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Gravel Calculator

Calculate gravel volume in cubic yards and convert to weight in US tons or bags.

Gravel Calculator Interactive Tool

Interactive Calculator

Enter your project dimensions below. Results update instantly.

typical value, change to match your productAllowance for mechanical tamping and settlement
typical value, change to match your productCrushed stone typically 1.35 to 1.45 tons/yd³
typical value, change to match your productStandard retail bags are 40 or 50 lbs

Results

Base Volume

3.7 cu yd

100 cu ft (before compaction)
Adjusted Volume to Order

4.07 cu yd

Includes +10% compaction buffer
Weight in Tons

5.7 tons

11,407 total lbs
Retail Bags

229

50-lb bags (if buying bagged)

Gravel Volume & Tonnage Formulas

Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × (Depth (in) ÷ 12) | Volume (cu yd) = cu ft ÷ 27 | Tons = cu yd × Density (tons/yd³)

Formula Variables:

  • Density:Standard crushed stone gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs) per cubic yard.
  • Waste %:5%–10% allowance for ground unevenness and subgrade compaction.

Bulk gravel suppliers sell in either cubic yards or tons; verify their specific quarry scale density.

Step-by-Step Worked Example

Example: 12 × 25 ft patio base at 4-inch compacted depth

Preparing a sub-base for a patio measuring 12 ft wide by 25 ft long with a 4-inch compacted layer of #57 stone.

Length:25 ft
Width:12 ft
Depth:4 inches
Waste:10%
Density:1.4 tons/yd³
  1. Area: 25 ft × 12 ft = 300 sq ft.
  2. Convert 4 inches to feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft.
  3. Calculate volume: 300 × 0.333 = 100 cu ft.
  4. Convert to cubic yards: 100 ÷ 27 = 3.704 cu yd.
  5. Add 10% waste buffer: 3.704 × 1.10 = 4.07 cu yd.
  6. Calculate tons: 4.07 cu yd × 1.4 tons/yd³ = 5.70 US tons (11,400 lbs).
  7. Optional bag conversion: 11,400 lbs ÷ 50 lbs/bag = 228 bags.
Order 4.1 cubic yards (or 5.7 tons). For bulk delivery, order 6 tons from a landscape yard.

Input Explanations & Measurement Guidelines

Length & Width

Typical: 10 × 20 ft

Dimensions of the area to be covered.

Gravel Depth

Typical: 2 to 6 inches

Finished compacted thickness of the gravel layer.

Aggregate Density

Typical: 1.4 tons/cu yd

Weight per cubic yard (standard crushed stone is ~1.4 tons/yd³).

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Assumes a leveled subgrade free of debris and organic matter.
  • Crushed gravel settles ~10% upon mechanical tamping; waste percentage accommodates this compaction.

Safety & Professional Notes

  • Gravel delivery trucks (tri-axles) weigh 20+ tons loaded. Ensure driveways can support heavy axles and watch for low overhead power lines.
Recommended Guide · 6 min read

How to Measure for Gravel: Steps, Depth Guidelines & Bulk Ordering

Accurately measuring the ground footprint before ordering bulk gravel saves hundreds of dollars in excess delivery fees or premature shortages. This guide breaks down geometric measurement methods and compaction rules.

Read Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 1 cubic yard of gravel weigh?

One cubic yard of standard crushed limestone or granite weighs approximately 2,800 pounds, or 1.4 US short tons.

When should I buy bulk gravel vs bagged gravel?

If your project requires more than 1 cubic yard (~54 fifty-pound bags), ordering bulk delivery from a quarry or landscape supplier is dramatically cheaper than buying individual retail bags.

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