Gravel calculator
Cubic yards, tons and bags of gravel, sand, topsoil or mulch for an area.
About this calculator
This gravel calculator works out how much material you need for a driveway, path, patio base or garden bed. Enter the length, width and depth.
It also covers sand, topsoil and mulch, with the weight and the number of bags.
How it works
Volume is length × width × depth. It is shown in cubic yards (27 cubic feet) or cubic metres, and multiplied by a typical density for the material to estimate the weight.
Last reviewed:
Worked example
- Measure in: Feet and inches
- Length: 20 ft
- Width: 10 ft
- Depth: 3 in
- Material: Gravel or crushed stone
Volume: 1.85 yd³ (50 ft³)
Common questions
How deep should gravel be?
About 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) for a path, and 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) for a driveway, often over a compacted base.
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
Roughly 1.3 to 1.4 US tons, depending on the stone and how wet it is.
Should I buy bags or bulk?
Bags suit small jobs. For more than a cubic yard or two, bulk delivery is usually much cheaper.
The story behind it
Where the idea came from: Roman roads were built in layers of stone and gravel, and some are still in use after 2,000 years.
A good gravel surface needs the right depth and a firm base, a lesson the Romans learned well. Ordering the right amount saves a second delivery or a heap left over.
Why you can trust this calculator
- It runs in your browser. Nothing you type into it is sent anywhere.
- The method is explained on this page, so you can check it yourself.
- Free to use, with no sign-up.
- Results are estimates, so please double-check anything important.
- Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll look into it.
After 15 years as a mathematics educator, I built CalculStore to give students, teachers, professionals and anyone working with numbers simple, reliable tools.
Meet the founder