Gravel Calculator
Cubic yards and tons of gravel for a driveway or path, from area and depth.
- Volume (cubic feet)33.3
- Volume (cubic yards)1.23
- Weight (tons, at 1.4 tons/yd³)1.73
Inputs used
- Length10 ft
- Width10 ft
- Gravel depth4 in
About this calculator
Gravel volume is area times depth — and because gravel is sold by weight as often as by volume, the tonnage matters: typical crushed stone runs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. A 10 × 10 ft area at 4 inches deep needs about 1.23 cubic yards, roughly 1.7 tons.
Depth depends on the job: 2–3 inches for a decorative topping over landscape fabric, 4 inches for paths, and driveways are best built in two or three compacted layers totalling 8–12 inches, with larger base stone below and finer gravel on top — calculate each layer separately.
Densities vary by material: pea gravel is a little lighter (~1.35 tons/yd³), crushed granite heavier (~1.5). Suppliers quote their own figures; the 1.4 default is a sound middle estimate for ordering.
Quick reference
Cubic yards of gravel by area — 4 inch depth
Gravel volume in cubic yards at a 4-inch depth, by length and width in feet.
| Length | 8 ft | 10 ft | 12 ft | 16 ft | 20 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 0.79 | 0.99 | 1.19 | 1.58 | 1.98 |
| 10 ft | 0.99 | 1.23 | 1.48 | 1.98 | 2.47 |
| 12 ft | 1.19 | 1.48 | 1.78 | 2.37 | 2.96 |
| 16 ft | 1.58 | 1.98 | 2.37 | 3.16 | 3.95 |
| 20 ft | 1.98 | 2.47 | 2.96 | 3.95 | 4.94 |
Tons of gravel by length and depth — 10 ft wide
Gravel weight in tons (at 1.4 tons/yd³) for a 10 ft wide area, by length and depth.
| Length | 2 in | 3 in | 4 in | 6 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 0.69 | 1.04 | 1.38 | 2.07 |
| 10 ft | 0.86 | 1.30 | 1.73 | 2.59 |
| 12 ft | 1.04 | 1.56 | 2.07 | 3.11 |
| 16 ft | 1.38 | 2.07 | 2.77 | 4.15 |
| 20 ft | 1.73 | 2.59 | 3.46 | 5.19 |
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a 10x10 area?
At 4 inches deep, a 10 × 10 ft area needs about 1.23 cubic yards of gravel, which weighs roughly 1.7 tons at the typical 1.4 tons per cubic yard. A shallower 2-inch decorative layer would be about half that.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.4 tons for typical crushed stone. Pea gravel is a little lighter at around 1.35 tons per cubic yard and crushed granite heavier at about 1.5, so check your supplier's figure for a precise order.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
A driveway is best built in two or three compacted layers totalling 8 to 12 inches — coarser base stone below, finer gravel on top. Calculate each layer separately, since they use different materials and depths.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?
Multiply cubic yards by the material density in tons per cubic yard — about 1.4 for standard crushed stone. So 2 cubic yards is roughly 2.8 tons.
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Results are informational only — not financial, medical or legal advice.