TCTopsoilCalc

Free landscape gravel calculator

Gravel Calculator

Estimate gravel for a driveway, path, drainage strip or garden bed. Get cubic yards, cubic feet, tons and bags, or calculate coverage from a known amount.

  • Choose the task. Calculate the amount to order or the area a known amount will cover.
  • Pick a material density. Gravel types vary, so use the closest preset or your supplier's number.
  • Order in the supplier's unit. Compare cubic yards, tons and bag volume before requesting delivery.

Calculate gravel

Calculation task
Measurement system
Project shape

For driveways and bases, follow the project specification. Actual depth depends on subgrade, traffic and material.

Use the density on a supplier quote when available. Presets are planning estimates.

Gravel needed
5.43 yd3
Cubic feet146.7
US tons8.15
Bags196

Includes 10% extra. Density is an estimate; confirm the supplier's delivered weight.

How the gravel calculator works

The calculator finds the project volume, converts cubic feet to cubic yards and applies a material density to estimate US tons. Bag count uses the cubic-foot volume printed on the product.

Area gravel = area x depth
Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27
Tons = cubic yards x tons per cubic yard
Bags = cubic feet / bag volume, rounded up

Before ordering gravel

  • Confirm the material: pea gravel, crushed stone, #57 stone and road base do not have identical densities.
  • Use the supplier's unit: quarries may quote cubic yards, tons or a truckload minimum.
  • Plan the base: driveways and patios may use multiple layers with different materials and depths.
  • Check delivery limits: access, truck size and minimum loads can change the final order.

Continue planning your landscape project

Use the related tools when your project also includes soil, mulch, compost, raised beds or material cost.

Topsoil CalculatorEstimate topsoil cubic yards, bags and tons from area and depth. Mulch CalculatorEstimate mulch cubic yards, bags and coverage for landscape beds. Paver CalculatorEstimate paver count, base gravel and bedding sand. Sand CalculatorEstimate paver, sandbox and landscape sand volume and bags. Compost CalculatorEstimate compost volume for garden beds and raised bed blends. Soil Volume CalculatorCalculate total volume for beds, planters and soil areas. Tons to Cubic YardsConvert a supplier quote between weight and volume. Cost CalculatorCompare a local bulk quote with bagged material cost.

Gravel calculator FAQ

How much gravel do I need?

Multiply the area by the gravel depth, convert the result to cubic yards, then use the material density to estimate tons. Add a practical allowance for compaction and waste.

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

It depends on the material. Many landscape gravel estimates use roughly 1.3 to 1.6 US tons per cubic yard, but the supplier's density is more accurate.

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

Measure the driveway area and each planned layer separately. A driveway may require a compacted base plus a surface layer, so confirm the specified depths before ordering.

Can I use this for pea gravel?

Yes. Select the pea gravel / river rock density preset, or replace it with the density from your supplier's quote.

Is this an aquarium gravel calculator?

No. This page is for landscape materials such as driveway gravel, pea gravel, paths, drainage and garden beds. Aquarium substrate needs a different volume and product workflow.