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Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel needed in tons, cubic yards, and costs for driveways, paths, and landscaping projects.
Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel needed for driveways, pathways, landscaping, and drainage projects. Professional tool with tonnage estimates and cost calculations trusted by contractors.
Calculate Gravel Needed
Best for: Driveways, base material, drainage
Recommended depth: 2-3 inches
Typical range: $25-$50 per ton
One-time delivery charge
Gravel Types & Applications
Crushed Stone
Driveways, base material, drainage
Pea Gravel
Walkways, decorative areas, play areas
River Rock
Landscaping, drainage, decoration
Decomposed Granite
Pathways, patios, xeriscaping
Gravel Mix
Road base, parking areas, driveways
Marble Chips
Decorative landscaping, accents
Gravel Installation Tips
Preparation
- Clear and level the area
- Install landscape fabric if needed
- Compact the soil base
- Add edging for containment
Installation
- Spread evenly with rake
- Compact in lifts for thick layers
- Water lightly to settle
- Order 10% extra for future maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
For driveways, use 3-4 inches of gravel. A typical single car driveway (10x20 feet) needs about 2.5 tons of gravel, while a double driveway (20x20 feet) needs about 5 tons.
What's the difference between gravel types?
Crushed stone compacts well for driveways, pea gravel is decorative and comfortable for walkways, river rock is smooth for landscaping, and decomposed granite creates a natural-looking surface.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the material's weight per cubic yard, then divide by 2,000. Most gravel weighs 2,400-3,000 lbs per cubic yard, so 1 cubic yard = 1.2-1.5 tons.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes, order 10-15% extra to account for compaction, settling, and future maintenance. It's better to have extra than to pay for another delivery.
How to Use the Gravel Calculator
Measure Your Project Area
Measure the length and width of your project area in feet. For irregular shapes, break them into rectangles and calculate each section separately. Measure at the widest points for accuracy.
Determine Gravel Depth
Choose your gravel depth based on project type: 2-3 inches for paths, 4-6 inches for driveways, 3-4 inches for landscaping, and 6-12 inches for drainage projects. Deeper is better for load-bearing applications.
Select Gravel Type
Choose your gravel type as different types have different densities. Pea gravel is lighter (2,500 lbs/yd³), crushed stone is denser (2,700 lbs/yd³), and river rock is heaviest (2,800 lbs/yd³). This affects tonnage calculations.
Add Cost Information (Optional)
Enter your local gravel price per ton or cubic yard. Prices vary by region and type ($15-75/ton). Don't forget to account for delivery fees ($50-150) which can significantly impact small orders.
Get Your Estimate
The calculator automatically adds 5-10% extra for settling and uneven ground. Results show cubic yards, tons needed, and total project cost. Save these results for ordering and budgeting.
Gravel Types Comparison Guide
🔹 Pea Gravel (Small Round Stones)
Size: 1/4" to 1/2" diameter
Weight: ~2,500 lbs per cubic yard
Cost: $40-60 per ton
Best For: Walkways, decorative landscaping, play areas, drainage
Pros: Smooth, comfortable to walk on, excellent drainage, attractive appearance
Cons: Can shift and scatter, not ideal for driveways, migrates easily
🔸 Crushed Stone (Angular Limestone/Granite)
Size: 3/4" to 1-1/2" diameter
Weight: ~2,700 lbs per cubic yard
Cost: $20-50 per ton
Best For: Driveways, parking areas, base layers, heavy traffic areas
Pros: Angular edges lock together, excellent stability, compacts well
Cons: Rough on bare feet, dusty, less decorative
🔹 River Rock (Smooth Natural Stones)
Size: 1" to 3" diameter
Weight: ~2,800 lbs per cubic yard
Cost: $50-75 per ton
Best For: Decorative landscaping, dry creek beds, erosion control, accent features
Pros: Beautiful natural appearance, variety of colors, won't blow away
Cons: Expensive, can shift, difficult to walk on, not for driveways
🔸 Decomposed Granite (Fine Crushed Stone)
Size: Fine particles to 1/4"
Weight: ~2,600 lbs per cubic yard
Cost: $30-55 per ton
Best For: Pathways, patios, modern landscaping, xeriscaping
Pros: Compacts firm, smooth walking surface, natural look, low maintenance
Cons: Can wash away in heavy rain, needs periodic re-compacting, dusty when dry
🔹 Crushed Concrete Recycled (Eco-Friendly)
Size: 3/4" to 1-1/2" diameter
Weight: ~2,400 lbs per cubic yard
Cost: $15-30 per ton (budget-friendly)
Best For: Base layers, driveways, industrial applications, temp roads
Pros: Very affordable, environmentally friendly, compacts well
Cons: Less attractive, can be dusty, not suitable for visible areas
Recommended Gravel Depths by Project Type
🚗 Residential Driveways
Recommended Depth: 4-6 inches total
• 3-4 inches base layer (larger stones)
• 1-2 inches top layer (smaller gravel)
Heavy traffic or commercial use: 6-8 inches
🚶 Walkways & Paths
Recommended Depth: 2-3 inches
• Light foot traffic: 2 inches
• Regular use: 2.5-3 inches
Pea gravel works best for comfortable walking
🌳 Landscaping & Mulch Beds
Recommended Depth: 2-4 inches
• Decorative areas: 2-3 inches
• Weed suppression: 3-4 inches
Use landscape fabric underneath for best results
💧 Drainage & French Drains
Recommended Depth: 6-12 inches
• Surface drainage: 6-8 inches
• French drains: 8-12 inches
Use larger stones (1-2") for better water flow
🅿️ Parking Areas
Recommended Depth: 6-8 inches
• Light vehicles: 6 inches
• Heavy vehicles/trucks: 8+ inches
Consider geotextile fabric for soft soil conditions
🏗️ Foundation & Base Layers
Recommended Depth: 4-8 inches
• Patio/paver base: 4-6 inches
• Shed foundation: 6-8 inches
Compact in 2-inch layers for best stability
8 Pro Tips for Gravel Projects
💰 1. Calculate Total Delivered Cost
A $30/ton gravel with $100 delivery is cheaper than $25/ton with $200 delivery for small orders. Always compare final delivered price, not just material cost.
