Gravel Calculator: Volume and Weight for Driveways, Paths, and Bases
Calculate gravel volume in cubic yards and tons for driveways, walkways, drainage, and base layers. Accounts for depth and area for any project size.
Gravel gets ordered by the ton or cubic yard depending on the supplier, and converting between them trips people up every time. Add to that the fact that loose gravel compacts after installation, and you often need more than the raw math suggests. Let's sort it out.
The CalcHub Gravel Calculator calculates volume in cubic yards and approximate weight in tons for any rectangular, circular, or irregular area.
The Basic Formula
Volume (cubic yards) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (inches) ÷ 324The 324 comes from converting cubic feet to cubic yards (27) and inches to feet (12): 27 × 12 = 324.
For a driveway 60 ft × 12 ft, 4 inches deep:
60 × 12 × 4 ÷ 324 = 8.9 cubic yards
Cubic Yards to Tons
Weight depends on the type of gravel:
| Gravel Type | Approximate Weight (per cubic yard) |
|---|---|
| Crushed limestone | 1.5 tons |
| Pea gravel | 1.4 tons |
| Crushed granite | 1.6 tons |
| River rock | 1.35 tons |
| Sand (dry) | 1.3 tons |
| Decomposed granite | 1.5 tons |
| Drainage rock (#57) | 1.4 tons |
Recommended Depths by Application
| Application | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway (light vehicles) | 4 in | Minimum for adequate base |
| Driveway (heavy vehicles) | 6 in | Trucks, RVs |
| Walkway/path | 2–3 in | Pea gravel or crushed |
| Base under concrete | 4–6 in | #57 or crushed stone |
| Base under pavers | 4 in compacted | Add 2" sand on top |
| French drain | 12+ in | Drainage rock filling trench |
| Decorative landscaping | 2–3 in | Aesthetic coverage |
Choosing the Right Gravel Type
| Type | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | ⅜" round | Pathways, drainage, decorative |
| #57 crushed stone | ¾" | Driveways, concrete base, drainage |
| Crusher run | Mixed | Driveways, compacted base |
| Decomposed granite | Fine to ¼" | Patios, paths, stabilized surface |
| River rock | 1–4" | Decorative, erosion control |
| Riprap | 3–12"+ | Slope stabilization, culverts |
Compaction Factor
Gravel compacts after installation and settling. For projects where final depth matters (base layers under concrete or pavers), order 10–15% extra to account for compaction.
For a driveway, compaction is actually desirable — you want the base to compact firm. Order what the calculator says, compact it, then assess if you need a thin topping layer.
Delivery Considerations
- Full truckload: Typically 12–15 tons; most economical rate per ton
- Half-load: 6–8 tons; works for small driveways
- Bags: Available at home improvement stores; one ton bag = roughly 1,000 lbs = 0.67 cubic yards; very expensive per ton but no minimum delivery
How deep should gravel be for a drainage french drain?
French drains typically need a 12-inch-wide trench, 18–24 inches deep, filled with drainage rock (clean crushed stone or river rock, no fines). The perforated pipe sits in the bottom 4–6 inches. Calculate total trench volume using length × width × depth.
What's the difference between #57 stone and crusher run?
#57 stone is a washed, sized aggregate (roughly ¾") with no fines — it drains well but doesn't compact as a stable base without additional material. Crusher run (also called dense-grade aggregate) is a mix of crushed stone and stone dust that compacts to a very stable, firm base — better for driveways.Can I use gravel as a sub-base for pavers?
Yes — 4 inches of compacted #57 or crusher run sub-base is standard under brick or concrete pavers, topped with a 1-inch sand setting bed. Total excavation depth: 5–6 inches below finish grade.
Related Tools
- Concrete Calculator — if the gravel is a sub-base for a slab
- Soil Calculator — fill dirt or topsoil alongside gravel
- Fence Calculator — gravel in post footings