — Aggregate and base-course background.
- Federal Highway Administration — Gravel Roads Construction & Maintenance Guide — Layered gravel surfaces, crushed vs rounded aggregate, compaction.