Gravel Calculator
Estimate exact tons, cubic yards, 50 lb bags, and dump truck loads of gravel, crushed stone, or pea rock for driveways, patios, and drainage.
Pro Installation Tip
Always install a non-woven geotextile landscaping fabric beneath your gravel layer. This stops weeds from penetrating from below and prevents your gravel from sinking into muddy subsoil during heavy rain.
Complete Gravel Calculation & Driveway Planning Guide
How Gravel Weight is Determined
Gravel is sold by the ton because weight accounts directly for quarry loading scale accuracy. However, different stone types possess different bulk densities.
Our calculator uses exact density figures:
- Crushed Stone (#57): ~2,700 lbs per cubic yard (1.35 tons/yd³)
- Pea Gravel: ~2,600 lbs per cubic yard (1.30 tons/yd³)
- Crushed Limestone / Crusher Run: ~2,800 lbs per cubic yard (1.40 tons/yd³)
- Decomposed Granite (compacted): ~3,000 lbs per cubic yard (1.50 tons/yd³)
Standard Depth Specifications
- Garden Walkways: 2 to 3 inches of pea gravel or crushed granite provides comfortable walking without excessive sinking underfoot.
- Driveway Top Dress: 3 to 4 inches of angular crushed rock locks together to support regular vehicular traffic.
- French Drains: 8 to 12 inches of washed round rock (#57 gravel) around perforated drain pipe ensures unimpeded water percolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard? ▼
One cubic yard of typical crushed stone gravel weighs approximately 1.35 to 1.4 tons (2,700 to 2,800 lbs). Pea gravel is slightly lighter at ~1.3 tons, while compacted road base can reach 1.5 tons per cubic yard.
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