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Gravel calculator
Industry standard
Result
Cubic yards
Cubic feet
Tons
Region
Waste
Prices: national avg · Jun 2026 · sources
DiagramUpdates as you type

Estimate gravel, sand, or pea gravel by cubic yards and tons from your area and depth, with a waste factor.

Formula

yd³ = (L × W × depth) ÷ 27; tons = yd³ × 1.4

Method & sources
Formula basisAggregate bulk density
How we calculateTonnage = volume × ≈ 1.4 tons/yd³ typical gravel density (varies by stone).
Formula verified against the published standard above. Method last reviewed June 2026. Estimates are for planning — confirm against supplier quotes.

Volume to tons

Crushed gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard; sand about 1.35; pea gravel about 1.3. Suppliers often sell by the ton.

Depth matters

Driveways typically need 4–6″ of gravel; pathways 2–3″. Order a little extra for an uneven base.

Worked example

Gravel for a 10 x 10 ft shed base

A 10 x 10 ft shed base at 6 inches deep is 50 cubic feet, or 1.85 cubic yards. Crushed gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, so that's about 2.6 tons. With 5% waste for an uneven base, order about 2.7 tons.

Suppliers usually sell by the ton for delivery and by the bag for small jobs. A 50 lb bag holds roughly half a cubic foot, so this job would be about 100 bags — clearly a case for bulk delivery rather than bags.

What affects your result

Common mistakes to avoid

Where the numbers come from

Densities are industry averages and vary by material and moisture. Confirm the weight per yard with your supplier.

Frequently asked questions

How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?

About 1.4 tons for crushed stone, varying with material and moisture.

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