Gravel Calculator: How Much by Cubic Yard

This gravel calculator works out the volume of gravel you need in cubic yards from the length, width, and depth of the area you plan to fill. Enter your measurements in feet or inches, choose your depth, and the calculator returns the cubic yards, along with the estimated weight in tons based on typical gravel density. It helps you order the right amount for a driveway, path, or bed without overbuying or running short.

Formula

The basic formula for cubic yards is:

Volume (yd³) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27

Where:

• Length (feet) – the longer side of the rectangular area.
• Width (feet) – the shorter side of the rectangular area.
• Depth (feet) – how thick the gravel layer will be. Since depth is usually given in inches, convert to feet by dividing by 12.
• 27 – the number of cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft = 27 ft³).

To estimate weight, multiply cubic yards by the density of gravel. A common average is 1.4 tons per cubic yard (about 2,800 lb/yd³). Different gravel types range from 1.3 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard, so check with your supplier for the exact material.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: length = 20 ft, width = 10 ft, depth = 4 in.

1. Convert depth to feet: 4 in ÷ 12 = 0.3333 ft.
2. Calculate volume in cubic feet: 20 × 10 × 0.3333 = 66.67 ft³.
3. Convert to cubic yards: 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 yd³ (rounded to two decimals).
4. Estimate weight: 2.47 yd³ × 1.4 tons/yd³ = 3.46 tons.

The calculator gives the same result: 2.47 cubic yards and 3.46 tons.

Why Use Cubic Yards?

Gravel is sold by the cubic yard in the US and by the cubic meter in most other countries. A cubic yard is a volume measurement: 3 feet long × 3 feet wide × 3 feet deep. It’s the standard unit because it directly corresponds to how trucks deliver material – a “yard of gravel� means one cubic yard. Knowing your volume in cubic yards lets you order the correct amount from a landscape supplier or hardware store.

For small projects, you might buy gravel in bags (usually 0.5 cubic feet each). To convert, multiply your cubic yards by 27 to get cubic feet, then divide by the bag size. For the example above, 2.47 yd³ × 27 = 66.7 ft³, so you’d need about 134 bags of 0.5 ft³ each – far more practical to order in bulk.

Choosing the Right Depth

The depth you need depends on the purpose:

• Mulch or decorative ground cover: 2–3 inches
• Walkways or patios (under pavers): 4–6 inches
• Driveways (with compacted base): 4–8 inches, often layered
• French drains or trench fill: 8–12 inches or more

If you’re unsure, ask your supplier or a local contractor. Too little gravel means the surface will shift or expose soil; too much wastes money and can make walking or driving difficult. For driveways, a common approach is to lay a coarse base layer (e.g., 3–4 inches of #3 stone) and top with a finer gravel (e.g., 2–3 inches of #57 stone).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Mixing units: Always convert all measurements to feet before calculating. A depth of 6 inches is 0.5 feet, not 6 feet.
• Forgetting the 27: A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, not 3. Dividing by 3 gives you square yards, not cubic yards.
• Rounding too early: Round only at the end. If you round 0.3333 to 0.3, you’ll underorder by about 10%.
• Ignoring compaction: Gravel compacts when rolled or tamped. Order 10–15% extra to account for settling, especially for driveways.
• Assuming all gravel weighs the same: Weight per cubic yard varies with stone type and moisture. Pea gravel is lighter than crushed limestone. Use the supplier’s weight if available.

How to Measure an Irregular Area

Most gravel areas are not perfect rectangles. For an L-shaped or oddly shaped area, break it into rectangles, calculate each one’s cubic yards, and add them together. For a circular area, use the formula: radius (ft) × radius (ft) × π × depth (ft) ÷ 27. For a triangular area, multiply base × height × 0.5 × depth (ft) ÷ 27.

If the ground is sloped, measure the average depth – not just the deepest point. For a driveway that slopes, you may need more gravel at the low end to keep the surface level. When in doubt, sketch the area and divide it into simple shapes; the calculator works for each rectangle separately.

Cost and Ordering Considerations

Gravel prices vary widely by region and type, but the cost is usually quoted per cubic yard or per ton. To estimate cost, multiply your cubic yards by the price per yard. For example, if gravel costs $40 per cubic yard, the 2.47 yd³ project would be about $99 for the material alone. Delivery fees are often separate and may depend on distance and quantity.

When ordering, it’s wise to add 10–15% extra for compaction and spillage. Most suppliers will deliver in whole or half-yard increments, so round up to the nearest half yard. Also, ask whether the price includes delivery and whether the truck can access your site. For small quantities, bags might be cheaper than delivery.

Limitations of This Calculator

This calculator assumes a flat, rectangular area with uniform depth. It does not account for slopes, irregular shapes, or compaction. The weight estimate uses an average density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard; actual density can range from 1.3 to 1.7 tons/yd³ depending on the stone type (e.g., crushed stone vs. rounded pea gravel) and moisture content. For critical projects, consult a professional or your supplier for exact values.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?

There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard (3 ft × 3 ft × 3 ft). This is the conversion factor used in the formula.

How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?

On average, a cubic yard of gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lb). However, this varies by stone type – for example, crushed limestone is denser than pea gravel. Check with your supplier for the specific weight of the material you plan to order.

Should I order gravel by cubic yard or by ton?

Both are common. Cubic yards measure volume; tons measure weight. Since gravel density varies, suppliers often quote prices per ton. To convert your cubic yards to tons, multiply by the density (usually 1.3–1.7 tons/yd³). If you know the price per ton, multiply that by your tonnage to get cost.

How much gravel do I need for a 10×10 area?

For a 10 ft × 10 ft area with 4 inches of depth, you need about 1.23 cubic yards (10 × 10 × 0.333 ÷ 27 = 1.23). That’s roughly 1.7 tons at 1.4 tons per yard. Adjust the depth for your specific project.

Can I use this calculator for sand or soil?

Yes, the volume calculation works for any bulk material. The weight estimate would change, though – sand is about 1.1–1.3 tons per cubic yard, and topsoil is about 0.9–1.1 tons per cubic yard. Use a density appropriate for your material.

What if my area is not a perfect rectangle?

Break the area into smaller rectangles, calculate each one’s cubic yards using the calculator, and add the results. For circles or triangles, use the appropriate geometric formula and the same depth conversion. This gives a good approximation for ordering.

Related

• Drywall Contractor Bids Calculator: Estimate Job Cost
• Drywall Calculator Metric: Sheets & Waste
• Drywall Calculator by Square Footage

in l | Length | ft | 20 | 0
in w | Width | ft | 10 | 0
in d | Depth | in | 4 | 0
out yd3 | Cubic yards | yd³ | (l * w * (d / 12)) / 27 | 2
out tons | Estimated tons | tons | yd3 * 1.4 | 2