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Gravel Calculator

Enter area and depth for cubic yards, tons and 50 lb bag count — for any gravel or aggregate type.

Input
Area 1
Depth
Gravel type
Waste allowance10%

100 sq ft × 3 in = 25 cu ft → 1.02 cu yd bulk · 1.44 tons

You'll need
27.5 cu ft
of gravel (bulk)
+ 58 bags of for small jobs

100 sq ft at 3 in deep · 10% waste · 1.44 tons.

Materials list

Landscape fabric0 rollsoptional
Check the option above to add landscape fabric — recommended under all gravel installs
Landscape edging0 rollsoptional
Edging keeps gravel from spreading into grass — check the option above to add it
Landscape staples0 staplesoptional
Pin fabric every 2 sq ft and along seams — optional without fabric

Tools you'll want

Buy-once items — skip any you already own.

Landscape rake
Wide-tine rake for spreading gravel to a level depth.
Wheelbarrowoptional

Where to buy (optional)

Happy with your list? Tap any item below to open it at a retailer. These are affiliate links that support the site at no extra cost — but shop wherever you like.

Estimates only — verify quantities before buying.

How to calculate gravel quantity

Gravel is a simple volume: area times depth. Convert to cubic yards for bulk orders or pounds for bags:

cubic feet = area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
weight (lbs) = cubic feet × density (lbs/cu ft)
tons = weight ÷ 2000

Density varies: pea gravel and crushed stone are 100–105 lbs/cu ft; river rock is 90 lbs/cu ft. Bulk delivery is cost-effective for any job over 0.5 cubic yards (about 25–30 bags).

Common mistakes

  • Using round gravel on driveways — pea gravel shifts and doesn't compact; use crushed stone.
  • Skipping landscape fabric — weeds come through the gravel within one season without it.
  • Under-ordering — always add at least 10% extra for settled depth and irregular ground.
  • Confusing cubic yards vs. tons when calling the supplier — confirm which unit they use for pricing.

Frequently asked questions

How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a 10x10 area?+

A 10 × 10 ft area at 3 in deep needs 25 cubic feet, which is 0.93 cubic yards. Add 10% waste to get about 1.0 cubic yard. For a 4-inch depth, the same area needs about 1.2 cubic yards ordered.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway or path?+

For a decorative path or patio, 2–3 inches is fine. For a functional driveway with vehicle traffic, use 4 inches of compacted crushed stone as a base. Heavy-use driveways benefit from 6 inches of sub-base plus 2 inches of top-dressing gravel.

How many tons of gravel do I need per cubic yard?+

Crushed stone and pea gravel weigh roughly 1.35–1.4 tons per cubic yard. River rock is lighter at about 1.2 tons per yard. Use the "tons" figure when ordering from a quarry or landscape supplier who sells by weight.

How many 50 lb bags of gravel make a cubic yard?+

A cubic yard of gravel weighs about 2,700 lbs. At 50 lbs per bag, that is 54 bags per cubic yard. For small jobs under about 0.5 cubic yards (27 bags), bagged gravel from a home center is convenient. For larger areas, bulk delivery is much cheaper.

What type of gravel is best for a driveway?+

Crushed stone (also called road base or crusher run) is the best choice for driveways — the angular edges lock together when compacted. Pea gravel is round and shifts underfoot, making it poor for driveways but ideal for decorative beds. Decomposed granite packs firm and is popular for paths and patios in dry climates.

Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?+

Yes, for decorative gravel in beds and paths, a layer of landscape fabric under the gravel dramatically reduces weed growth. Use heavy-duty woven fabric (not plastic sheeting, which prevents drainage). Overlap seams by at least 6 inches and pin every 2 square feet.

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Reviewed by the RenoSheets team for calculation accuracy. Method: area × depth ÷ 27 for cubic yards; density from published aggregate values. Last updated 2026-05-24. Estimates only — verify quantities before purchasing.