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Project Diagram
Total Volume
—Cubic Yards
Enter dimensions above
Estimated Weight
—Tons
Based on Gravel density (1.4 t/yd³)
Free Gravel Calculator
Gravel Calculator: Order the Right Amount
Gravel is sold by the ton but measured in yards. Our Gravel Calculator does both conversions instantly — so you order exactly the right amount from your quarry.
Common Driveway Sizes: Quick Gravel Estimate
| Single-car driveway (10×20 ft, 4 in) | 2.5 cu yd / 3.5 tons |
| Two-car driveway (20×20 ft, 4 in) | 5 cu yd / 7 tons |
| Two-car driveway (20×40 ft, 6 in) | 14.8 cu yd / 20.7 tons |
| Long driveway (150×12 ft, 4 in crusher run) | 22.2 cu yd / about 33 tons |
| Walkway (3×30 ft, 3 in) | 0.8 cu yd / 1.2 tons |
Gravel Reference Guide
Gravel Density & Weight Reference
| Measurement System | Total Volume | Estimated Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial (US) | 1 Cubic Yards | 1.4 Tons (2,800 lbs) |
| Metric (EU) | 1 m³ | 1.83 Tonnes (1,831 kg) |
* Note: Exact weight can vary based on moisture content and compaction.
Gravel Costs in 2026 (Estimates)
| Crushed stone (#57 limestone, per ton) | $35 – $55 |
| Crusher run (per ton) | $30 – $50 |
| Pea gravel (per ton) | $30 – $50 |
| River rock, decorative (per ton) | $45 – $80 |
| 150×12 ft driveway in crusher run (about 37 tons, material only) | $1,110 – $1,850 |
| Delivery (per load) | $50 – $150 |
Prices are 2026 US averages. Actual costs vary by region and supplier.
Gravel Types Compared
| #57 Crushed Stone | Angular washed stone about 3/4 inch across, with the dust rinsed out. The standard top layer for driveways and the go-to stone for drainage and French drains. $35 – $55 per ton |
| Crusher Run | Dense graded mix of crushed stone and rock dust that compacts into a hard, stable surface. The standard driveway base material. $30 – $50 per ton |
| Pea Gravel | Small, smooth, rounded stones about 3/8 inch. Comfortable underfoot for paths, playgrounds, and dog runs, but it shifts under vehicle tires, so keep it off driveways. $30 – $50 per ton |
| River Rock | Larger smooth decorative stone in mixed natural colors. Used for landscaping, dry creek beds, and erosion control rather than driving surfaces. $45 – $80 per ton |
Yields based on manufacturer specifications. Always check the yield printed on your bag.
Recommended Depths for Gravel
| Project / Use Case | Recommended Depth |
|---|---|
| Driveway Base Layer | 4–6 inches |
| Driveway Top Layer | 2–3 inches |
| Walkway / Path | 2–3 inches |
| French Drain / Drainage | 12+ inches |
How to Calculate Gravel Volume
Most landscaping suppliers sell gravel by the cubic yard. To convert your project area to cubic yards, use this formula:
Volume (cu yd) = (Length × Width × Depth) ÷ 27
Our calculator also multiplies your cubic yard result by 1.4 tons/yd³ (the standard density for gravel) to show estimated weight — essential if you are hauling the material yourself or need delivery pricing.
