Driveways · Paths · Beds
Gravel Calculator: Area to Tons
Enter your area, desired depth, and material type. Gravel is sold by weight, not volume, so this tool converts your dimensions to tons using each material's typical density.
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How the math works
Gravel is priced and delivered by weight (tons), not volume, so this calculation has an extra step compared to concrete or mulch: convert your volume to weight using the material's density.
cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard)
Density differs by material because of how the stone is shaped and how tightly it packs — angular crushed stone locks together differently than smooth, rounded river rock.
Density reference (tons per cubic yard)
| Material | Tons / cu yd |
|---|---|
| Crushed stone | ~1.4 |
| Pea gravel | ~1.35 |
| River rock | ~1.3 |
| Decomposed granite | ~1.5 |
Common mistakes
The biggest one: using a single "gravel = X tons per yard" number regardless of material, which can be off by 15–20% between the lightest and heaviest common types. The second: under-ordering base depth for a driveway — a thin base compacts and ruts under vehicle weight within a season, which usually costs more in a redo than ordering the right depth up front.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel do I need per square foot?
It depends on depth and material density, but as a rough rule, a 2-inch layer of standard gravel over 100 square feet needs about 0.8 to 1 ton, since most gravel weighs around 1.4 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A gravel driveway typically needs 4 to 6 inches of base material plus a top layer of 2 inches of finer decorative gravel, for about 6 to 8 inches total depth.
Why does gravel weight vary by material type?
Different stone types compact and settle differently — crushed stone with angular edges locks together tighter than smooth river rock, which changes how much weight fills the same volume.