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Garden

Gravel Calculator

Gravel Calculator

Work out how much gravel you need in cubic yards and tons (or cubic meters and tonnes) from area and depth.

ft
ft
in
tons/yd³

Leave empty to use 1.4 tons per cubic yard (1.66 t/m³). Your supplier can give the exact figure.

Results appear as you type.

How to use

  1. Choose US or metric units.
  2. Enter the length and width of the area, or the total area if you already know it.
  3. Enter the depth. Paths and patios are often 2 to 4 inches deep.
  4. Read cubic yards to order by volume, or tons to order by weight.

Formula

area = length × width
cubic yards = area × (depth in inches / 12) / 27
tons = cubic yards × density (tons per cubic yard)

Worked examples

Small patio

10 × 10 ft at 3 in deep is 25 cu ft, or 0.93 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per yard that is about 1.30 tons.

Gravel driveway

600 sq ft at 4 in deep is 7.41 cubic yards. At 1.5 tons per yard that is about 11.11 tons.

Metric path

4 × 2.5 m at 5 cm deep is 0.5 m³, about 0.83 tonnes at 1.66 t/m³.

Assumptions

  • 1.4 tons per cubic yard is a common planning figure for gravel. Stone size, moisture, and type change the real weight, so ask your supplier.
  • The result is loose volume. Compacted base layers need more material than the loose figure.
  • Tons are US short tons (2,000 lb). Tonnes are metric (1,000 kg).

FAQ

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

About 1.4 tons is a common planning figure, but it depends on the stone. Enter your supplier's density for a closer number.

How deep should gravel be?

Garden paths are often 2 to 3 inches deep. Driveways usually need a deeper base plus a top layer. Your supplier can recommend a depth for your stone.

How do I convert square feet to cubic yards of gravel?

Multiply square feet by depth in inches, divide by 12 to get cubic feet, then divide by 27.

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