Gravel Calculator
Enter your area's length, width, and depth to estimate how much gravel you'll need, in cubic yards and tons.
Last updated: September 5, 2026
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a 20x10 driveway?
At 4 inches deep, a 20×10 ft area needs about 2.47 cubic yards before waste allowance - roughly 3.46 tons at typical gravel density.
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.4 tons per cubic yard for most crushed stone and gravel, though density varies by material - pea gravel and crushed granite can differ slightly.
Should I compact the base layer before adding gravel?
Yes for most projects - a compacted sub-base (often crushed stone) prevents the gravel layer above it from settling unevenly over time, which is especially important under driveways and walkways that see regular weight.
What's the difference between crushed gravel and pea gravel for a driveway base?
Crushed/angular gravel locks together under weight and compacts into a stable base, making it the standard choice for driveways; pea gravel is smooth and rounded, so it shifts underfoot and under vehicle weight, making it better suited for decorative paths than load-bearing surfaces.
How much gravel do I need for a 12×24 ft driveway at 6 inches deep?
12×24 ft is 288 sq ft. At 6 inches deep that's 144 cubic feet, or about 5.33 cubic yards before waste. With a 10% waste allowance, order about 5.87 cubic yards, or roughly 8.21 tons at the typical 1.4 tons-per-cubic-yard density.
Does a driveway need the same gravel depth as a walkway?
No - walkways and light foot-traffic paths typically only need 2-3 inches of gravel, while driveways supporting vehicle weight need 4-6 inches, often over a separately compacted sub-base. Enter the depth appropriate to your project rather than a single universal number.
Is a 'gravel calculator' the same as a 'crushed stone calculator'?
Functionally yes - both estimate volume and tonnage the same way, since gravel and crushed stone are priced and delivered by the cubic yard or ton. The difference is physical: gravel is naturally rounded while crushed stone is mechanically fractured, which affects how well it compacts, not the math used to size the order.