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Tool: Gravel Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags | Printed on:
Gravel Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags
Estimate crushed stone, pea gravel, and road base volume and tonnage.
Project Specifications
Gravel Volume & Tonnage Formula
Transparent mathematical methodology explained in plain English.
Cubic Yards = (L ft × W ft × Depth ft) / 27 | Tons = Cubic Yards × Material Density Gravel volume is calculated in cubic yards and multiplied by the density of the aggregate (typically 1.35 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard).
Variables Explained:
- Density: Clean pea gravel: ~1.35 tons/yd³ | #57 crushed stone: ~1.4 tons/yd³ | Crusher run: ~1.5 tons/yd³.
Gravel Driveway: 30 ft × 10 ft at 3 in Depth
Calculating #57 crushed stone for a driveway top layer.
- Area: 30 × 10 = 300 sq ft.
- Volume: 300 × (3/12) = 75 cu ft = 2.78 cu yd.
- With 10% compaction/waste: 2.78 × 1.10 = 3.06 cu yd.
- Convert to tons: 3.06 cu yd × 1.4 tons/yd³ = 4.28 tons.
Frequently Asked Questions: Gravel Calculator
Click any question below to expand quick answers, formulas, and expert tips.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
On average, one cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs). Dense crushed stone with fines (crusher run) weighs around 1.5 tons per yard, while clean rounded pea gravel weighs roughly 1.35 tons per yard.
How deep should gravel be for a residential driveway?
A driveway requires a total depth of 6 to 8 inches: a 4-inch base layer of coarse #2 or #3 stone, topped with 2 to 3 inches of compacted #57 crushed stone or dense road base.
What is the formula to calculate gravel volume and weight?
Formula: [Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in)] ÷ 324 = Cubic Yards. Then multiply cubic yards by aggregate density (1.4 tons/yard) to get total tons.
How much gravel do I need for a 100-foot driveway?
For a 100 ft long × 10 ft wide driveway with a 3-inch top dressing: (100 × 10 × 3) ÷ 324 = 9.26 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per yard with 10% compaction, order approximately 14.3 tons of crushed stone.
What is the difference between #57 stone, crusher run, and pea gravel?
#57 stone consists of angular 1/2" to 1" clean gravel ideal for drainage and driveways. Crusher run blends crushed rock with fine stone dust for high compaction under slabs. Pea gravel features smooth 3/8" rounded river stones for walkways and dog runs.
How much does gravel settle or compact after installation?
Crushed stone and gravel typically settle and compact by 10% to 20% after machine tamping or vehicle traffic. Always add 10% to 15% extra volume to your gravel order to reach finished grade.
How many square feet does one ton of gravel cover?
One ton of crushed stone covers approximately 80 to 100 square feet at 2 inches deep, or 50 to 60 square feet at 3 inches deep.
Do I need landscape fabric under my gravel driveway or walkway?
Yes. Heavy-duty woven geotextile fabric placed beneath the gravel base prevents stones from sinking into soft mud, eliminates ruts, and stops stubborn weeds from sprouting.