Confirm density with your supplier — it varies by stone type and moisture content.
Gravel Planning Checklist
Covers excavation depth, compaction, drainage slope, base layer requirements, and delivery logistics before ordering.
Download Checklist (PDF)Planning use only. See Methodology and Data Sources. View all project checklists →
Gravel Calculator — Cubic Yards, Tons & Coverage Guide
This calculator estimates gravel volume (cubic yards or cubic metres) and weight (tons or tonnes) for driveways, paths, garden beds, French drains, and other landscaping projects. Select your gravel type for an accurate density-based weight estimate, and add 10% waste before ordering.
Gravel Coverage Quick Reference
| Area | 2 in depth | 4 in depth (standard driveway) | 6 in depth (heavy use) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ / 0.9 t | 1.23 yd³ / 1.7 t | 1.85 yd³ / 2.6 t |
| 300 sq ft | 1.85 yd³ / 2.6 t | 3.70 yd³ / 5.2 t | 5.56 yd³ / 7.8 t |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ / 4.3 t | 6.17 yd³ / 8.6 t | 9.26 yd³ / 13.0 t |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 yd³ / 8.6 t | 12.35 yd³ / 17.3 t | 18.52 yd³ / 25.9 t |
Based on compacted gravel at 110 lb/ft³. Add 10% for waste. 500 sq ft highlighted as typical single-car driveway.
Gravel Types & Recommended Depths
| Gravel type | Best for | Typical size | Recommended depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone (#57) | Driveways, base layers | ¾ inch | 4–6 inches |
| Road base / crusher run | Driveways, under pavers | Mixed fine & coarse | 4–6 inches |
| Pea gravel | Paths, decorative beds | ⅜ inch | 2–3 inches |
| River rock | Decorative landscaping | 1–3 inches | 2–4 inches |
| Decomposed granite | Natural paths, xeriscaping | Fine | 3–4 inches |
Gravel Driveway Depth Guide
Standard residential driveways: 4 inches of compacted gravel. High-traffic or heavy vehicle use: 6 inches. New driveways typically use a two-layer approach — 4 inches of road base compacted down, topped with 2 inches of surface gravel. Always excavate the full depth plus 1–2 inches to allow for compaction.
How Much Pea Gravel Do I Need?
Pea gravel uses the same calculation as regular gravel — enter your area and depth above and select "Loose gravel" for the closest density match. It's typically laid 2–3 inches deep for paths, garden beds, and decorative borders, versus 4–6 inches for a driveway base.
For a 10×6 ft garden bed at 2 inches deep: 10 × 6 × 0.167 ÷ 27 = 0.37 cubic yards, roughly 0.5 tons. Because pea gravel is rounded and smooth rather than angular, it settles and compacts less predictably than crushed stone — order a little extra (10–15%) to allow for settling over the first season.
Gravel for a French Drain
French drains typically use ¾-inch to 1.5-inch clean, washed gravel (often labeled #57 or #4) with no fines, so water can move freely through it. A standard residential trench (12 in wide × 18 in deep) needs roughly 0.5 cubic yards of gravel per 25 linear feet, before accounting for the perforated pipe. Use the calculator above with your trench length as "length," 1 ft as "width," and your trench depth to get a starting estimate, then round up — drain gravel is one place it pays to slightly over-order rather than run short mid-trench.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Disclaimer: Estimates are for general planning only. Actual quantities vary due to compaction, settlement, moisture content, and excavation depth. Always confirm density and pricing with your supplier before ordering.
See Methodology and Data Sources for details.