How Much Gravel Do I Need? Coverage Charts, Density & Depth Chart

One cubic yard (27 cubic feet) covers the following surface area at various common depths:

• At 1 inch depth: Covers 324 square feet.

• At 2 inches depth: Covers 162 square feet.

• At 3 inches depth: Covers 108 square feet.

• At 4 inches depth: Covers 81 square feet.

• At 6 inches depth: Covers 54 square feet.

Different applications demand specific gravel thicknesses to perform properly:

• French drain & leach fields: 12 to 18 inches of washed #57 round rock wrapped in non-woven geotextile fabric.

• Paver patio sub-base: 4 to 6 inches of dense graded crushed aggregate compacted with a mechanical plate tamper.

• Residential gravel driveway: 8 to 12 total inches across base, intermediate choke, and surface fines.

• Decorative flower bed top-dressing: 2 inches of decorative river pebble.

Aggregate weight varies based on mineral composition and moisture level:

• Pea gravel & washed round river rock: ~1.35 tons per cubic yard (2,700 lbs).

• Crushed limestone / granite (#57): ~1.40 tons per cubic yard (2,800 lbs).

• Dense Graded Aggregate (Crusher run / road base): ~1.45 to 1.50 tons per cubic yard (2,900 to 3,000 lbs).

• Lava rock / lightweight pumice: ~0.8 to 1.0 ton per cubic yard.

Always dig out topsoil containing grass roots and organic matter before placing gravel; organic soil decomposes and causes sinkholes.

Lay heavy-duty commercial woven geotextile fabric between the earth and stone to prevent mud from pumping up into your clean gravel.

Install sturdy steel, aluminum, or pressure-treated edging along borders to stop gravel from scattering into your grass mower path.