Measure to Order

Gravel Calculator

Enter the project dimensions to estimate cubic yards, tons, bags and delivered cost.

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PROJECT SETUP

Tell us what you're planning

What to measureMeasure the project length, width and finished gravel depth.Diagram is a measurement guide, not an installation detail.
1 · MEASURE

Project areas

Add separate sections instead of forcing the project into one rectangle.

Material assumptionsUsing editable defaults — review before ordering
2 · MATERIAL ASSUMPTIONS

Use your supplier's numbers when you have them

Preset density is a planning value, not a product specification. Moisture, grading and compaction change actual weight.

Supplier & pricingUsing editable defaults — review before ordering
3 · SUPPLIER & BUYING

Turn the math into an order

Bagged gravel & hauling options

Payload output is only a theoretical minimum trip count. Use the vehicle's actual payload rating and account for passengers, tools, tongue weight and other cargo. Never exceed the manufacturer's rating.

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PROJECT PLANNERS

Choose what you’re ordering.

Start with a featured planner or browse the full searchable catalog of 54 tools.

Gravel Project PlannerTons, Cubic Yards, Bags & Cost.Paver Patio Project PlannerPavers, Base, Sand & Cost.French Drain Project PlannerGravel, Pipe & Fabric.Retaining Wall Material PlannerBlocks, Base & Backfill.Drywall Material PlannerSheets, Mud, Tape & Screws.Asphalt Shingle Roof PlannerShingles, Bundles & Accessories.Vinyl Plank Flooring PlannerBoxes, Waste & Cost.Interior Paint Project PlannerGallons for Walls & Ceilings.
METHOD & LIMITS

What the result means

Why does the recommended order exceed the exact tonnage?

The planner can apply extra material, a compaction allowance, a supplier minimum and the supplier's sales increment. The result shows the exact planning quantity separately from the order quantity so you can see what changed.

Why is gravel density editable?

Bulk density varies with stone type, gradation, moisture and supplier. Presets are planning values only. A supplier-provided density or yield should take priority.

Does the planner tell me the correct construction depth?

No. Project-type depths are editable starting points for planning, not structural or code recommendations. Base preparation, drainage, soil, traffic and local requirements can change the appropriate section.

Does the price include tax, labor or equipment?

No. Cost output uses only the prices and fees you enter. Tax, equipment, labor, geotextile, edging, excavation and disposal are not included unless you add them outside this planner.

How does quote comparison handle different units?

The planner converts both quotes through the same editable material density. A per-ton quote and a per-cubic-yard quote can therefore be compared on the project quantity you entered, after each supplier's minimum and order increment are applied.

How this estimate is calculatedFormula, rounding and example

How the gravel estimate is built

  1. 1Convert each measured area and depth into cubic volume, then combine the project sections.
  2. 2Apply the editable extra-material and compaction allowances before converting volume to weight with the selected density.
  3. 3Apply the supplier minimum and sales increment last so the recommendation reflects a quantity you can actually order.
Example project

Uses a 50 × 12 ft area at 4 in deep, 1.5 tons per cubic yard density, 5% extra material, 10% compaction allowance, a 3-ton minimum and 0.5-ton sales increments. It produces about 12.9 tons of calculated need and a 13-ton rounded order.

Use your own measurements and verify product coverage, local requirements and supplier terms before ordering.

Common gravel calculator questions

How do I calculate cubic yards of gravel?

Multiply area in square feet by depth in feet, then divide cubic feet by 27. In compact form: square feet × (depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27. Apply any extra-material or compaction allowance after the base volume is known.

How much area does one cubic yard of gravel cover?

One cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1 inch deep, 162 sq ft at 2 inches, 108 sq ft at 3 inches, or 81 sq ft at 4 inches.

How do I convert gravel yards to tons?

Multiply cubic yards by the bulk density in tons per cubic yard. Density varies by material, gradation and moisture, so a supplier value should replace a planning preset when available.