Estimate how much gravel you need, in cubic yards and tons, for a driveway, path or base layer based on its length, width and depth.
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This calculator multiplies length × width × depth to find the volume of gravel needed in cubic feet, converts that to cubic yards (dividing by 27), then converts to tons using a typical density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard for compacted gravel or crushed stone, the unit most gravel suppliers sell by.
Actual gravel density depends on the material type and how compacted it is, ranging roughly from 1.2 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. For a large or expensive order, it's worth confirming the exact density figure with your specific supplier for a more precise quantity.
For a 20 ft × 10 ft area, 4 inches deep: volume = 20 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) ≈ 66.67 cubic feet, or 66.67 ÷ 27 ≈ 2.469 cubic yards. Converting to tons using the 1.4 tons per cubic yard density: 2.469 × 1.4 ≈ 3.46 tons needed.
Using the default 1.4 tons per cubic yard density for a very different gravel type, actual density can range from about 1.2 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on material, for a large order, confirm the exact figure with your supplier.
Entering depth in feet instead of inches, this calculator's depth field expects inches, entering the intended feet value directly would inflate the volume estimate twelvefold.
Not accounting for compaction when ordering, gravel settles once compacted, ordering exactly the theoretical volume with no buffer can leave a driveway or path slightly short, many suppliers suggest 5-10% extra.
A typical gravel driveway uses 4-6 inches of depth, sometimes with a deeper base layer of larger stone beneath a finer top layer. Depth needs vary by soil type and expected vehicle weight.
Many suppliers recommend ordering 5-10% extra to account for compaction and an uneven base, especially for larger or irregularly shaped areas.
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