How much gravel do I need?
To work out how much gravel you need, measure the area you want to cover, choose a depth, then multiply the two to get a volume - and convert that volume into cubic yards, tons or bags so you can order the right amount. The calculator above does this instantly; here is the exact formula it runs:
cubic yards = (length ft × width ft × depth ft) ÷ 27 tons = cubic yards × material density- Find the area in square feet - length × width for a rectangle, or π × radius² for a circle.
- Multiply by depth in feet (inches ÷ 12 = feet) to get cubic feet.
- Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet into cubic yards, the unit gravel is sold by in bulk.
- Multiply by density to get the weight in tons for delivery.
How to use this gravel calculator
- Choose your area shape - rectangle, circle, or enter a known area directly. For an irregular space, split it into rectangles and add the results.
- Enter your measurements and pick the units (feet, inches or yards).
- Set the depth - tap a preset (2" paths, 3" drainage, 4" patio base) or type your own.
- Select your material so the weight uses the correct density.
- Optionally add a price to estimate cost, or a bag size to get a bag count.
Gravel coverage by depth
One cubic yard of gravel covers a different area depending on how deep you spread it. Use this as a quick sanity check:
| Depth | Coverage per cubic yard | Coverage per ton* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | ~324 sq ft | ~230 sq ft |
| 2 inches | ~162 sq ft | ~115 sq ft |
| 3 inches | ~108 sq ft | ~77 sq ft |
| 4 inches | ~81 sq ft | ~58 sq ft |
| 6 inches | ~54 sq ft | ~38 sq ft |
Recommended gravel depth by project
| Project | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garden path / walkway | 2-3" | Lay over landscape fabric to block weeds and stop sinking |
| Pea gravel patio | 2-3" top layer | Add a 2" compacted crushed-stone base underneath for stability |
| Raised-bed drainage layer | 2-3" | Crushed stone #57 below the soil mix improves drainage |
| French drain / trench | fill the trench | Wrap with fabric and use angular #57 stone, not rounded pea gravel |
| Decorative ground cover | 2" | River rock or lava rock as mulch around beds |
| Driveway | 4-6" in layers | Coarse base stone topped with a finer driving surface |
Gravel needed for common project sizes
Not sure where to start? These are typical gravel amounts for popular garden projects, using all-purpose gravel at ~1.4 tons per cubic yard. Figures exclude the 10% buffer - add about 10% when you order.
| Project | Size & depth | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden path | 25 × 3 ft @ 2" | 0.46 yd³ | 0.7 t |
| Pea gravel patio | 10 × 10 ft @ 2" | 0.62 yd³ | 0.9 t |
| Pea gravel patio | 12 × 12 ft @ 2" | 0.89 yd³ | 1.2 t |
| Fire pit area | 12 ft circle @ 3" | 1.05 yd³ | 1.5 t |
| Raised-bed drainage | 4 × 8 ft @ 3" | 0.30 yd³ | 0.4 t |
| Gravel driveway | 20 × 10 ft @ 4" | 2.47 yd³ | 3.5 t |
| Gravel driveway | 50 × 12 ft @ 4" | 7.41 yd³ | 10.4 t |
Worked examples
Pea gravel path
A 25 ft × 3 ft path at 2 inches deep: 75 sq ft × 0.167 ft = 12.5 cu ft ÷ 27 = 0.46 cubic yards (~0.7 tons). Add 10% and order about half a cubic yard.
Raised-bed drainage layer
A 4 ft × 8 ft bed with a 3-inch crushed-stone base: 32 sq ft × 0.25 ft = 8 cu ft ÷ 27 = 0.30 cubic yards (~0.4 tons) of #57 stone.
Gravel driveway
A 50 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches: 600 sq ft × 0.33 ft = 200 cu ft ÷ 27 = 7.4 cubic yards (~10.4 tons). Build a new driveway in two layers - coarse base, finer top.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel typically weighs 2,400-2,900 lb (about 1.2-1.45 tons), depending on the stone type and moisture. That means one ton of gravel covers roughly 0.7 cubic yards. Here is how common garden materials compare:
| Material | Density | Weight per cubic yard | Coverage per ton @ 2" |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel (¼"-⅜") | ~96 lb/ft³ | ~1.3 tons | ~125 sq ft |
| All-purpose gravel (¼"-2") | ~105 lb/ft³ | ~1.4 tons | ~114 sq ft |
| Crushed stone #57 | ~100 lb/ft³ | ~1.35 tons | ~120 sq ft |
| River rock (2"-6") | ~98 lb/ft³ | ~1.3 tons | ~122 sq ft |
| Decomposed granite | ~110 lb/ft³ | ~1.5 tons | ~109 sq ft |
| Lava rock (lightweight) | ~45 lb/ft³ | ~0.6 tons | ~265 sq ft |
How much does gravel cost?
In bulk, common gravel usually runs $25-$70 per ton or $40-$90 per cubic yard before delivery. Decorative stone such as river rock costs more, and bagged gravel from a home center is far pricier per cubic foot but handy for small jobs. Typical ranges:
- Pea gravel: $30-$55 / ton ($40-$70 / cubic yard)
- Crushed stone #57: $25-$45 / ton
- River rock: $50-$160 / ton (varies by color and size)
- Decomposed granite: $40-$70 / ton
- Bagged gravel (0.5 cu ft): $4-$8 per bag
- Delivery: $50-$150+ per load
How many bags of gravel do I need?
Bagged gravel is sold by volume - most commonly 0.5 cubic feet per bag (0.4 cu ft and ½ cu ft bags are also sold). To find the bag count, divide your total cubic feet by the bag size and round up. The calculator does this automatically when you enter a bag size.
| You need | Cubic feet | Bags (0.5 cu ft each) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 cubic yard | 6.75 cu ft | 14 bags |
| 0.5 cubic yard | 13.5 cu ft | 27 bags |
| 1 cubic yard | 27 cu ft | 54 bags |
| 2 cubic yards | 54 cu ft | 108 bags |
Bulk vs. bagged - which to buy?
Bags make sense for small jobs (under about ½ cubic yard) or where a truck can't reach. Above roughly 1 cubic yard, bulk delivery is far cheaper per cubic foot and quicker than hauling and emptying dozens of bags. As a rule of thumb, 1 cubic yard equals about 54 bags at 0.5 cu ft each - so once you're nearing a yard, bulk almost always wins.
Choosing the right gravel for your garden
| Use | Best gravel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Walkways & patios | Pea gravel | Smooth, rounded, comfortable underfoot |
| Drainage & raised-bed base | Crushed stone #57 | Angular, interlocks, drains fast |
| Driveways | Base stone + finer topping | Compacts into a firm, stable surface |
| Decorative borders & beds | River rock | Large, attractive ground cover |
| Natural-look paths | Decomposed granite | Compacts firm with an earthy look |
| Lightweight mulch | Lava rock | Very light, long-lasting |
Pea gravel
Smooth, rounded ¼"-⅜" stone that is comfortable underfoot - the go-to for patios, walkways, play areas and dog runs. Because it is rounded it shifts easily, so edge it with borders and lay a compacted base beneath a pea gravel patio.
Crushed stone #57
Angular ¾" stone that locks together and drains fast - ideal as a raised-bed drainage layer, in French drains, and as the base under patios and pavers.
River rock
Larger 2"-6" decorative stone for borders, dry creek beds and accents around plantings. Best as ground cover rather than a walking surface.
Decomposed granite & lava rock
Decomposed granite compacts into a firm, natural-looking garden path. Lightweight lava rock works as a long-lasting decorative mulch in xeriscapes and around drought-tolerant plants.