Quick checks
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Match stone depth to driveway, drain, or decorative use
Gravel Calculator for Yards to Tons, Depth, Weight & Cost
Enter area and depth to estimate cubic yards, tons, truckloads, and cost. Quick answer: 1 cubic yard of common crushed gravel is about 1.4-1.5 tons, while lighter pea gravel may be closer to 1.25-1.35 tons.
Need tables? See the yards-to-tons guide
Cubic Yards & Tons
Cost Range
Delivery Estimates
Quick checks
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Check local density before trusting yard-to-ton conversion
Quick checks
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Plan delivery around layers, compaction, and access limits
Aggregate planning
Set the depth before you convert yards to tons
Driveways, drains, bases, and decorative stone all use different depths and delivery rules.
Driveway surface or base
Use layered depths and compaction assumptions instead of one blanket depth.
Base stone, surface stone, and traffic expectations often matter more than the headline area measurement.
Convert each layer separately before blending everything into one number.
French drain or drainage trench
Treat trench stone as a drainage assembly with fabric, pipe, and trench dimensions.
Drainage work often needs narrower stone sizes and much tighter dimension checks than driveway work.
Confirm trench width, pipe size, and stone envelope before ordering tons.
Decorative coverage
Use lighter depth targets and compare bulk versus bagged material earlier.
Decorative gravel can be volume-light but labor-heavy if access and spreading are awkward.
Plan edging and final visible depth, not just total square footage.
Fast planning rules
Start with the gravel conversion rules that change the order
Check yards-to-tons conversion, depth, density, and layer count before you call the stone yard.
How many tons is 1 yard of gravel?
Most crushed gravel is about 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. One ton is about 0.67 to 0.71 cubic yards.
Supplier density, stone size, and moisture change the final weight, so confirm local tonnage before ordering.
Yards to tons gravel conversion
Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to 1.5 for a planning estimate. For example, 3 cubic yards is about 4.2 to 4.5 tons.
Use the lower end for pea gravel or dry lighter stone, and the higher end for dense crushed stone or damp material.
How much gravel do I need?
Enter area and depth to estimate cubic yards, tons, truckloads, and cost before calling the stone yard.
For compacted driveways or base layers, add a waste and compaction allowance after the first estimate.
Recommended gravel depth
Use 2 to 3 inches for walkways, 4 to 6 inches for driveway surface layers, and deeper multi-layer builds when drainage or heavy traffic matters.
French drains and heavy-use driveways usually need more than one stone size, not a single blanket depth.
How to Calculate Gravel for Your Project
Use this calculator to turn area and depth into cubic yards, tons, and truckloads. It works for driveways, paths, pads, and French drains.
Understanding Gravel Measurements
Gravel can be purchased by volume (cubic yards) or weight (tons). Understanding the relationship between these measurements helps you compare prices and plan deliveries:
- 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet
- 1 cubic yard of gravel is about 1.4-1.5 tons (2,800-3,000 lbs)
- 1 ton of gravel is about 0.67-0.71 cubic yards
- 1 cubic yard covers approximately 160 sq ft at 2" deep or 80 sq ft at 4" deep
Recommended Gravel Depths by Application
| Application | Minimum Depth | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative landscaping | 2" | 2-3" | Over landscape fabric |
| Walkways | 2" | 3-4" | Compact base layer first |
| Patios | 3" | 4" | On compacted gravel base |
| Driveways (light use) | 4" | 6" | Layered with base material |
| Driveways (heavy use) | 6" | 8-12" | Multiple layers, compacted |
| French drain | 6" | 8-12" | Around perforated pipe |
| Shed/building base | 4" | 6" | Level and compacted |
Types of Gravel and Their Uses
Pea Gravel
- Size: 1/4" to 3/8" rounded stones
- Weight: ~2,500 lbs per cubic yard
- Best for: Walkways, patios, playgrounds, decorative beds
- Pros: Comfortable to walk on, attractive appearance
- Cons: Shifts easily, can spread outside borders
Crushed Stone (#57)
- Size: 3/4" angular pieces
- Weight: ~2,800 lbs per cubic yard
- Best for: Driveways, drainage, base material
- Pros: Locks together well, good drainage
- Cons: Rough on bare feet, less decorative
Crushed Gravel (#3 Stone)
- Size: 1" to 2" angular pieces
- Weight: ~2,900 lbs per cubic yard
- Best for: Driveway base, drainage systems
- Pros: Excellent stability and drainage
- Cons: Too large for top layer
River Rock
- Size: 1" to 3" smooth stones
- Weight: ~2,700 lbs per cubic yard
- Best for: Decorative landscaping, dry creek beds
- Pros: Beautiful appearance, natural look
- Cons: Expensive, shifts easily
Decomposed Granite (DG)
- Size: Fine particles to 3/8"
