Project Parameters
Length of the driveway, pathway, or patio base.
Width of the gravel surface.
Instant Estimate
Volume in Cubic Yards
Quarries sell in either tons or cubic yards.
Wheelbarrow Loads (3 cu ft)
Number of full contractor wheelbarrow loads to move.
Surface Area
Material Density
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Guide
How to calculate gravel and crushed stone
Crushed stone and gravel are calculated in cubic yards by volume, then multiplied by material density (1.35 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard) to determine the weight in tons that landscape quarries sell by weight.
Measure Area & Target Depth
Measure the total length and width. Driveways require a 4-inch minimum depth; walking paths need 2 to 3 inches.
Calculate Cubic Yards
Multiply area in square feet by depth in inches, divided by 324.
Convert to Tons
Multiply cubic yards by 1.4 (the average density of crushed limestone / gravel) to get weight in tons.
Mathematics
Formulas used
Cubic Yards
(Length × Width × Depth in Inches) / 324Volume needed in cubic yards.
Tons Needed
Cubic Yards × 1.4Converts volume to tons based on stone density.
Answers & FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many square feet does 1 ton of gravel cover?▼
At a depth of 2 inches, 1 ton covers roughly 100 square feet. At a depth of 3 inches, it covers ~65-70 sq ft. At 4 inches, it covers ~50 sq ft.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?▼
One ton of gravel equals approximately 0.7 to 0.75 cubic yards (since 1 cubic yard weighs ~2,800 lbs or 1.4 tons).