Multiply length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.4 to get tons of gravel. A 10 × 10 ft area at 3 inches deep needs about 0.93 cubic yards — roughly 1.3 tons.
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Order – tons (includes your waste allowance) so compaction and spillage don’t leave you short.
Gravel Calculator Guide
Gravel covers more ground, in more ways, than any other landscape material — driveways, garden paths, drainage strips, xeriscape beds, and patio surfaces. This calculator converts your area and depth into cubic yards and tons at gravel’s typical density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard, with the option to switch to pea gravel, crushed stone, or river rock densities when your project calls for them.
The most common estimating mistake with gravel is depth, not area: people measure their space carefully, then guess “a couple of inches.” Two inches is right for decoration, wrong for anything that bears weight. Use the depth guide below and let the calculator handle the conversion.
How Much Area Does a Ton of Gravel Cover?
| Depth | Coverage per ton | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | ≈ 210 sq ft | Top-dressing existing gravel |
| 2 inches | ≈ 105 sq ft | Decorative beds, borders |
| 3 inches | ≈ 70 sq ft | Paths and walkways |
| 4 inches | ≈ 52 sq ft | Driveway surface course |
| 6 inches | ≈ 35 sq ft | Full driveway build-up |
Figures assume 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Halve the depth and you double the coverage — which is why a modest depth change swings your order by whole tons on a large area.
Rounded Gravel vs Crushed Stone: Pick by Job
True gravel is naturally rounded by water. It drains beautifully, feels soft underfoot, and looks organic — but round stones roll, so gravel never locks into a firm layer. Crushed stone is the opposite: sharp, angular, and quarried, it compacts tight and stays put under load. The practical rule: crushed stone where things must not move (bases, driveways, foundations), rounded gravel where water must move (drainage, dry creeks, decorative beds). If your project is a driveway, price both — the crushed stone calculator uses the heavier density that grade requires.
Laying Gravel That Stays Where You Put It
- Strip organic soil first. Gravel laid on turf or topsoil sinks and vanishes within a season.
- Use woven landscape fabric between soil and stone — it stops migration downward and weeds upward, without trapping water.
- Edge every gravel surface. Steel, timber, or paver edging is what keeps a path a path.
- Order 10% extra. Settling and raking losses are real; a tiny second delivery costs more than the allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Loose gravel weighs about 1.4 US tons (2,800 lb) per cubic yard. Pea gravel is a little lighter at roughly 1.35 tons, and dense crushed stone with fines is heavier at up to 1.55 tons per cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be for a walkway?
A garden path needs 2–3 inches of gravel over a firm base. If the ground is soft, add a 2-inch compacted base of crusher run underneath to stop the surface gravel sinking into the soil.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, one ton of gravel covers roughly 100–110 square feet. At 3 inches the same ton covers about 70 square feet, and at 4 inches about 50–55 square feet.
Can I lay gravel straight on soil?
For decorative beds you can, ideally over a weed membrane. For anything that takes foot or vehicle traffic, strip the topsoil and compact a base layer first, otherwise the gravel will migrate into the soil and rut within a season.