Paving Calculators
Aggregate calculator

Gravel Calculator

Enter the area you're covering and the depth of gravel to get the volume in cubic yards, the weight in tons (how aggregate is usually sold and delivered), and an estimated cost.

Common sizes

Jump to a pre-filled estimate:

40×10 at 4 inch depth50×12 at 4 inch depth60×10 at 6 inch depth30×10 at 3 inch depth100×12 at 4 inch depth20×8 at 3 inch depth

How it works

Volume = length × width × depth. We convert to cubic yards, then to tons using a typical gravel density of about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, and multiply by your price per ton.

The formula

Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Tons ≈ cubic yards × 1.4. Cost = tons × price per ton.

Worked examples

ExampleResult
40×10 driveway at 4"A single-lane gravel driveway: about 4.9 cubic yards / 6.9 tons.
3×20 path at 3"A garden path needs surprisingly little — under a ton.

Frequently asked questions

How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?

Most gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard when dry. Wet or dense aggregate can reach 1.5 tons; lightweight pea gravel a little less.

How deep should a gravel driveway be?

Plan for 4 inches of gravel for foot traffic, and 6–8 inches (often in two layers) for a driveway that carries vehicles, over a compacted base.

How much does a ton of gravel cost?

Bulk gravel typically runs $30–$60 per ton delivered depending on stone type and haul distance. This tool uses your local price for the estimate.

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Method reviewed by The editorial team. See our methodology for sources and assumptions.