Gravel Calculator

Enter the area and depth and get cubic yards, cubic feet, cubic metres, US tons and tonnes, plus an optional cost.

Suppliers quote gravel by the ton or by the yard depending on the region, so both figures are shown.

How to use the gravel calculator

Why use the Build Tally gravel calculator

Converting between yards and tons

Gravel is sold both ways, which makes comparing quotes confusing. A cubic yard of typical crushed stone weighs about 1.4 US tons, so a 3-yard order is roughly 4.2 tons. Density varies with stone size, angularity and moisture — anywhere from about 1.2 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard — so treat the weight as an estimate and confirm with your supplier, who will know the density of the specific product.

How deep for different jobs

Decorative gravel over landscape fabric: 2–3 inches. Garden paths: 3 inches. A gravel driveway needs more structure — typically 4 inches of coarse base stone topped with 2 inches of finer surface gravel, rebuilt over a compacted subgrade. Drainage trenches and French drains are usually filled entirely with clean stone. Depth drives cost directly, so it is worth deciding deliberately rather than defaulting to a number.

Ordering and delivery

Bulk gravel is normally delivered by tandem truck, which typically carries 10–14 tons. Below about a yard, bagged stone from a builders' merchant is often more practical than paying a delivery fee. If access is tight, ask where the driver can tip — moving three tons of stone by wheelbarrow is a long afternoon.

Read the guide: How Much Gravel Do I Need? Tons, Cubic Yards and the Right Depth