Gravel hub: depth, cubic yards and tons
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or ton, so every project starts with length × width × depth. Depth depends on use — about 2 inches for decorative beds and 4–8 inches in layers for driveways. This hub links the calculator to our driveway, walkway, patio and landscaping gravel guides.
Start hereUse the free Gravel CalculatorEstimate gravel volume in cubic yards and weight in tons for driveways, paths and beds.Quick checklist
- Measure each section in feet and select its specified compacted depth for your project; convert depth in inches to feet by dividing by 12.
- Cubic feet = sum of length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft) for each section; cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27.
- If ordering by US short ton: tons = cubic feet × the supplier's bulk density (lb per cubic foot) ÷ 2,000. Ask the supplier for its actual stone density and whether delivered volume is loose or compacted; do not assume a fixed tons-per-yard ratio.
Sources: Sakrete — Material yield and volume calculation; USGS — Conversion factors (US short ton)
Calculators for gravel projects
- Gravel CalculatorEstimate gravel volume in cubic yards and weight in tons for driveways, paths and beds.
- Concrete CalculatorCalculate concrete volume for slabs, footings, sidewalks, patios and post holes.
- Mulch & Topsoil CalculatorBulk volume, bag counts and delivered cost for mulch, topsoil and garden beds.
In-depth guides
- How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Multiply length x width x depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the product's density and divide by 2,000 to get tons. A 20 ft x 10 ft path at 4 inches deep needs about 2.47 cubic yards, or roughly 3.1-3.5 tons depending on the stone.
Articles from the blog
- How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Driveway?Depth, stone size and compaction decide how much gravel a driveway swallows. Here is the arithmetic suppliers use, in cubic yards and tons.
- How Much Gravel Do You Need for a Walkway?A walkway is not a driveway — less depth, finer stone, and edging matter more. Here is how to size it in cubic yards and tons.
- How Much Gravel Do You Need Under a Patio?A paver patio is only as good as its base. Here is how deep the crushed-stone layer should be and how to calculate the order.
- Landscaping Gravel: How Much Ground Does a Yard Cover?One cubic yard of decorative gravel covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. Here is the full coverage table and how to pick a stone.
Common questions
- How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
- Typically about 1.4 tons, though it ranges from roughly 1.2 to 1.7 depending on stone type and moisture.
- How deep should driveway gravel be?
- Commonly 4–6 inches for light residential use, up to 8+ inches in layers over soft soil.
- How much area does a ton cover?
- About 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep for typical crushed stone.
Not sure which tool fits your project? Describe it to the Project Advisor.