Gravel Calculator
Gravel Is Sold by Weight, Measured by Volume
You measure a driveway or path in length, width, and depth, but the quarry invoices you in tons. Bridging those two units requires a density assumption, and for compacted gravel or crushed stone that figure is remarkably consistent across suppliers — about 1.4 tons per cubic yard — which is what makes an accurate weight estimate possible before the truck even shows up.
The Formula
Weight = Volume (cu yd) × 1.4 tons/cu yd
Length and width are entered in feet and depth in inches (or meters and centimeters for metric), and the calculator converts depth to feet before multiplying to get cubic feet, then divides by 27 to reach cubic yards — the unit most aggregate suppliers price by. That volume is then multiplied by the standard compacted-gravel density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard (or 1,682 kg per m³ in metric) to give the delivery weight.
Where This Calculation Matters
- Driveways — a compacted base course under a gravel driveway is typically 4 to 6 inches deep, and getting the tonnage right avoids either a short delivery or gravel left in a pile at the curb.
- Drainage and French drains — smaller volumes of gravel fill trenches and drain beds, where the same length-width-depth math applies at a much smaller scale.
- Pathways and landscaping — decorative gravel is usually spread thinner, 2 inches or so, which changes the weight substantially even over the same footprint.
Gravel Weight by Depth (100 sq ft Area)
| Depth | Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 0.62 cu yd | 0.86 tons |
| 4 in | 1.23 cu yd | 1.73 tons |
| 6 in | 1.85 cu yd | 2.59 tons |
A 40 ft × 12 ft driveway (480 sq ft) at a 4 in base depth works out to roughly 5.93 cu yd, or about 8.3 tons.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select Imperial (ft / in) or Metric (m / cm) units.
- Enter the Length and Width of the area.
- Enter the Depth of gravel to be spread.
- Select Calculate to see the volume and estimated delivery weight.
Related Calculations
Paving over the gravel base? The Asphalt Calculator uses the same volume approach for the surface layer, and the Patio Calculator covers paver and concrete patios that often sit on a gravel base.