construction calculator

Gravel Volume Calculator

Estimate cubic yards and tons of gravel required for driveways, pads, or drainage projects.

Results

Cubic yards
4.44
Tons needed
6.22

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter length and width in feet.
  2. Enter depth in inches and the material density (tons per cubic yard).
  3. See cubic yards and tons required; add 5–10% for waste when ordering.

Inputs explained

Length/Width
Project dimensions in feet (driveway, pad, trench run, etc.).
Depth
Desired gravel depth in inches.
Density (tons/yard)
Weight per cubic yard of your aggregate; ask your supplier for exact numbers.

How it works

We convert depth from inches to feet, calculate cubic feet (length × width × depth), divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by density for tons.

Add a waste factor (5–10%) manually when ordering to cover compaction and grading.

Formula

Cubic feet = L × W × (depth ÷ 12)\nCubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27\nTons = yards × density

When to use it

  • Sizing gravel deliveries for driveways, parking pads, or drainage trenches.
  • Comparing material weights across products (pea gravel vs crusher run).
  • Budgeting deliveries by tonnage and yardage before ordering.

Tips & cautions

  • Add 5–10% for compaction and grading; softer subgrades may need more.
  • Different aggregates have different densities—confirm with your supplier for accurate ton estimates.
  • Break irregular areas into rectangles, total the yards, then apply density.
  • Assumes rectangular areas and uniform depth; complex shapes need segmentation.
  • Does not include waste factor automatically—add it manually when ordering.
  • Density is an estimate; wet or packed material can weigh more.

Worked examples

30' × 12' driveway, 4" deep

  • Volume ≈ 40 cubic ft
  • Cubic yards ≈ 4.44
  • Tons ≈ 6.2

20' × 10' patio, 3" deep

  • Yards ≈ 1.85
  • Tons ≈ 2.6

Deep dive

This gravel calculator converts project dimensions to cubic yards and tons. Enter length, width, depth, and tons-per-yard density to size deliveries for driveways, pads, or drainage.

Add 5–10% for waste and compaction, and confirm density with your supplier since aggregates vary.

FAQs

How much extra should I order?
Add 5–10% to account for compaction, settling, and measurement error.
Does density change?
Yes—pea gravel, limestone, and crusher run vary. Ask your supplier for exact tons/yard.
Can I enter meters instead of feet?
Inputs are in feet/inches. Convert to feet first for accurate results.
What if my area isn’t rectangular?
Break it into smaller rectangles or approximate with average dimensions, then total the yards and add waste.

Related calculators

Measurements are estimates. Verify onsite dimensions before placing orders.