Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much gravel you need in cubic yards, cubic meters, and tons. Supports 6 gravel types with accurate densities.
Enter dimensions and click Calculate.
How Does the Formula Work?
The gravel calculator determines how much gravel you need for driveways, pathways, landscaping, drainage beds, and construction projects. It computes volume from your area dimensions and depth, estimates weight using accurate densities for six gravel types, and calculates both bulk delivery loads and retail bag counts.
Rectangular: Length × Width × Depth
Circular: π × (Diameter/2)² × Depth
Triangular: 0.5 × Base × Height × Depth
Weight = Volume × Gravel Density
Gravel Densities:
Pea Gravel: 1,680 kg/m³ | Crushed Stone: 1,600 kg/m³
River Rock: 1,650 kg/m³ | Limestone: 1,500 kg/m³
Granite: 1,750 kg/m³ | Recycled: 1,450 kg/m³
Example: 10m × 5m × 5cm crushed stone
Volume = 10 × 5 × 0.05 = 2.5 m³ (3.27 yd³)
Weight = 2.5 × 1,600 = 4,000 kg = 4 tons
Choosing the Right Gravel Type
Crushed stone has angular edges that interlock when compacted, making it ideal for driveways, road bases, and structural applications. Pea gravel consists of small, rounded stones that are comfortable to walk on and excellent for pathways, playgrounds, and decorative landscaping. River rock is larger and smoother, used for decorative borders, dry creek beds, and erosion control. Limestone is lighter and commonly used as a road base material. Granite is the densest and most durable, used for high-traffic areas. Recycled gravel from crushed concrete and asphalt is an eco-friendly and economical option for non-decorative fill and sub-base applications.
Recommended Depth by Application
The right depth depends on the intended use. Driveways need 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of gravel, often in two layers — a coarser base layer and a finer surface layer. Pathways and walkways typically need 5–8 cm (2–3 inches). Decorative landscape areas like flower bed borders work well with 3–5 cm (1–2 inches). Drainage beds and French drains require 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) of gravel for proper water flow. The calculator lets you enter any depth — choose the value appropriate for your specific project.
Bulk vs Bags
For small projects under 1 cubic meter, buying bags from a hardware store is convenient. Standard retail bags hold 25 kg. For larger projects, bulk delivery by the truckload is significantly cheaper per ton. Standard dump trucks carry about 10 cubic meters. The calculator shows both options so you can compare costs. As a rough guide, bulk gravel typically costs 30–60% less per ton than bagged gravel, but delivery fees apply and you need a place for the truck to dump the load.
Gravel vs Fill Dirt
Gravel and fill dirt serve different purposes. Gravel provides excellent drainage because water flows between the stones, making it essential around foundations, under pavers, and in drainage systems. Fill dirt is nearly impermeable when compacted, used to build up ground level and create stable platforms. Gravel does not compress significantly (unlike fill dirt which loses 10–30% of volume), so you do not need to order large amounts of extra material — 5–10% extra for spillage is sufficient.
Tips & Recommendations
Crushed stone, pea gravel, river rock, limestone, granite, and recycled — each with accurate density for precise weight estimation.
See both truck loads (10 m³) for bulk delivery and 25 kg bag count for retail purchases. Compare costs for your project size.
Driveways: 10–15 cm. Pathways: 5–8 cm. Decorative: 3–5 cm. Drainage: 15–30 cm. Enter the depth for your application.
Unlike fill dirt, gravel barely compresses. Add 5–10% for spillage and uneven terrain — much less waste than soil projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does gravel weigh?
Gravel weight varies by type: pea gravel 1,680 kg/m³, crushed stone 1,600 kg/m³, river rock 1,650 kg/m³, limestone 1,500 kg/m³, granite 1,750 kg/m³, recycled 1,450 kg/m³. Moisture content can add 5–10%.
How deep should gravel be?
Driveways: 10–15 cm (4–6 in). Pathways: 5–8 cm (2–3 in). Decorative landscaping: 3–5 cm (1–2 in). Drainage beds: 15–30 cm (6–12 in). Base under pavers: 10–15 cm (4–6 in).
What shapes are supported?
Rectangular, circular, and triangular. Choose the closest match to your project area. For irregular shapes, divide into sections and calculate each separately.
How are bags calculated?
The calculator divides total weight by 25 kg per bag, which is a standard retail bag size. For bulk orders, use the truck load or tonnage figures instead.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes. Order 5–10% extra to account for spillage, uneven terrain, and spreading loss. Unlike fill dirt, gravel does not compress significantly.
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