Stone order worksheet
Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel by cubic feet, cubic yards, tons, bags, waste allowance, and material cost for driveways, paths, french drains, and garden beds.
How to calculate gravel
For a rectangle, volume = length x width x depth. For a circle, volume = pi x radius squared x depth. Divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by the selected density to estimate tons. Add a waste or compaction allowance before ordering.
| Project | Typical starting depth | Typical allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 4 in | 10% |
| Walkway or patio base | 3 in | 10% |
| French drain | 12 in | 15% |
| Garden bed | 2 in | 5% |
Common gravel densities
Density changes by stone type, gradation, compaction, and moisture. Use the supplier's bulk density when you have it; otherwise these presets give a practical planning estimate.
| Material | Planning density |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.35 tons/cu yd |
| Crushed stone | 1.50 tons/cu yd |
| River rock | 1.45 tons/cu yd |
| Decomposed granite | 1.40 tons/cu yd |
| Limestone | 1.55 tons/cu yd |
FAQ
How many cubic yards in a ton of gravel?
It depends on density. At 1.5 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 0.67 cubic yards. At 1.35 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 0.74 cubic yards.
How deep should driveway gravel be?
A light residential driveway often starts around 4 inches of finished depth, while heavier traffic or weak soil may need a thicker base. This calculator estimates material quantity; it is not a structural design.
Should I order by tons, yards, or bags?
Bulk suppliers often quote by ton or cubic yard. Small retail projects may use bags. Enter the price unit your supplier uses and the calculator will estimate cost from the recommended order quantity.
Why add waste or compaction?
Stone settles, compacts, and disappears into low spots during spreading. A 5% to 15% allowance is common for planning, with higher allowances for drains, rough subgrade, and small deliveries.