- Weight: ~3,000 lbs per cubic yard
- Best for: Pathways, patios, rustic driveways
- Pros: Compacts well, natural appearance
- Cons: Can be dusty, may wash away
2025 Gravel Pricing Guide
Gravel prices vary based on type, source, and location. Here's what to expect in 2025:
Bulk Gravel Prices (per cubic yard)
| Gravel Type | Price Range | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone (#57) | $35-55 | $45 |
| Pea gravel | $35-60 | $45 |
| Base gravel (#3) | $30-45 | $38 |
| River rock | $50-100 | $75 |
| Decomposed granite | $40-65 | $50 |
| White marble chips | $80-150 | $100 |
| Lava rock | $75-130 | $95 |
Per-Ton Pricing
| Gravel Type | Price per Ton | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone | $25-45 | Most economical |
| Pea gravel | $30-50 | Light weight = more volume |
| River rock | $40-75 | Premium decorative |
Delivery Costs
- Small load (1-5 yd³): $50-100 delivery fee
- Medium load (5-10 yd³): $75-150
- Full truck (10-15 yd³): Often free delivery
- Distance surcharge: $3-5 per mile over 10-15 miles
Gravel Driveway Installation Guide
Proper Layer Structure
A well-built gravel driveway has three layers:
- Base layer (4"): Large crushed stone (#3) for drainage and stability
- Middle layer (3"): Medium crushed stone (#57) to fill gaps
- Top layer (2"): Fine gravel or pea gravel for finished surface
Installation Steps
- Excavate to 8-12 inches deep
- Install landscape fabric (optional but recommended)
- Add and compact base layer
- Add and compact middle layer
- Install edging/borders
- Spread and rake top layer
- Light compaction of top layer
Maintenance Tips
- Rake regularly to even out displaced gravel
- Add 1-2 inches of new gravel every 1-2 years
- Fill potholes promptly to prevent expansion
- Grade for proper drainage (slope away from structures)
- Control weeds with pre-emergent herbicide or fabric
How we checked this page
Written by: TheSiteMath Editorial Team
Reviewed by: TheSiteMath editors (formula, source, and update review)
Last reviewed: 2026-03-20
Publisher:
TheSiteMath
Scope: U.S. construction material estimating, calculator workflows, and project planning guidance for contractors and homeowners.
What we checked:
- • Formulas checked against trade and source material
- • Verified against: Landscape material coverage and delivery references, Supplier tonnage / cubic-yard conversion assumptions, Current U.S. landscaping material pricing benchmarks
- • Price ranges used for planning, not as fixed quotes
- • Examples checked in the live calculator
Methodology:
- • Example quantities and explanations on this page are cross-checked against the matching live calculator on TheSiteMath.
- • This landscaping content is scoped for U.S. planning and estimating workflows, not for stamped engineering or permit approval.
- • We review formulas, material assumptions, and practical steps against category-appropriate references before publishing updates.
- • We refresh pages when calculator logic, supplier assumptions, or pricing guidance materially changes.
- • Readers should confirm final dimensions, structural requirements, and local code obligations with qualified local professionals.
Editorial standards: We review pages before publication and update them when formulas or pricing need a fix. If you spot an issue, please
contact us
.
For our review process, corrections policy, and monetization disclosure, see the Editorial Standards page.
Aggregate FAQ
Depth, tonnage, and delivery questions before you order stone
These questions focus on gravel density, layer depth, and job type so driveway, trench, and decorative coverage estimates do not all look interchangeable.
How much gravel do I need for a 10x20 driveway?
For a 10x20 foot driveway (200 sq ft) at 4 inches deep: 200 × 0.33 = 66 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 2.4 cubic yards. Adding 15% for compaction = approximately 2.8 cubic yards or 3.9-4.2 tons of crushed gravel.
How many tons of gravel per cubic yard?
Gravel typically weighs 2,800-3,000 lbs per cubic yard (1.4-1.5 tons). Pea gravel is lighter at 2,500-2,700 lbs (1.25-1.35 tons). Crushed limestone is heavier at 2,800-3,200 lbs (1.4-1.6 tons). Always confirm with your supplier.
What size gravel is best for driveways?
For driveways, use a layered approach: 4" base of #3 crushed stone (1-2" pieces), 3" middle layer of #57 stone (3/4"), and 2" top layer of #8 or pea gravel. This provides stability, drainage, and a finished look. Total depth should be 6-9 inches.
How deep should gravel be for a walkway?
For walkways: 2-3 inches of pea gravel or decorative stone over compacted base is standard. For paths with heavy traffic, use 3-4 inches. Always compact the subgrade and consider landscape fabric beneath to prevent weed growth.
Is pea gravel or crushed stone better?
It depends on use: Pea gravel (rounded, 3/8") is comfortable for walking and decorative but shifts easily—best for patios and walkways. Crushed stone (angular) locks together for stability—best for driveways and bases. Crushed stone provides better drainage and support.