How to use this calculator
- Enter Length in ft.
- Enter Width in ft.
- Enter Depth in in.
- Enter Type.
- Enter Price per ton in $.
- Press Calculate. The highlighted row is your order quantity; the note beneath it translates the number into real-world terms.
Formula & constants
Gravel is sold by the ton at 95–120 lb/ft³ depending on type. Area × (depth ÷ 12) × density ÷ 2,000, plus 5% waste. At 4 in, one ton of loose gravel covers about 54 sq ft. Every default in the fields above is editable — when your supplier’s spec sheet lists a different density, coverage rate or price, enter that number instead. The waste and compaction allowances follow common trade practice; see our methodology page for the derivation of each formula and the standards it references.
One ton covers ~54 sq ft at 4 in deep.
Where this fits in the project
Aggregate quantities feed the layers above them: after excavation, base material is placed in compacted lifts before asphalt or concrete goes down. Convert your tonnage to trips with the truckload calculator before scheduling delivery.
How this connects to your project
No quantity stands alone — each material in the chain depends on the ones around it. These are the planning steps that pair with the gravel calculator:
- Asphalt Calculator — Gravel base is essential under asphalt pavement.
- Sand Calculator — Sand is a finer aggregate used for bedding layers.
- Aggregate Calculator — Gravel is a coarse aggregate material.
- Crushed Stone Calculator — Crushed stone is an angular gravel variant for base courses.
- Sub-base Calculator — Gravel forms the base layer in the sub-base structure.
- Excavation Calculator — After excavation, gravel fills and levels the site.
- Fill Dirt Calculator — Choose gravel vs fill dirt based on drainage needs.
- French Drain Calculator — Gravel surrounds the perforated pipe in French drains.
- Paver Base Calculator — Gravel base supports paver installations.
- Driveway Cost Estimator — Gravel is a driveway material option.
- Rip Rap Calculator — Gravel is smaller-sized stone compared to rip rap.
- Limestone Calculator — Limestone gravel is a specific type of gravel.
- Decomposed Granite Calculator — DG is an alternative pathway material to gravel.
- Truckload Calculator — Convert gravel tonnage to truckloads for delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should driveway gravel be?
4–6 in of compacted crusher run over geotextile. Under 4 in exposes subgrade; layer thicker sections in 3 in lifts.
Gravel vs crushed stone — what’s the difference?
Gravel is rounded natural stone; crushed stone is angular quarried rock that locks together under compaction, making it the better base.
How many tons in a cubic yard of gravel?
1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard for most construction gravel.
Last verified: — prices reflect current national averages. See our methodology.
Estimates are for planning. Material densities, coverage rates and prices vary by region and supplier — confirm final quantities before ordering, and check local code where structural or electrical work is involved.