Gravel Calculator (Tons and Cubic Yards)
Enter the area and depth to estimate the gravel volume, then pick a weight factor to estimate tons. Suppliers sell by the yard or by the ton.
How it works
Volume (cu ft) = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 12. Cubic yards = cu ft ÷ 27 × (1 + allowance). Tons = cubic yards × weight factor (tons per cubic yard). Metric tonnes = tons × 0.90718474 (NIST: 1 short ton = 2,000 lb; 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg).
Worked examples
- A 12 × 20 ft pad 4 in deep is 240 × 4 ÷ 12 = 80 cu ft = 2.96 cu yd. At TDOT's 1.49 tons per cu yd for compacted Size 57 stone that is about 4.41 tons (4.01 metric tonnes) before any allowance.
- Driveway 10 × 50 ft at 4 in compacted, dense-graded base (TDOT 2.03 tons per cu yd): 500 × 4 ÷ 12 = 166.7 cu ft = 6.17 cu yd; with 10%, 6.79 cu yd ≈ 13.8 tons. With Size 57 stone compacted (1.49), the same volume is about 10.1 tons.
- Garden path 3 × 40 ft at 2 in, Size 57 stone placed loose (1.34 tons per cu yd): 120 × 2 ÷ 12 = 20 cu ft = 0.74 cu yd ≈ 0.99 tons before any allowance.
How to measure
- Mark out the area and measure its length and width. Split curved or odd shapes into rectangles.
- Decide the finished depth after compaction, in inches. Check it with a stake or string line at several spots.
- Ask your supplier what its stone weighs per cubic yard, and whether that figure is loose or compacted. Enter it as a custom weight.
Common mistakes
- Using the loose weight for a compacted base. Compacted stone needs more material for the same finished depth; TDOT's compacted Size 57 factor is 1.49 tons per cu yd against 1.34 loose.
- Mixing up tons (short tons, 2,000 lb) and metric tonnes (1,000 kg). This page shows both.
- Entering depth in feet or yards when the box asks for inches.
- Assuming every stone weighs the same. Rock type, size and moisture change the weight; use your supplier's figure when you can.
- Treating this as a driveway design. Base depth for traffic depends on the soil and use; check local codes and your supplier.
Assumptions
- Weight factors are Tennessee DOT estimating values: Size 57 stone weighs 2,619 lb per loose cubic yard; TDOT uses × 1.02 (1.34 tons/cu yd) for uncompacted placement and × 1.14 (1.49) compacted, and 2,900 lb × 1.4 (2.03 tons/cu yd) for compacted mineral aggregate base.
- Stone weight varies with rock type, size and moisture. Ask your supplier for its own tons-per-yard figure and enter it as a custom value.
- Uniform depth over a rectangular area. Volume is the finished depth; the compacted factors already account for extra stone needed to compact.
- The waste allowance is an editable JobsiteCalc default, not an industry standard. Ask your supplier what extra they suggest for your job.
- This is a material estimate only, not a driveway or base design; check local codes and your supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?
It depends on the stone. Tennessee DOT's guidelines use 2,619 lb per loose cubic yard for Size 57 stone, and estimate 1.34 tons per cubic yard placed loose or 1.49 tons compacted; compacted dense-graded base is 2.03 tons per cubic yard.
How much area does a cubic yard of gravel cover?
At 4 inches deep, one cubic yard (27 cu ft) covers 27 ÷ (4 ÷ 12) = 81 square feet; at 2 inches, 162 square feet.
Should I order by the ton or the yard?
Either works if you know the supplier's weight per cubic yard. Use their factor in the custom box so both units match.
Related calculators
- Paver calculator – pavers, base and bedding sand for a patio
- Asphalt calculator – tons of hot mix to pave over the gravel base
- Concrete calculator – if the pad will be poured on the gravel
- Cubic yards calculator – for other shapes and volume conversions
- Topsoil calculator – for soil instead of stone
- Fill dirt calculator – to fill holes and low spots with soil
- Mulch calculator – for beds and paths with organic mulch
Sources
Formulas and reference values are from these sources. Page content last updated 2026-10-19.