Professional Gravel Calculator - Calculate Tons, Cubic Yards & Project Costs
Calculate gravel amounts needed for driveways, pathways, landscaping, and construction projects. Get accurate estimates for tons, cubic yards, bags, and total project costs with professional recommendations for your gravel installation.
Project Dimensions
Typical: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) for walkways, 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) for driveways
Recommended: 10-20% for settling
Total Volume Needed:
57.5 cu ft
2.1 cubic yards
Gravel Specifications
Leave blank to use default for selected gravel type
Delivery & Installation
Gravel Needed:
3.2 tons
128 bags (50lb each)
Cost Analysis & Project Details
Material Requirements
Cost Breakdown
Project Specifications
Gravel Type: Crushed Stone
Size: Medium (1/2" - 3/4")
Density: 1.5 tons/cu yd
Depth: 3 inches
Compaction: 15% extra for settling
Professional Recommendations
- • Install landscape fabric under crushed stone to prevent weed growth
Last updated: November 6 2025
Curated by the QuickTooly Team
Related Gravel & Landscaping Material Calculators
Comprehensive gravel project planning with these specialized landscaping material, drainage design, and outdoor construction calculation tools.
Landscaping & Construction Materials
- Concrete Calculator Calculate concrete quantities for surfaces built over gravel base layers. Plan complete hardscaping projects from gravel foundation to concrete finish.
- Mulch Calculator Plan organic mulch for garden beds adjacent to gravel pathways and driveways. Design integrated landscapes combining gravel hardscaping with planted areas.
- Tile Calculator Calculate paver or tile coverage over gravel base for patios and walkways. Plan finished surfaces built on properly prepared gravel foundations.
- Lumber Calculator Calculate lumber for landscape edging and borders to contain gravel areas. Build frames and borders that prevent gravel migration and define pathways.
Coverage Planning & Material Estimation
- Area Converter Convert driveway and pathway measurements for accurate gravel quantity calculations. Work with different area units for precise material estimation and ordering.
- Unit Converter Convert between cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons for gravel purchasing. Work with different volume and weight measurements from supplier specifications.
- Paint Calculator Apply similar coverage calculation principles to gravel spreading and depth requirements. Understand square footage calculations for material distribution.
- Basal Area Calculator Determine tree spacing and landscape density when planning gravel pathways. Calculate gravel needs around planted areas and landscape features.
Cost Planning & Project Management
- Budget Calculator Budget for gravel materials, delivery costs, and landscaping project expenses. Plan financial resources for driveways, pathways, and drainage installations.
- Home Affordability Calculator Factor landscaping and driveway costs into home purchase and improvement budgets. Plan property enhancement expenses including gravel installations.
- Personal Loan Calculator Plan financing for major landscaping projects like driveways or extensive pathways. Calculate loan payments for outdoor improvement and hardscaping investments.
- Date Calculator Schedule gravel delivery and installation phases for landscaping timelines. Plan project milestones and track completion dates for outdoor construction.
Additional Construction Tools
Explore more tools: Drywall Calculator, Compost Calculator, Fertilizer Calculator, and all construction calculators.
What Is a Gravel Calculator? Complete Guide to Gravel Project Planning
A gravel calculator is an essential tool for accurately estimating gravel quantities, costs, and materials for landscaping, construction, and outdoor projects including driveways, walkways, patios, and drainage systems. This professional calculator helps determine exactly how much gravel you need in tons, cubic yards, or bags, while accounting for proper depth, compaction, and project-specific requirements.
Our advanced gravel calculator considers gravel type, density, compaction factors, and installation requirements to provide comprehensive project estimates including material costs, delivery fees, and installation expenses. Perfect for contractors, landscapers, and homeowners planning gravel installation projects of any size.
Why Use Our Professional Gravel Calculator?
- Accurate Volume Calculations: Calculate precise gravel quantities for rectangular, circular, triangular, or custom areas with automatic compaction factor inclusion to prevent shortages and ensure proper coverage depth.
