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Gravel Calculator

Estimate gravel volume in cubic yards, convert that volume to tons using a bulk-density value, and optionally estimate material cost. Choose a rectangular or circular area, enter the planned depth, and use a supplier-provided density whenever you have one.

Built and maintained by Umer Farooq, founder & developer of CalcsDone

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Quick answer

For a rectangular area, cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. For example, 10 × 10 ft at 3 inches deep is about 0.93 cubic yards. Converting that volume to tons requires the bulk density of the specific material and condition you plan to buy.

Enter Values

Gravel calculator formula: Area × (Depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27 = cubic yards

Length (ft)

Depth (in)

Width (ft)

Material density (lbs per cubic yard)

Use the loose/bulk density supplied for the material you are ordering. Density changes with gradation, moisture and compaction.

Price per ton ($, optional)

Quick presets

Area

sq ft

Volume Needed

0.00

cubic yards

Weight

0.00

tons

Estimated Cost

—

Enter a price per ton to estimate cost

Calculation Breakdown

Enter your details above

Planning estimate only. Volume is geometric, but tonnage depends on the bulk/unit weight of the actual aggregate. FHWA guidance shows aggregate unit weight varies with grading, moisture and compaction, so use your supplier’s loose bulk-density or tons-per-cubic-yard figure when available. The optional cost is material price × estimated tons and does not automatically include delivery, minimum-order charges, tax, excavation, base preparation, compaction or waste. Calculations run locally in your browser.

Why use this calculator

Turn Area and Depth Into an Order Estimate

Calculate geometric volume

Convert the footprint and planned depth into cubic feet, then divide by 27 to express the result in cubic yards.

Convert volume to weight

When you enter a bulk density in pounds per cubic yard, the calculator converts cubic yards to tons using 2,000 pounds per U.S. short ton.

Use rectangular or circular areas

Rectangular mode uses length × width. Circular mode uses π × radius², which is useful for round beds and similar areas.

Keep density adjustable

FHWA references show granular-material unit weight varies with grading, moisture and compaction. A supplier-specific value is therefore more reliable than a universal gravel density.

How it works

How the Gravel Calculator Works

The volume calculation is independent of material type. Density is needed only when converting that volume into an estimated weight.

1. Find the area

Rectangle: length × width. Circle: π × (diameter ÷ 2)².

2. Convert depth to feet

Because the input depth is in inches, divide it by 12 before multiplying by the area.

3. Convert cubic feet to cubic yards

Divide cubic feet by 27 because one cubic yard contains 27 cubic feet.

4. Estimate tons and cost

tons = cubic yards × lb/yd³ ÷ 2,000. If a price per ton is entered, estimated material cost is tons × price.

Quick reference

Cubic Yards Needed per 100 Square Feet

This table shows geometric volume only. It does not assume a material density or recommend a project depth.

Calculated volume per 100 sq ft.
Depth	Cubic feet	Cubic yards
2 in	16.67	0.62
3 in	25.00	0.93
4 in	33.33	1.23
6 in	50.00	1.85

Worked examples

Gravel Calculator Examples

The density values below are illustrative inputs, not universal material specifications. Use your supplier’s value for an actual order.

Example 1

20 × 10 ft rectangular area at 3 inches

Area200 sq ft

Volume1.85 yd³

Example density2,700 lb/yd³

Estimated weight

2.50 tons

Takeaway: the 1.85 yd³ volume is fixed by geometry; the 2.50-ton result depends on the example density.

Example 2

12 ft diameter circle at 4 inches

Area113.10 sq ft

Volume1.40 yd³

Example density2,800 lb/yd³

Estimated weight

1.95 tons

Takeaway: circular mode uses π × radius² before applying the same depth and volume conversions.

Example 3

100 sq ft area at 2 inches

Volume0.62 yd³

Example density2,600 lb/yd³

Example price$50/ton

Estimated material cost

$40.12

Takeaway: this excludes delivery, minimum orders, tax and site work; price and density are illustrative inputs.

Common mistakes & edge cases

Gravel Estimating Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing inches and feet

The depth field is in inches. The calculator divides by 12 before combining depth with an area measured in square feet.

Assuming one density fits every aggregate

FHWA data show unit weight changes with material grading and condition. Supplier-specific bulk density is preferable for order planning.

Confusing loose and compacted density

A loose delivered aggregate and a compacted base are not necessarily represented by the same unit weight. Use a density that matches the quantity you are trying to estimate.

Treating material cost as the delivered project price

The calculator multiplies estimated tons by the price you enter. Delivery, minimum orders, tax, labor and site preparation are separate unless your quoted price already includes them.

FAQ

Gravel Calculator FAQ

How do I calculate cubic yards of gravel?

For a rectangle, multiply length by width in feet, multiply by depth in feet, and divide cubic feet by 27. If depth is measured in inches, divide the depth by 12 first.

How does the calculator convert cubic yards to tons?

It multiplies cubic yards by the density you enter in pounds per cubic yard, then divides by 2,000 pounds per U.S. short ton.

What density should I enter?

Use the supplier’s bulk-density or tons-per-cubic-yard value for the exact material whenever possible. Aggregate density varies with gradation, moisture and compaction, so this page does not treat one preset as universally correct.

How deep should gravel be?

There is no single depth appropriate for every driveway, path, drainage layer or base. Required depth depends on the application, subgrade, aggregate gradation, loads, drainage and local design requirements. Use the depth specified for your project rather than treating this calculator as a design standard.

Should I automatically add 10% extra?

Not automatically. Waste, settlement, compaction and irregular grading can create an allowance, but the appropriate amount is project-specific. Ask your supplier or installer what allowance is appropriate for the material and installation.

What does the cost estimate include?

Only estimated tons multiplied by the price per ton you enter. It does not automatically include delivery, tax, minimum-order charges, labor, excavation, base preparation or compaction.

About This Calculator

Built and maintained by Umer Farooq, founder and developer of CalcsDone. The page shows the geometry, unit conversions, adjustable density input and worked examples so the estimate can be checked independently. See the CalcsDone Methodology or contact us if you spot an issue.

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Sources & methodology

Gravel Calculator References

Federal Highway Administration — Geotechnical Aspects of Pavements, Chapter 5Defines unit weight as weight divided by volume and documents how granular-soil/aggregate density varies with material condition and compaction.
Federal Highway Administration — Strength Characterization of Open-Graded AggregatesReports measured minimum and maximum unit weights for multiple aggregate gradations, illustrating why one universal gravel-density preset is unreliable.
Federal Highway Administration — Granular Base Application DescriptionBackground on gravel, crushed stone and other aggregates used in base/subbase applications and the importance of grading and compaction.
U.S. Geological Survey — Construction Sand and Gravel Statistics and InformationFederal background source for construction sand and gravel as mineral commodities.
CalcsDone MethodologyHow formulas, examples, limitations and sources are handled across CalcsDone.