Gravel calculator — cubic yards and tons

Formula

Volume (cu ft) = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft)
  where depth (ft) = depth (in) / 12

Volume (cu yd) = volume (cu ft) / 27

Weight (lb) = volume (cu ft) × density (lb/cu ft)
Tons        = weight (lb) / 2,000

Common depths

Typical densities

Suppliers sell gravel by weight (tons) or volume (cubic yards). If you need to convert, density varies by material:

The calculator uses 100 lb/ft³ by default — a good average for most landscape gravel.

Worked example — a 10 × 20 ft driveway, 4 inches deep

• Volume (cu ft): 10 × 20 × (4/12) = 66.7 ft³
• Volume (cu yd): 66.7 / 27 = 2.47 yd³
• Weight: 66.7 × 100 = 6,670 lb = 3.34 tons
• Order 10% extra for settling and edges: round up to 2.7 yd³ or 3.7 tons.

Notes

• Order 5–10% extra to account for settling, spillage, and uneven ground. Driveways with a crown need a bit more in the center.
• Sold by weight or volume — quarries price by the ton; landscape suppliers often by the cubic yard. Both columns above let you compare offers.
• Compacting — crushed stone loses 15–25% of its loose volume once compacted. For load-bearing layers (under a patio or driveway base), order enough to arrive at your target compacted depth, not loose.
• Fabric underlayment — a landscape fabric under gravel keeps the stones from migrating into soil and doubles the life of the installation.