Gravel Calculator: Tons vs Yards, Driveway Layers & Choosing Stone
Tons vs Yards: The Conversion Math
Gravel confuses buyers because it is measured in cubic yards but sold by the ton. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet: length × width × depth in feet, divided by 27. To convert that volume to weight, multiply by the density of the stone. Average dry gravel runs about 2,800 lbs per cubic yard, or 1.4 tons, which is the figure this calculator uses. The exact number depends on the product: #57 washed stone weighs 2,700 to 2,800 lbs per yard (about 0.72 yards per ton), while crusher run, with its stone dust filling the gaps, weighs 2,900 to 3,000 lbs per yard (about 0.67 to 0.69 yards per ton). When you order, give the quarry both numbers: "I need 10 cubic yards, about 14 tons." That removes any confusion at the scale house.Driveway Layers: Base First, Top Second
A gravel driveway is not one pile of stone spread flat. It is built in layers, and each layer has a job. The base layer is 4 to 6 inches of large, angular material, usually crusher run or 2 to 3 inch stone, and it carries the load and bridges soft soil. The top layer is 2 to 3 inches of smaller stone such as #57, which gives a smoother driving surface and locks into the base. Some builders add a middle layer to transition between the two sizes. Spread and compact each layer separately with a plate compactor or a loaded vehicle before adding the next. A single 8-inch layer dumped at once never compacts evenly and will rut within the first wet season.The 10 Percent Compaction Allowance
Loose gravel in a truck bed is full of air. Once it is spread, wetted, and compacted, the stones settle into each other and the layer loses roughly 10 percent of its loose volume. If you order exactly the geometric volume, the finished driveway ends up thinner than planned. The fix is simple: calculate the volume, then add 10 percent before ordering. On the 150 × 12 ft driveway from the FAQs above, the raw math gives 22.2 cubic yards (about 33 tons of crusher run). Adding 10 percent takes the order to about 24.5 cubic yards, or 37 tons, which is the amount that actually finishes at a full 4 inches after compaction.Choosing Stone Size and Type
Size and shape matter more than color. Angular crushed stone locks together under load, which is why #57 and crusher run dominate driveways. Rounded stone, pea gravel and river rock, rolls under tires like ball bearings and belongs in decorative areas instead. Match the product to the layer: crusher run for the base because its dust binds it into a near-solid pad, #57 for the top layer and for drainage work because its washed, uniform stones let water pass through, and larger 2 to 3 inch stone only where you need to bridge mud or fill a deep base. If you are unsure, tell the quarry the project and the layer, and they will usually steer you to the same two products.Pro Tips & Insights
1
For driveways, use angular crushed stone rather than round river rock: the jagged edges lock together and resist shifting under vehicle weight.
2
Compact each 3-inch lift of gravel with a plate compactor before adding more layers.
3
Use landscape fabric under decorative gravel to block weeds and prevent the stone from sinking into the soil over time.
4
Order about 10 percent more gravel than the raw calculation. Loose stone settles and compacts once it is spread and driven on, and coming up a yard short means paying a second delivery fee.
5
Ask the quarry for the actual weight per yard of the stone you are buying. #57 stone runs about 1.35 to 1.4 tons per yard, while dense crusher run can reach 1.5 tons, and that difference changes your total tonnage on a long driveway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?▼
A standard residential driveway (20ft × 40ft) needs 4–6 inches of gravel base. At 4 inches deep: 9.9 cubic yards or ~13.8 tons. At 6 inches deep: 14.8 cubic yards or ~20.7 tons. Use the calculator above for your exact driveway dimensions.
Do I order gravel by the yard or the ton?▼
Quarries typically sell gravel by the ton, but volume is measured in cubic yards. 1 cubic yard of gravel ≈ 1.4 tons. Enter your dimensions above and we automatically show you both measurements.
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?▼
One cubic yard of dry gravel weighs approximately 2,800 lbs (1.4 tons). Wet gravel can weigh up to 3,200 lbs (1.6 tons) per cubic yard. A standard pickup truck can safely carry about 1 cubic yard; larger loads require a dump truck.
What is the best gravel for a driveway?▼
#57 crushed limestone or granite is the most popular driveway gravel. It is angular, compacts well, and provides excellent drainage. Pea gravel is attractive but shifts under vehicle tires and is better for decorative paths.
How many yards are in a ton of gravel?▼
One ton of #57 washed stone is about 0.72 cubic yards, because a yard of it weighs roughly 2,750 lbs. Crusher run packs tighter with stone dust, so a ton of it is only about 0.67 to 0.69 cubic yards. To go the other way, divide your tonnage by 0.72 (or multiply yards by 1.4) for #57, and use about 1.5 tons per yard for crusher run.
How much gravel do I need for a 150 foot driveway?▼
Take a 150 ft by 12 ft driveway surfaced 4 inches deep in crusher run: 150 × 12 × 0.33 ft is 600 cubic feet, which is 22.2 cubic yards. At about 1.5 tons per yard for crusher run, that is roughly 33 tons. Add the standard 10 percent compaction allowance and order about 24.5 cubic yards, or 37 tons.
How much gravel do I need for a 12x20 parking pad?▼
A 12x20 ft pad is 240 sq ft. At 4 inches deep that is 80 cubic feet, or about 3 cubic yards of gravel, roughly 4.1 tons at the standard 1.4 tons per yard. Add 10 percent for compaction and settling, and order about 3.3 cubic yards (4.6 tons).