Enter your area dimensions and gravel depth to get volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and an estimated cost for driveways, patios, and landscaping.
The Square Yard Gravel Calculator is used to quickly calculate key measurements and estimates so you can plan materials, costs, and project scope with confidence.
Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover with gravel. Use feet, yards, or meters — our calculator handles conversions automatically.
Decorative walkways need 2 inches. Patios and garden paths need 3 inches. Driveways require at least 4 inches. Foundation base layers need 6+ inches. Choose from our preset buttons or type your own depth.
Different gravel types have different weights. Crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, while river rock weighs about 1.5 tons. Pick the type that matches your project — the calculator adjusts the weight automatically.
A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at 4" depth: Area = 200 ft² = 22.22 yd². Volume = 200 × (4/12) ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards. Weight = 2.47 × 1.4 = 3.46 tons of crushed stone. With 10% waste factor ≈ 3.8 tons.
How area and volume relate to gravel ordering.
When you buy gravel, you're buying volume (cubic yards) or weight (tons). But you measure your project as a flat area (square yards). The missing piece is depth — multiply area × depth to get volume. This calculator does that math for you.
One cubic yard of gravel covers 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep. Most gravel suppliers sell by the cubic yard or by the ton. Knowing both numbers helps you compare prices and order the right amount.
Compaction matters too. Loose gravel settles 10-15% after placement and traffic. That's why we recommend adding a waste factor of 10% or more. It's far cheaper to order a little extra than to pay for a second delivery run.
How much area 1 cubic yard of gravel covers at different depths.
| Depth | Coverage (ft²) | Coverage (yd²) | Weight (tons) |
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Common questions about gravel estimation.
It depends on depth. At 2 inches deep, you need about 0.056 cubic yards (roughly 150 lbs) of gravel per square yard. At 4 inches deep, double that to 0.111 cubic yards (~300 lbs) per square yard.
Most gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. Pea gravel is about 1.35 tons/yd³, crushed stone about 1.4 tons/yd³, and river rock about 1.5 tons/yd³.
A gravel driveway needs three layers totaling 12-18 inches. The base layer is 4-6 inches of large crushed stone, middle layer is 4-6 inches of medium stone, and top layer is 2-4 inches of fine gravel.
One ton of gravel covers about 100 square feet at 2 inches deep, 50 square feet at 4 inches deep, or about 11 square yards at 2 inches deep. Coverage depends on gravel type and compaction.
Pea gravel works for walkways and decorative areas. Crushed stone (#57) is best for driveways. River rock suits garden beds. Decomposed granite compacts well for patios. Road base (Class 5) is ideal for under-pavement base layers.
Gravel costs $15-$75 per ton depending on type. Pea gravel: $25-$50/ton. Crushed stone: $20-$45/ton. River rock: $40-$75/ton. Delivery adds $50-$150 depending on distance.