How much gravel do I need?
Gravel makes driveways, paths, drainage layers, and bases under patios, sheds, and pavers.
Enter the length, width, and depth of your area above. The calculator shows cubic yards, cubic feet, an estimated weight in tons, and the number of 0.5 cubic foot bags if you buy bagged gravel. Add a price per cubic yard and it also estimates the cost.
Cubic yard calculator for gravel
This cubic yard calculator for gravel works for any shape. Pick rectangle for most beds and slabs, circle for round areas, or trench for narrow runs. Open the price estimator under the calculator to add your supplier price, delivery fee, and tax. For a full cost breakdown, see the gravel cost calculator.
Gravel weight and bags per cubic yard
A planning value for gravel is 2,800 pounds per cubic yard, which is 1.40 US tons. Moisture, particle size, and compaction move that number, so treat it as a starting point.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Pounds per cubic yard | 2,800 |
| US tons per cubic yard | 1.40 |
| Kilograms per cubic yard | 1,270 |
| Cubic yards per US ton | 0.71 |
| Cubic feet per US ton | 19.29 |
| 0.5 cubic foot bags per cubic yard | 54.0 |
How far does a cubic yard of gravel go?
Coverage depends only on depth. The deeper the layer, the less area a cubic yard covers. The suggested depth for gravel is 2 to 6 inches, and 4 inches is a common choice.
| Depth (inches) | Square feet covered | Square yards covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 324 | 36.0 |
| 2 | 162 | 18.0 |
| 3 | 108 | 12.0 |
| 4 | 81 | 9.0 |
| 6 | 54 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 40 | 4.5 |
| 12 | 27 | 3.0 |
Gravel needed for common areas at 4 inches deep
| Area | Square feet | Cubic yards | US tons | 0.5 cubic foot bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 by 5 ft | 25 | 0.31 | 0.43 | 17 |
| 8 by 10 ft | 80 | 0.99 | 1.38 | 54 |
| 10 by 10 ft | 100 | 1.23 | 1.73 | 67 |
| 10 by 20 ft | 200 | 2.47 | 3.46 | 134 |
| 12 by 12 ft | 144 | 1.78 | 2.49 | 96 |
| 15 by 20 ft | 300 | 3.70 | 5.19 | 200 |
| 20 by 20 ft | 400 | 4.94 | 6.91 | 267 |
| 20 by 30 ft | 600 | 7.41 | 10.37 | 400 |
| 30 by 40 ft | 1,200 | 14.81 | 20.74 | 800 |
| 50 by 50 ft | 2,500 | 30.86 | 43.21 | 1,667 |
Worked example: 30 by 12 feet at 4 inches
The area is 30 feet times 12 feet, or 360 square feet. A depth of 4 inches is 0.33 feet. Volume is 360 times 0.33, which is 120.00 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to get 4.44 cubic yards. At 2,800 pounds per cubic yard that weighs about 6.22 US tons. With 10 percent extra, order 4.89 cubic yards.
Tips for ordering gravel
- Use 2 to 3 inches for walkways and 4 to 6 inches for driveways.
- Gravel compacts, so order a little extra when you plan to roll or tamp it.
- Landscape fabric under gravel keeps the stone from sinking into soft soil.
Crushed gravel locks together better than rounded stone, which matters on slopes and driveways.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need?
Multiply length, width, and depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 30 by 12 foot area at 4 inches deep needs about 4.44 cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
About 2,800 pounds, or 1.40 US tons, as a planning value. Ask your supplier for the exact figure.
How deep should gravel be?
Most projects use 2 to 6 inches. 4 inches is a common choice.
How many square feet does a cubic yard of gravel cover?
81 square feet at 4 inches deep, and 324 square feet at 1 inch.
How many bags of gravel make a cubic yard?
About 54 bags of the 0.5 cubic foot size, which yields about 0.5 cubic feet each.