construction calculator

Gravel Calculator

Calculate how much gravel you need for a driveway base, landscaping or drainage project. Prevents ordering too little or wasting money on excess material.

Important Use Notice

Planning calculator only. Do not rely on this page alone for structural design, permitting, code compliance, engineering signoff, procurement quantities, or contractual commitments.

Context

Gravel volume = length × width × depth, converted to cubic yards and tons.

Estimate

Enter job values, review the estimate, then use the decision hints before ordering or quoting.

Estimate Results

Enter values to see the result.

Next Step

Driveway base layer (4–6 inches recommended)
Landscaping paths and garden beds
French drain and drainage projects

Check

Forgetting compaction factor (gravel compacts 10–20%)
Using wrong depth for the application

Reference

lengthwidthdepth Inchesyardstons
204049.8813.34
102532.313.13

Example

20 ft × 40 ft driveway base, 4 inches deep → 9. 88 cubic yards ≈ 13. 3 tons
10 ft × 25 ft garden path, 3 inches deep → 2. 31 cubic yards ≈ 3. 1 tons

Formula

Volume (cu yards) = (Length × Width × Depth) / 27

Tons ≈ cubic yards × 1. 35. Add 10–15% for compaction and waste.

Depth is usually 4–6 inches for driveways

Next Step

System note: validate this estimate against local code and supplier requirements before ordering.

FAQ

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?

4–6 inches base layer is standard for most residential driveways.

Why add extra for compaction?

Gravel settles and compacts when rolled — you lose volume after installation.