- Multiple Gravel Types: Support for all common gravel types including pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, limestone, granite, and decomposed granite with accurate density calculations for each material type.
- Comprehensive Cost Analysis: Get detailed cost breakdowns including material costs, delivery fees, and installation expenses with support for multiple currencies and real-time price calculations for budget planning.
- Professional Project Planning: Receive expert recommendations on gravel type selection, depth requirements, compaction factors, and installation best practices based on your specific project type and intended use.
- Multiple Measurement Units: Calculate in tons, cubic yards, or 50lb bags with automatic conversions between metric and imperial units for easy ordering and project coordination with suppliers and contractors.
Complete Gravel Selection Guide for Different Projects
Choosing the right gravel type and size is crucial for project success, longevity, and proper drainage. Different applications require specific gravel characteristics:
- Pea Gravel (1/8" - 1/4"): Perfect for walkways, decorative landscaping, and drainage applications. Easy to walk on, excellent drainage, and attractive appearance. Not suitable for heavy vehicle traffic.
- Crushed Stone (1/2" - 3/4"): Ideal for driveways, parking areas, and road base applications. Compacts well, provides excellent stability, and handles heavy traffic. Most common choice for functional applications.
- River Rock (1/2" - 2"): Best for decorative landscaping, water features, and drainage systems. Smooth, rounded appearance with natural colors. Does not compact as well as angular stone.
- Decomposed Granite: Excellent for pathways, patios, and natural-looking surfaces. Compacts to form solid surface, permeable for drainage, and blends with natural landscapes.
- Limestone Chips: Great for driveways and walkways in areas with freeze-thaw cycles. Self-cementing properties, good drainage, and bright appearance that reflects light.
- Sand & Gravel Mix: Perfect for road base, heavy-duty driveways, and construction applications. Excellent compaction and stability for high-traffic areas and heavy loads.
Professional Gravel Installation Tips & Best Practices
- Proper Site Preparation: Excavate to proper depth, remove organic material, and ensure proper grade for drainage. Install landscape fabric to prevent weed growth and maintain separation from soil.
- Base Layer Installation: For driveways and high-traffic areas, install a base layer of larger crushed stone followed by smaller gravel on top. This provides better stability and load distribution.
- Compaction Requirements: Compact in layers (lifts) of 2-3 inches maximum. Use appropriate compaction equipment and add 10-20% extra material to account for compaction and settling over time.
- Edge Restraints: Install proper edging materials like concrete curbing, steel edging, or treated lumber to contain gravel and maintain clean lines. This prevents spreading and maintains appearance.
- Drainage Considerations: Ensure proper slope (2% minimum) for water runoff. Install drainage systems if needed and avoid creating low spots where water can collect and cause problems.
- Maintenance Planning: Plan for periodic re-grading, adding fresh material, and weed control. Regular maintenance extends the life of gravel surfaces and maintains appearance and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gravel Projects
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of gravel typically covers 100-120 square feet at 2-inch depth, or 60-80 square feet at 3-inch depth. Coverage varies by gravel type and desired depth.
What depth of gravel do I need for a driveway?
For residential driveways, use 3-4 inches of gravel depth. Heavy-duty or commercial driveways may require 4-6 inches. Always install over a properly prepared base.
How do I calculate gravel for irregular shapes?
Break irregular areas into smaller rectangles, triangles, or circles. Calculate each section separately and add the volumes together. Use our custom volume option for complex calculations.
Should I compact gravel in layers?
Yes, compact gravel in 2-3 inch lifts (layers) for best results. Compacting thick layers doesn't achieve proper density and can lead to settlement issues over time.
What's the difference between gravel and crushed stone?
Gravel typically has rounded edges from natural weathering, while crushed stone has angular edges from mechanical crushing. Crushed stone compacts better and is preferred for structural applications.