Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel, road base, crushed stone, sand or decorative rock in cubic yards and tons, including waste, compaction and cost.
Project measurements
Select the project shape, material and dimensions.
How to calculate gravel
Multiply length × width × depth to find volume. Convert the result to cubic yards, then multiply by the material density to estimate tons. This calculator also adds separate allowances for compaction and waste.
For a circular area, the calculator uses π × radius² × depth. Material density varies with stone size, moisture and how tightly the load is packed, so the tons-per-yard value remains editable.
Example
A 75 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep contains about 11.11 cubic yards before allowances. At 1.40 tons per cubic yard, plus 10% compaction and 5% waste, the estimated order is about 17.97 tons.
How much extra gravel should you order?
Compaction allowance replaces volume lost as aggregate settles and is compacted. Waste covers uneven grades, spillage and measurement error. For many projects, 5–15% compaction and 5% waste are reasonable planning values, but supplier guidance should take priority.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
Many aggregates fall near 1.2 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard, but the exact figure depends on material, particle size and moisture. Use your supplier's density when available.
How deep should driveway gravel be?
Depth depends on soil, traffic and whether the project includes separate base and surface layers. A contractor or local supplier can recommend a section for your conditions.
Should I round the order up?
Yes. Aggregate is normally sold by whole or partial tons or yards, and ordering slightly more helps avoid a shortage near the end of the job.