Driveways, paths and pads that need compacted stone
Gravel Calculator
Gravel in cubic yards = area in square feet × depth in feet ÷ 27. A 40 ft × 12 ft driveway 4 inches deep needs about 5.9 cubic yards with 10% extra. Enter your size and depth to see yards, tons and cost.
Cubic yards to order
6.52 yd³
- Exact volume, before extra
- 5.926 yd³
- Estimated weightTypical density; moisture changes it.
- 9.13 US tons
- Cubic feet
- 176.00 ft³
- Cubic meters
- 4.984 m³
- Estimated cost
Worked examples
Single-car driveway strip
A 40 ft × 10 ft area, 4 inches deep, 10% extra.
5.43 yd³ · ≈ 7.60 US tons
Garden path
A 25 ft × 3 ft path with 2 inches of gravel, 5% extra.
0.49 yd³ · ≈ 0.68 US tons
Round patio pad
A 12 ft diameter circle, 3 inches deep, 10% extra.
1.15 yd³ · ≈ 1.61 US tons
Good for
- Single-car driveway strips and parking pads
- Garden paths where mud is the problem you are solving
- Ballpark quotes before a quarry asks for tons vs yards
- Circular patio bases before you set pavers or a fire pit
Common mistakes
- Ordering decorative pea gravel depth for a load-bearing driveway
- Skipping compaction allowance and ending up with ruts after the first rain
- Measuring only length × width and forgetting the apron or turnaround
- Comparing price per ton to price per yard without the density conversion
How much gravel do I need?
- Measure length and width of the area in feet.
- Choose depth in inches and convert to feet (divide by 12). Four inches is about 0.333 ft.
- Multiply area × depth for cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Add 5–10% (or more) if the base will be compacted or is uneven.
- For tons, multiply cubic yards by roughly 1.3–1.5 for crushed gravel.
Many residential driveways use 3–4 inches of gravel over a prepared base. Local codes and soil conditions can require more.
Gravel coverage by depth
Cubic yards to cover 100 square feet. Multiply by your area ÷ 100.
| Depth | Cubic yards per 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 0.62 |
| 3 in | 0.93 |
| 4 in | 1.23 |
| 6 in | 1.85 |
Approximate square feet covered by one ton
Using the typical tons-per-yard values in this calculator.
| Material | At 2 in | At 3 in | At 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand | 120 | 80 | 60 |
| Gravel / crushed stone | 116 | 77 | 58 |
| River rock / landscape rock | 116 | 77 | 58 |
Approximate weight per cubic yard
Moisture and stone type change weight. Confirm with your quarry or yard.
| Material | US tons per cubic yard (typical range) | Value used here |
|---|---|---|
| Sand | 1.2 – 1.5 | 1.35 |
| Gravel / crushed stone | 1.3 – 1.5 | 1.4 |
| River rock / landscape rock | 1.3 – 1.5 | 1.4 |
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Three to four inches of surface gravel over a compacted base is common for light residential use. Soft ground or heavier vehicles may need a thicker base layer—ask a local supplier or contractor.
Should I order by the ton or by the yard?
Either works if you convert consistently. Quarries often sell by the ton; landscape yards may sell by the cubic yard. Use the weight estimate, then confirm their tons-per-yard figure.
Why add extra for compaction?
Fresh gravel settles when driven on and when a plate compactor is used. Ordering a little extra avoids a thin spot after compaction.
Is crushed stone the same as pea gravel?
Volume math is the same. Piece size and angularity change how it locks together and how heavy a yard feels, so check the product data sheet for weight and recommended depth.
Sources and updates
Last reviewed .
- NIST – Unit conversion factors – Length definitions used for unit conversion.
- Gravel density – Typical supplier ranges. Replace with named quarry data before launch if weight is critical.
Estimates for planning. Confirm quantities, compaction and base requirements with your supplier or contractor.