Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel volume and tonnage for landscaping and base layers.
Estimate the volume and weight of gravel needed for a driveway, path, or base layer, based on area, fill depth, and gravel density.
How Gravel Calculator Works
Volume is calculated the same way as any rectangular fill: length × width × depth, with depth converted from inches to feet first: cubic feet = length × width × (depth ÷ 12).
Because gravel is sold and delivered by weight (tons) rather than volume in most areas, the calculator multiplies the cubic-feet volume by the gravel's density (pounds per cubic foot, which varies by material type) to get total weight, then divides by 2,000 to convert pounds to tons.
See It In Action
Who Uses Gravel Calculator and Why
- Estimating tonnage needed for a gravel driveway base before calling a supplier.
- Working out how much crushed stone to order as a base layer beneath a paver patio.
- Comparing weight estimates between two gravel types with different densities for the same footprint.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the default 105 lb/ft³ density for a material that's actually much denser or lighter, like pea gravel versus crushed limestone — different gravel types compact and weigh differently, so the same volume can translate to a noticeably different tonnage.
- Entering depth in inches correctly but forgetting that a compacted base layer often needs more material up front than the finished compacted depth suggests, since loose gravel settles once compacted.
- Ordering by volume when the supplier prices and delivers by weight (tons) without first checking their conversion, which can lead to over- or under-ordering relative to what's actually needed.
Tips for Best Results
- Ask your supplier for the specific density of the exact gravel product you're ordering and enter that instead of the generic default for a more accurate tonnage figure.
- For a driveway base, add extra depth beyond the finished target to account for compaction settling, since loose gravel volume decreases once compacted.
Fixing Common Problems
My estimated tonnage doesn't match what the supplier quoted for the same area. — Ask what density figure the supplier uses for their specific material and re-run the calculation with that value instead of the default — density varies meaningfully between gravel types.
Terms Explained
Density: A material's weight per unit of volume — here expressed in pounds per cubic foot, used to convert a gravel volume into an estimated weight.
Base layer: A compacted layer of gravel or crushed stone laid beneath a driveway, patio, or paver surface for drainage and stability.