Gravel Calculator
Calculate required gravel, crushed stone, and aggregate in tons, cubic yards, and metric tonnes with compaction and material density options.
How to Calculate Gravel Volume and Weight
Gravel calculations involve two distinct physical conversions: first finding the volume needed to fill your project dimensions, and second multiplying that volume by the specific bulk density of your selected aggregate to determine delivery weight.
For deeper analysis and related planning, you can also explore our Concrete Calculator and Paint Calculator.
Standard aggregate quarries and delivery trucks quote materials in short tons (2,000 pounds). The calculation steps are:
2. Volume (cu yd) = Volume (cu ft) / 27
3. Total Tons = [Volume (cu yd) × Material Density (lbs/cu yd) × (1 + Allowance)] / 2,000
Bulk Densities of Common Gravel Types
Why Compaction Allowance Matters
Loose crushed stone settles by 10% to 15% when compacted with a vibratory plate or driven over with vehicles. In addition, unpaved ground contains dips and subgrade irregularities. Failing to order a compaction allowance usually leaves driveways 1/2 inch to 1 inch thinner than engineered specifications.
Professional Installation Tips
- Lay Heavy-Duty Geotextile Fabric: Always lay a non-woven geotextile fabric between the native soil subgrade and your gravel base. This prevents rocks from sinking into underlying mud during rainy seasons and stops weeds from taking root.
- Crowned Driveway Design: Grade the center of your gravel driveway roughly 2 to 3 inches higher than the edges. A slight crown promotes water runoff to side drainage ditches, preventing potholes and rutting.
- Delivery Weight Limits: A standard tandem axle dump truck carries between 12 and 16 tons of gravel. If your project requires more than 16 tons, plan for multiple truck delivery loads and tipping fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel are in one cubic yard?
On average, one cubic yard of standard crushed stone weighs approximately 1.35 to 1.4 tons (2,700 to 2,800 lbs), depending on moisture level and rock density.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A standard residential gravel driveway should have a total depth of 8 to 12 inches across three layers: a 4-inch base of large crushed stone (#3 or #4), a 4-inch middle layer of crusher run, and a 2 to 3-inch surface layer of #57 stone or pea gravel.
How much does one ton of gravel cost?
Delivered gravel typically costs between $35 and $75 per ton in bulk, or between $45 and $90 per cubic yard, depending on regional quarry proximity and aggregate type.
Disclaimer: Aggregate weights vary depending on regional mineral composition (limestone vs granite vs basalt) and ambient quarry moisture content. Values shown provide standard engineering planning approximations.