How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Enter your project dimensions and gravel depth to calculate cubic yards, tons, and bags needed — instantly. Works for driveways, paths, garden beds, and drainage projects.
How to Calculate Gravel Needed
To calculate gravel volume, multiply your area's length and width to get square footage, then multiply by gravel depth (converted to feet). Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards.
The formula is: (Length ft × Width ft × Depth inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards
For weight, multiply cubic yards by the gravel's density (typically 1.25–1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on type). Pea gravel runs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard; crushed stone is closer to 1.5 tons. Always add 10% to your final number to account for compaction and settling.
Recommended Gravel Depth by Project
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garden beds / borders | 2 inches | Decorative cover, weed suppression |
| Walkways / paths | 3 inches | Stable footing, light foot traffic |
| Residential driveway | 4 inches | Standard passenger vehicles |
| Base layer under pavers | 4–6 inches | Compacted, then topped with sand |
| Heavy-duty driveway | 6 inches | Trucks, RVs, frequent use |
Gravel Coverage Quick Reference
| Area (sq ft) | 3" Deep (cu yd) | 4" Deep (cu yd) | 4" Deep (tons, pea gravel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | 0.46 | 0.62 | 0.87 tons |
| 100 sq ft | 0.93 | 1.23 | 1.73 tons |
| 200 sq ft | 1.85 | 2.47 | 3.46 tons |
| 500 sq ft | 4.63 | 6.17 | 8.64 tons |
| 1,000 sq ft | 9.26 | 12.35 | 17.29 tons |
One bulk cubic yard of gravel covers approximately 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep. For projects over 2 cubic yards, ordering bulk delivery from a local landscape or stone supplier is almost always cheaper than bagged gravel.