Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much gravel you need, what it will cost, and exactly how much to order.
Your order
You should order about – tons
- Calculated tons
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- Recommended tons
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- Cubic yards
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- Cubic feet
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- 50-lb bags
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- Material cost
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- Delivery
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- Estimated total
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Actual weight varies by material, moisture, grading, and supplier. Use your supplier's density when available.
What should I buy?
Bulk
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Delivered by truck, dumped on site.
Bags
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50-lb bags from a home-improvement store.
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Supplier quote checker
Got a quote from a gravel supplier? Enter their numbers to see what you'd actually pay — and whether their minimum order changes the math.
- Calculator estimate
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- Supplier minimum
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- Recommended order
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- Material cost
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- Delivery
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- Estimated total
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How the gravel calculation works
The math is simple volume-to-weight conversion:
- Cubic feet = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
- Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27
- Tons = cubic yards × material density (tons per cubic yard)
- Add your ordering allowance (we default to 10%) and round up — that's what to order.
Cubic yards vs. tons
Suppliers sell gravel by the ton, but projects are measured in cubic yards of space to fill. Density bridges the two — and it isn't universal. A yard of dense crusher run weighs more than a yard of pea gravel.
| Material | Tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Crusher run | 1.50 |
| River rock | 1.45 |
| Crushed limestone | 1.40 |
| #57 stone | 1.35 |
| Pea gravel | 1.35 |
These are widely used averages. Your supplier's own figure is always better — choose "Custom" and enter it.
How much extra should you order?
Ground is never perfectly flat and gravel compacts and spills. A 10% allowance is the safe default. Drop to 5% for flat, carefully measured areas; go to 15% for rough, uneven terrain.
Bags vs. bulk
One ton equals 40 fifty-pound bags. Under about a ton, bags are often simpler — no truck scheduling, no minimum order, no pile on the driveway. Past a few tons, bulk delivery is usually cheaper per ton. The calculator's buying guide compares both for your project.
What to ask your supplier
- What's your price per ton, and the delivery charge?
- Is there a minimum order?
- What density (tons per cubic yard) do you use for this material?
- Where will the truck dump, and will it fit?
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need?
Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) for cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by your material's density in tons per cubic yard. Add 5–10% extra. The calculator above does all of this instantly.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
It depends on the material — typically 1.35 to 1.50 tons per cubic yard. Crusher run is about 1.50, river rock 1.45, crushed limestone 1.40, and #57 stone or pea gravel about 1.35.
How many 50-lb bags of gravel make a ton?
40 bags. A ton is 2,000 lbs, and 2,000 ÷ 50 = 40.
Should I buy gravel in bulk or bags?
Under about a ton, bags are often simpler. Past a few tons, bulk delivery is usually more economical. Use the "What should I buy?" comparison in your results.
How much extra gravel should I order?
10% is a safe default. Use 5% for flat, well-measured areas and 15% for rough or uneven terrain.