Free construction calculator

Gravel Calculator

Estimate cubic yards and tons of gravel with a waste allowance.

Project inputs

Enter your measurements. Results update automatically.

Need to price the whole job?

Move from quantity math to materials, labor, overhead, markup and profit with Nails & Numbers contractor tools.

See estimating tools
Gravel quantity guide

How much gravel do I need?

Enter the project length and width in feet and the gravel depth in inches. The calculator finds cubic yards first, then uses the material density you enter to estimate tons. An extra-material percentage can be added for field conditions.

Volume first

Length × width × depth in feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards. That volume is the base for both yardage and tonnage planning.

Convert yards to tons

Cubic yards × tons per cubic yard = estimated tons. Gravel density changes with stone type, gradation, moisture and compaction, so use a supplier-provided density when possible.

Driveways and base material

Actual material needs depend on subgrade, compacted thickness and whether multiple aggregate layers are being installed. Calculate separate layers separately when base stone and surface stone use different depths or densities.

Common gravel calculator questions

Why can two types of gravel weigh differently?

Particle size, stone type, moisture and void space affect bulk density. That is why this calculator lets you enter the density rather than forcing one universal number.

Is loose depth the same as compacted depth?

Not always. Compaction can reduce installed thickness, so order quantities should reflect the material and compaction requirements for the job.

Can I estimate only cubic yards?

Yes. The calculated cubic-yard volume is shown independently from the ton estimate.