Gravel Calculator

Estimate how much gravel you need in cubic yards, tons, and bags based on project size, depth, gravel type, and a waste or compaction buffer.

Enter Your Project Size


Presets are planning examples. Your project may need a different depth.


Choose the shape that best matches your project area.


Depth has a big effect on the final quantity.


Measure the full project length.


Measure the full project width.


Density varies by material, moisture, and supplier.


Use extra for uneven ground, compaction, and spreading loss.


Used only for estimating bag count.


Optional. Enter 0 if you do not want a cost estimate.


Optional delivery, rental, or minimum-order fee.


Your Results

Cubic yards

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Enter values and calculate.

Estimated tons

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Based on selected gravel type.

Bag estimate

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Rounded up to whole bags.

Estimated cost

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Uses your price per ton.

This calculator gives a planning estimate only. Real gravel needs can vary because of uneven ground, compaction, moisture, supplier density, spreading loss, and project requirements.

How to Use This Gravel Calculator

Enter the size of the area, the gravel depth, the gravel type, and a waste or compaction buffer. The calculator estimates cubic yards, tons, bags, and cost.

For most bulk gravel orders, cubic yards and tons are more useful than bags. For small projects, the bag estimate can help you compare whether bagged gravel or bulk delivery makes more sense.

Formula Used

Area = length × width
Depth in feet = depth in inches ÷ 12
Cubic feet = area × depth
Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
Adjusted cubic yards = cubic yards × (1 + waste buffer %)
Tons = adjusted cubic yards × tons per cubic yard

Example Calculation

A 10 ft × 12 ft area at 4 inches deep has:

10 × 12 = 120 square feet
4 inches ÷ 12 = 0.333 feet deep
120 × 0.333 = 40 cubic feet
40 ÷ 27 = 1.48 cubic yards

With a 10% buffer, that becomes about 1.63 cubic yards. If the gravel weighs about 1.5 tons per cubic yard, that is about 2.44 tons.

Common Gravel Estimating Mistakes

  • Measuring only part of the area instead of the full project footprint.
  • Forgetting to convert inches of depth into feet.
  • Ordering the exact calculated amount with no buffer.
  • Ignoring compaction, uneven ground, soft spots, and spreading loss.
  • Assuming every gravel type weighs the same per cubic yard.
  • Comparing bagged gravel to bulk gravel without checking total volume.

Important Planning Note

Use this calculator as a planning tool only. Gravel depth and base preparation depend on the project, soil conditions, drainage, load, compaction, and local requirements.

For driveways, retaining areas, drainage work, foundations, structures, or anything carrying heavy loads, check local requirements and get qualified guidance when needed.