๐ชจ Gravel Calculator PRO
Multi-layer volume, weight, compaction & delivery calculator with per-material breakdown.
Gravel Bed โ updates as you type
Driveway or path area over compacted base. Tonnage follows volume plus the compaction factor.
1 Area Shape
2 Dimensions
3Layer System MULTI-LAYER
Gravel settles 10-15% when compacted. Increase factor to account for loose-to-compacted volume loss.
4 Accessories & Delivery
๐งฑ Geotextile Fabric (underlayment)
๐ฒ Edging
๐ Delivery
5 Cost & Labour
Labour Cost
Results
Per-Layer Breakdown
Total Volume
Total Weight
Compacted vs Loose
Cost Breakdown
โ ๏ธ Pre-Export Checklist
- Dimensions verified on-site
- Sub-base material meets local code requirements
- Compaction factor matches project specification
- Geotextile overlaps minimum 12 inches at seams
- Edging secured with 12-inch stakes
- Delivery access confirmed (truck size & turning radius)
- Waste factor appropriate for site access & terrain
How to Calculate Gravel for a Multi-Layer Project
Show formulas, material guide & worked examples โผ
Volume Formulas
Rectangle:Volume = Length ร Width ร Depth
Circle:Volume = ฯ ร (Diameter / 2)ยฒ ร Depth
Irregular:Volume = Total Area ร Depth (divide into rectangles to find area)
Weight (tons)= Volume (cu yd) ร Density (lb/cu yd) รท 2,000
Loose Volume= Compacted Volume รท (1 - Compaction Factor)
Material Guide
| Material | Density (lb/cu yd) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pea Gravel | 2,500 | Walkways, patios, top layer |
| Crushed Stone | 2,700 | Driveways, base layer |
| River Rock | 2,400 | Landscaping, drainage, top layer |
| Road Base | 2,850 | Driveway sub-base, high compaction |
| Class 5 | 2,800 | Pavement base, sub-grade |
| Crusher Run | 2,900 | Heavy-duty base, compacts tightly |
| Decomposed Granite | 2,200 | Pathways, xeriscaping |
| Marble Chips | 2,600 | Decorative top layer, gardens |
Worked Example: 3-Layer Driveway
12 ft ร 20 ft driveway, 3 layers:
- Sub-base (Class 5, 4"): 20 ร 12 ร (4/12) = 80 cu ft = 2.96 cu yd
- Base (Road Base, 4"): 20 ร 12 ร (4/12) = 80 cu ft = 2.96 cu yd
- Top (Crushed Stone, 2"): 20 ร 12 ร (2/12) = 40 cu ft = 1.48 cu yd
- Total compacted: 7.41 cu yd
- With 15% compaction + 10% waste: ~9.6 cu yd loose
- Weight: 9.6 ร 2,700 avg density รท 2,000 = ~12.9 tons
- Truck (10 yd): 1 trip needed
Compaction Tips
- Compact in 2-inch lifts for maximum density
- Use a plate compactor for gravel up to 6" deep; jump compactor for 8"+
- Crusher run and road base compact the tightest (use 15-25% factor)
- Pea gravel does not compact well โ use a lower factor (5-10%)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the geotextile fabric โ prevents subgrade mixing and extends lifespan
- Using decorative stone as a base layer โ lacks angular edges for interlock
- Ordering loose volume without accounting for compaction factor
- Not ordering enough to cover delivery minimums
- Forgetting edging โ gravel migration ruins curb appeal
Drag to rotate โ Scroll to zoom
Related Calculators
Frequently used together on the same project.
Client & Quote (prints on PDF & Excel)
Adjustments (applies to exports)
Contingency is added as a separate line on the exported cost summary. Waste % is printed as an advisory reminder.
Project notes (prints on PDF & Excel)
Result compare (A/B)
| Item | Pinned | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Saved rates auto-apply from your Price Library. Advanced details stay in your browser โ nothing is uploaded except inside your own PDF/Excel exports.
