Gravel/Rock Calculator Guide
Use this gravel and rock calculator to estimate cubic yards and tons for paths, driveways, and decorative ground cover. Enter area length and width in feet and gravel depth in inches to plan bulk delivery or bagged purchases.
How to use the gravel and rock calculator
Enter the length and width of the area to cover in feet, plus the desired gravel or rock depth in inches. The calculator returns volume in cubic yards and an estimated weight in tons.
Gravel volume and weight formulas
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12. Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27. Estimated tons = Cubic yards × 1.4 (typical crushed stone density factor).
Actual weight varies by stone type — river rock, pea gravel, and crushed limestone differ in density.
- Cu ft = L × W × (depth in / 12)
- Cubic yards = cu ft / 27
- Tons ≈ cubic yards × 1.4
- Add 5–10% extra for compaction and uneven subgrade
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft path with 3 inches of gravel: Area = 200 sq ft. Volume = 200 × (3 ÷ 12) = 50 cubic feet.
Cubic yards = 50 ÷ 27 ≈ 1.85 yards. Estimated weight = 1.85 × 1.4 ≈ 2.6 tons.
Choosing gravel depth
Walkways and patios often use 2–3 inches of compacted gravel. Driveways and parking areas may need 4–6 inches of base material in lifts. Decorative rock in beds can be 2–4 inches depending on stone size.
Ordering and installation tips
Suppliers may quote by the cubic yard or ton — this calculator shows both. Compact base gravel in lifts with a plate compactor before laying pavers or asphalt.
- Use landscape fabric under decorative rock in beds to reduce weed growth.
- Separate base gravel (#57 stone) from decorative top layer.
- See our paver base material calculator for patio sub-base planning.
- Compare delivery minimums — small projects may favor bagged gravel.