How to use this calculator
Start by selecting the type of material you're working with. Each material has a different weight per cubic yard, which affects how many tons you'll need to order. Then enter the depth in inches and the length and width of each area you want to fill.
Click "Add another area" if you have multiple zones such as a driveway and a side path. The calculator instantly shows total cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons needed. Adjust the price per ton to match your local supplier's rates for an accurate cost estimate.
Material comparison guide
| Material | Weight (lbs/yd³) | Best for | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | 2,700 | Driveways, general fill, erosion control | $50/ton |
| Pea Gravel | 2,600 | Walkways, patios, drainage, playgrounds | $55/ton |
| Crushed Stone | 2,800 | Foundations, road base, compacted surfaces | $45/ton |
| Sand | 2,500 | Paver base, leveling, sandboxes, pipe bedding | $30/ton |
| Fill Dirt | 2,000 | Grading, raising elevation, backfill | $15/ton |
| River Rock | 2,700 | Decorative landscaping, dry creek beds | $65/ton |
Prices vary significantly by region and supplier. Call local yards for current pricing.
Compaction and drainage
Compactionreduces the volume of loose material by 20 to 30%. If you're building a driveway or foundation, you'll need to account for this by ordering extra material. Compact in 4-inch lifts using a plate compactor or hand tamper, wetting the material lightly between passes for the best results.
Drainage is critical for any gravel installation. Angular materials like crushed stone allow water to flow through while remaining stable underfoot and under tires. Rounded materials like pea gravel drain well but shift more easily. For areas with poor drainage, consider adding a 4 to 6 inch base layer of larger crushed stone beneath a finer surface layer.
For driveways and parking areas, crown the surface slightly (a 1 to 2% slope from center to edges) so water runs off rather than pooling. In heavy-rain areas, add French drains along the edges to direct water away from the surface.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A typical single-car driveway (10 × 40 feet) at 4 inches deep needs about 5 cubic yards or roughly 6.75 tons. A two-car driveway (20 × 40 feet) at the same depth would require about 10 cubic yards or 13.5 tons. Always order 10 to 15% extra for settling and spreading loss.
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel covers approximately 80 square feet at 4 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 160 square feet at 2 inches deep. Coverage varies slightly by material since each type has a different density.
What is the difference between gravel, crushed stone, and pea gravel?
Gravel is naturally occurring, irregularly shaped rock. Crushed stone is mechanically broken with angular edges that interlock, making it ideal for driveways and bases. Pea gravel consists of small, smooth, rounded stones used for decorative areas, walkways, and drainage.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A gravel driveway typically needs 4 to 6 inches of total depth, applied in layers. Use 4 inches of larger crushed stone (1 to 2 inch diameter) for the base, topped with 2 inches of finer gravel for the surface. Compact each layer before adding the next.