Gravel Calculator - Volume, Weight & Cost Estimator
Free gravel calculator to determine volume, weight, and cost for driveways, paths, and landscaping projects
Gravel Calculator
Results
What is a Gravel Calculator?
A gravel calculator is a free construction tool that helps you determine the exact amount of gravel needed for your project. It calculates volume, weight, and cost based on your project dimensions and gravel specifications.
This calculator works for:
- Driveway construction - Calculate base and top dressing gravel
- Path and walkway projects - Determine gravel needs for garden paths
- Landscaping applications - Estimate gravel for decorative features
- French drain systems - Calculate drainage gravel requirements
- Parking areas - Determine gravel for temporary parking spaces
Related Materials: For limestone material calculations, see our Limestone Calculator. For comprehensive French drain system planning with material costs, use our French Drain Calculator.
How Gravel Calculator Works
The calculation uses the formula:
Where:
- Length & Width = Project dimensions in feet
- Depth = Gravel layer thickness in inches (converted to feet)
- 27 = Cubic feet per cubic yard conversion factor
Weight calculation: Volume × Density ÷ 2000 (lbs to tons)
Key Concepts Explained
Cubic Yards vs Cubic Feet
1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet. Gravel is typically sold by the cubic yard, while project measurements are often in cubic feet.
Gravel Density
Density varies by gravel type: standard gravel (2,800 lbs/yd³), dense grade (3,000 lbs/yd³), light gravel (2,600 lbs/yd³).
Extra Material Factor
Add 10-15% extra gravel to account for waste, compaction, and uneven terrain during installation.
Compaction Factor
Gravel compacts by 10-20% when installed. Order extra material to achieve final desired depth after compaction.
How to Use This Calculator
Measure Your Area
Measure length and width of your project area in feet. For irregular shapes, break into rectangles and sum the areas.
Determine Depth
Decide gravel depth: 4-6 inches for driveways, 2-3 inches for paths, 6-12 inches for drainage systems.
Select Gravel Type
Choose gravel type based on project: standard for general use, dense for heavy traffic, light for decorative purposes.
Add Extra Material
Include 10-15% extra for waste, compaction, and uneven terrain. This ensures you have enough gravel for the project.
Get Results
View volume in cubic yards, weight in tons, and total cost. Use these figures when ordering materials.
Benefits of Using This Calculator
- • Accurate Material Estimates: Prevents over-ordering or under-ordering gravel, saving you money and reducing waste.
- • Cost Control: Calculate total project costs including delivery and installation to stay within budget.
- • Time Savings: Get instant calculations instead of manual measurements and complex formulas.
- • Professional Results: Ensure proper gravel depth and coverage for long-lasting, professional-looking projects.
- • Multiple Gravel Types: Account for different gravel densities and costs for accurate project planning.
Factors That Affect Your Results
1. Project Site Conditions
Uneven terrain, slopes, and existing ground conditions can affect gravel distribution and settling.
2. Gravel Compaction
Gravel naturally compacts 10-20% when installed. Order extra material to achieve final desired depth.
3. Moisture Content
Wet gravel is heavier than dry gravel. Seasonal weather conditions can affect weight calculations.
4. Delivery and Spillage
Account for material loss during delivery, spreading, and leveling. Professional installation minimizes waste.
5. Gravel Size and Shape
Larger gravel stones require more material for the same coverage area compared to smaller gravel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I calculate the volume of gravel needed for a driveway?
A: Multiply length × width × depth. For example, a 100ft × 10ft driveway at 4 inches deep: 100 × 10 × (4/12) = 333.33 cubic feet. Divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards.
Q: What is the typical depth for gravel driveways?
A: Gravel driveways typically require 4-6 inches of base gravel, plus 2-3 inches of top dressing gravel. For heavy use, consider 6-8 inches total depth.
Q: How much extra gravel should I order?
A: Order 10-15% extra gravel to account for waste, compaction, uneven subgrade, and spillage during delivery and spreading.
Q: What is the density of gravel?
A: Gravel density typically ranges from 2,700-3,000 lbs per cubic yard depending on the type and moisture content.
Q: How do I convert cubic feet to cubic yards?
A: Divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. For example, 324 cubic feet ÷ 27 = 12 cubic yards. Gravel suppliers typically sell by the cubic yard.
Q: What gravel type should I use for my driveway?
A: Use dense grade gravel (3,000 lbs/yd³) for driveways to support heavy vehicle traffic. Standard gravel (2,800 lbs/yd³) works for light use areas.