Gravel calculator
Enter the size of your path, patio or driveway, the depth, and the type of stone. You'll get tons and cubic yards, plus a little extra for waste.
- Cubic yards
- –
- With 10% extra (tons)
- –
- Area (sq ft)
- –
Weights are typical averages. Ask your supplier for their exact tons per cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be?
| Project | Depth |
|---|---|
| Garden paths and walkways | 2–3 in |
| Patio base under pavers | 4–6 in crushed stone |
| Driveway | 4–6 in, laid in layers |
| Decorative ground cover | 2 in |
How the math works
Area times depth in feet gives cubic feet, dividing by 27 gives cubic yards, and multiplying by the stone's weight gives tons. A 40 by 3 foot path at 3 inches deep is 1.1 cubic yards. In pea gravel that's about 1.6 tons, or 1.7 tons with 10% extra.
Common questions
Why add 10% extra?
Gravel settles and packs down, edges are rarely perfectly straight, and some gets lost into the soil underneath. A small surplus saves a second delivery.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
For paths and decorative areas, a fabric layer helps keep gravel from sinking into soil and slows weeds. Driveways usually rely on a compacted crushed stone base instead.
Which gravel is best for walking on?
Crushed stone and decomposed granite lock together and feel firm underfoot. Pea gravel is smooth and rounded, so it shifts more as you walk.
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