Gravel Calculator
By Concrete Knowhow Editorial Team · Updated April 2024 · 4 min read
Quick Answer
Enter your area's length, width, and depth, then choose your material to instantly get cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons — with an optional waste buffer for compaction.
Material
Length
Width
Depth
Overage
Extra for compaction and uneven ground. Add 10% for driveways — gravel settles.
Enter dimensions above to see results
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Common Coverage Areas — Quick Reference
Tons calculated using crushed stone (1.5 t/yd³). No waste buffer included.
| Area | Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons (Crushed Stone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft | 2" | 0.62 | 0.93 |
| 10×10 ft | 4" | 1.23 | 1.85 |
| 10×20 ft | 3" | 1.85 | 2.78 |
| 10×20 ft | 4" | 2.47 | 3.70 |
| 12×40 ft | 4" | 5.93 | 8.89 |
| 20×40 ft | 4" | 9.88 | 14.81 |
| 20×40 ft | 6" | 14.81 | 22.22 |
How to Lay a Gravel Driveway or Path — Step by Step
- Mark the area. Use stakes and string or marking paint to outline the driveway or path. Call 811 to have underground utilities located before digging.
- Excavate. Dig down 6–8 inches for a driveway, or 3–4 inches for a decorative path. Remove all grass and organic material — it will decompose and cause settling.
- Grade and compact the sub-base. Slope the surface slightly (1–2%) away from structures for drainage. Compact the soil with a plate compactor.
- Install edging. Plastic, steel, or timber edging keeps gravel contained and reduces spreading onto lawns. Set it flush with your desired finished grade.
- Lay landscape fabric (optional). For driveways, skip fabric — it tears under vehicle weight. For paths and decorative beds, fabric under the gravel helps suppress weeds.
- Add your base layer. For driveways, spread 4 inches of larger crushed stone (#3 or #4 aggregate). Rake level and compact thoroughly.
- Add the top layer. Spread 2–3 inches of your finish gravel (pea gravel, #57 stone, or decomposed granite). Rake level.
- Compact and top up. Compact the surface — gravel will settle 10–15%. Top up as needed, especially after the first few rains.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a 10×20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep?
- A 10×20 ft area at 4 inches deep is 66.7 cubic feet, or about 2.47 cubic yards. For crushed stone at 1.5 t/yd³ that works out to roughly 3.7 tons. Always add 10% for a driveway to account for compaction.
- How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
- A gravel driveway should have a base layer of 4–6 inches of larger crushed stone (#3 or #4), topped with 2–3 inches of smaller gravel (#57 or pea gravel). Total depth is typically 6–8 inches for light vehicles.
- How much does a ton of gravel cover?
- One ton of pea gravel covers roughly 54 sq ft at 3 inches deep, or about 100 sq ft at 2 inches deep. Crushed stone is slightly denser so covers a little less area per ton.
- What is the difference between cubic yards and tons for gravel?
- Cubic yards measure volume; tons measure weight. Gravel is sold by both, depending on the supplier. To convert, multiply cubic yards by the bulk density of your material — typically 1.4 t/yd³ for pea gravel and 1.5 t/yd³ for crushed stone.
- How much gravel do I need for a French drain?
- A typical French drain trench is 12 inches wide and 18–24 inches deep. For every 10 linear feet, that is roughly 15–20 cubic feet (0.55–0.74 yd³) of gravel. Use clean #57 crushed stone or pea gravel, not pea-sized or fines.
- Should I add a waste buffer for gravel?
- Yes — add 10% for driveways and paths to account for compaction and settling. For decorative beds you can get away with 5%. It is almost always cheaper to have a little left over than to order a second delivery.