📏 2. Always Order 5-10% Extra
Gravel settles and compacts 10-15% after installation. Ground is rarely perfectly level. Order extra to avoid expensive second deliveries with minimum charges.
🧱 3. Use Landscape Fabric First
Install commercial-grade landscape fabric before adding gravel to prevent weed growth and stop gravel from sinking into soil. Saves maintenance for years.
🔨 4. Compact in Layers
For driveways and parking, add gravel in 2-3 inch layers and compact each layer with a plate compactor. Never try to compact 6 inches at once - it won't work.
🎯 5. Match Gravel Type to Purpose
Crushed stone for driveways (locks together), pea gravel for walkways (comfortable), river rock for decoration (attractive). Wrong choice = expensive redo.
📐 6. Create Proper Edging
Use metal/plastic edging or borders to contain gravel. Without edges, gravel migrates into lawns and gardens. Edging pays for itself by eliminating ongoing maintenance.
💧 7. Plan for Drainage
Slope gravel surfaces 2-3% away from buildings for drainage. Standing water causes settling, erosion, and mud. Proper grading prevents 90% of gravel problems.
🚛 8. Coordinate Delivery Access
Gravel trucks are huge and heavy (40+ feet, 80,000 lbs). Measure driveway width, check overhead clearance, verify no weight restrictions. Plan dump location carefully.
6 Costly Gravel Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping Ground Preparation
Not removing sod, roots, and organic material causes uneven settling and sinking. Gravel sinks into soft spots creating low areas that hold water. Always excavate and prepare the base properly.
❌ Using the Wrong Gravel Type
Pea gravel on driveways shifts under tires. River rock on walkways is uncomfortable and unstable. Decorative gravel as base layer wastes money. Each gravel type has specific best uses.
❌ Installing Too Shallow
2 inches of gravel on a driveway fails within months. Thin layers allow soil to mix with gravel creating mud. Minimum 4 inches for driveways, 6+ inches for heavy use or soft soil.
❌ Forgetting About Drainage
Flat gravel areas become lakes in rain. Water ponding causes erosion, rutting, and gravel washout. Always slope 2-3% for drainage. Add French drains in problem areas.
❌ Not Installing Fabric or Base
Gravel directly on soil sinks and mixes with dirt becoming muddy mess within a year. Professional jobs always use landscape fabric and/or compacted base layer. Fabric costs $0.10-0.30/sq ft but saves hundreds in maintenance.
❌ Ordering Without Site Access Plan
Gravel dumps from trucks within 15-20 feet max. Ordering gravel dumped far from project means hours of wheelbarrow work or expensive equipment rental. Measure everything and plan the dump location precisely.
2025 Gravel Cost Guide
Material Costs per Ton
| Gravel Type | Price Per Ton | Price Per Cubic Yard | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed Concrete | $15-30 | $20-40 | Base layers, temp roads |
| Crushed Stone | $20-50 | $27-67 | Driveways, parking |
| Decomposed Granite | $30-55 | $39-72 | Paths, patios |
| Pea Gravel | $40-60 | $50-75 | Walkways, landscaping |
| River Rock | $50-75 | $65-100 | Decorative features |
Additional Costs to Consider
Delivery Fees
• Local (0-10 miles): $50-100
• Regional (10-25 miles): $100-200
• Extended (25+ miles): $200-400+
Often has minimum order (5-10 tons)
Installation Materials
• Landscape fabric: $0.10-0.30/sq ft
• Edging materials: $2-10/linear ft
• Base gravel: $15-30/ton
Essential for professional results
Equipment Rental (DIY)
• Plate compactor: $75-150/day
• Mini excavator: $200-400/day
• Wheelbarrow: $40-80 to buy
Can rent vs buy for one-time projects
Professional Installation
• Basic spreading: $2-4/sq ft
• Full prep + install: $4-8/sq ft
• Driveway (complex): $8-15/sq ft
Includes labor, equipment, materials
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Bulk orders (10+ tons) often get 10-20% discounts. Coordinate with neighbors for shared delivery to split delivery fees. Off-season orders (late fall, winter) may qualify for discounts as demand is lower.
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