Gravel Calculator: Cubic Yards and Tons
Enter the length, width and depth of the area, pick the material and allowance, and see how many cubic yards and tons to order. After switching units, re-enter your measurements.
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Formula
volume (ft3) = length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (in) / 12 x (1 + extra %)cubic yards = ft3 / 27,m3 = ft3 x 0.028316846592mass (kg) = m3 x density,short tons = kg / 907.18474,tonnes = kg / 1000
| Material | Density (kg/m3) | About (US tons per yd3) |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1,600 | 1.35 |
| Crushed stone | 1,680 | 1.42 |
| Road base | 1,920 | 1.62 |
| Sand | 1,600 | 1.35 |
| River rock | 1,500 | 1.27 |
Worked example
A 10 ft x 10 ft area, 3 in deep, crushed stone, 10% extra:
- 10 x 10 x 3 / 12 = 25 ft3; x 1.10 = 27.5 ft3
- 27.5 / 27 = 1.02 yd3 (0.779 m3)
- 0.779 m3 x 1,680 = 1,308 kg = 1.44 US tons (1.31 tonnes)
Assumptions
- Densities are typical loose, dry values; wet or fine material weighs more.
- The extra allowance covers compaction, spillage and uneven ground.
- Weight is for ordering only; ask your supplier for the exact load weight.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 US tons for crushed stone (1,680 kg per cubic metre). Pea gravel and sand are a little lighter at about 1.35 tons and road base is heavier at about 1.6 tons per cubic yard. Always check the density quoted by your supplier.
How do I calculate the gravel for a driveway?
Multiply length by width by depth (in feet, with depth in inches divided by 12) and divide by 27. A 10 ft by 10 ft area 3 in deep is 25 cubic feet. Add 10 percent for compaction: 27.5 cubic feet is 1.02 cubic yards, or 1.44 US tons of crushed stone.
How deep should a gravel layer be?
Garden paths are often 2 to 3 inches, patio and paver bases 4 to 6 inches, and driveways 4 to 8 inches in layers that are compacted. Check local practice and the product instructions for your project.
Why does the weight change with the material?
Each material packs a different amount of rock into a cubic yard. Solid rock is about 2,600 kg per cubic metre, but loose gravel has air between the stones, which is why the bulk density is 1,500 to 1,900 kg per cubic metre. Wet gravel weighs more.
What is the difference between short tons and metric tonnes?
A US (short) ton is 2,000 lb or 907.18 kg and a metric tonne is 1,000 kg. Suppliers in the US sell by the short ton and most other countries sell by the tonne. Both are shown so you can match your supplier.