Gravel is one of the most versatile and cost-effective construction materials, used for driveways, walkways, drainage systems, and landscape beds. Our free online gravel calculator computes the exact volume of gravel needed in cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons, then provides a cost estimate.
Enter the length, width, and depth of your gravel area. The calculator converts these dimensions into volume and weight. Different gravel types have different densities โ pea gravel weighs approximately 1,400 pounds per cubic yard, while crushed stone runs closer to 1,600 pounds per cubic yard.
๐ How to Use This Gravel Calculator
Step 1: Enter Area Dimensions
Type the length and width of the area to be covered.
Step 2: Set Gravel Depth
Enter the desired depth in inches. Driveways need 4 to 6 inches. Walkways need 2 to 3 inches.
Step 3: Select Gravel Type
Choose pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, or decorative stone.
Step 4: Add Compaction Allowance
For driveways, add 10 to 15% for compaction under vehicle weight.
Step 5: Enter Material Cost
Input the price per ton for gravel. Prices range from 15 to 50 dollars per ton.
Step 6: Review Results
The output shows volume, weight in tons, truck loads, coverage area, and total cost.
๐ Understanding the Gravel Volume Formula
The basic gravel formula is Volume = Length ร Width ร Depth. For a 20 ft by 40 ft driveway at 3 inches deep: Volume = 20 ร 40 ร 0.25 = 200 cubic feet = 7.41 cubic yards.
Weight depends on gravel type. Pea gravel weighs approximately 1,400 pounds per cubic yard. Crushed stone approximately 1,600 pounds per cubic yard. For crushed stone: 7.41 ร 1,600 = 11,856 pounds, or approximately 5.93 tons.
For driveways, add a compaction allowance of 10 to 15%. With 10% allowance: 7.41 ร 1.10 = 8.15 cubic yards. The cost calculation multiplies tonnage by per-ton price.
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not compacting the subgrade first
โ Gravel on loose soil sinks and spreads. Compact the subgrade with a plate compactor first.
Using uniform depth for driveways
โ Driveways need thicker base at the center where vehicles travel most.
Ignoring drainage and grading
โ Gravel must slope away from structures at a minimum of 1/4 inch per foot.
Ordering by volume instead of weight
โ Gravel is sold by the ton. Convert cubic yards to tons using the correct density.
๐ก Professional Tips
Lay a geotextile fabric under driveway gravel to prevent stone from sinking into the subgrade.
Compact gravel in 2-inch lifts using a plate compactor.
Install edging along driveway sides to prevent gravel migration.
Use crushed stone as a base layer and pea gravel as the top layer.
Grade the subgrade with a 2-percent cross slope to shed water off the surface.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 20x40 ft driveway with 4 inches of gravel requires about 5.9 tons of crushed stone.
Crushed stone (3/4-inch minus) is the best base material because angular pieces lock together.
A residential driveway needs 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel for regular passenger vehicles.
Delivery costs 50 to 150 dollars per load for orders under 10 tons.
๐๏ธ Real-World Applications
Gravel projects are among the most common landscaping tasks. A standard residential driveway requires about 8.9 tons of crushed stone, costing 220 to 310 dollars in materials plus delivery.
Garden paths and walkways use smaller quantities but are more sensitive to depth accuracy. For drainage applications like French drains, gravel sizing is critical for performance.
Our free gravel calculator is the most accurate online tool for estimating gravel volume, weight in tons, and project cost. Get accurate tonnage and cost estimates before ordering delivery.
โ Method, Sources & Review
Maintained by theBuildingCalc methods deskยท Last reviewedSeptember 23, 2026. This calculator implements the standards and references below; every figure can be rechecked against the formulas and worked example on this page.
Results are estimates, not engineering advice. Verify against local codes and licensed professionals for structural, electrical, and gas work. See ourTerms. Spotted an error? Report itโ corrections ship with the next review.