Gravel Calculator
How much gravel do I need? Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324. Multiply cubic yards by your supplier’s density to estimate US tons. Use the calculator for waste allowance, order rounding and optional cost.
Calculate your gravel estimate
How much area does a yard or ton of gravel cover?
At 3 inches deep, one cubic yard covers 108 sq ft before waste or compaction. One US ton at an assumed density of 1.4 tons/yd³ covers about 77.14 sq ft at that depth. Weight-to-area answers change with the material density.
Check coverage for gravel you already have
This uses the layer depth and material density entered above. Allow for compaction and losses separately.
Gravel coverage chart by depth
| Layer depth | 1 cubic yard | 1 US ton | 5 US tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 324.00 sq ft | 231.43 sq ft | 1157.14 sq ft |
| 2 in | 162.00 sq ft | 115.71 sq ft | 578.57 sq ft |
| 3 in | 108.00 sq ft | 77.14 sq ft | 385.71 sq ft |
| 4 in | 81.00 sq ft | 57.86 sq ft | 289.29 sq ft |
| 6 in | 54.00 sq ft | 38.57 sq ft | 192.86 sq ft |
Coverage (sq ft) = cubic yards × 324 ÷ depth (inches)
For US tons, divide the ton quantity by density first to get cubic yards. A metric tonne is a different weight unit; do not enter it as a US ton.
How to calculate gravel for a driveway
Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × layer depth (inches) ÷ 324. Apply your allowance, then multiply by the supplier’s density in US tons per cubic yard to estimate weight. For an irregular project, trace the area on the map or add separate rectangular sections.
600 sq ft × 4 ÷ 324 = 7.41 yd³. With 10% allowance, the estimate becomes 8.15 yd³, or 11.41 US tons at 1.4 tons/yd³.
Rounding up to a half-yard gives an 8.5 yd³ order. This example uses a $50/yd³ material quote and $100 delivery.
Use the example button to reproduce the result. At the same dimensions, a supplier selling in half-ton increments would round to 11.5 tons instead. Do not round one unit and price it as the other.
What depth and density should I use?
A driveway can have different base and surface layers. Calculate each layer separately using its design and supplier data. The density presets here are editable planning assumptions, not product specifications. See the gravel measurement and ordering guide for site preparation questions and common mistakes.
What does the cost exclude?
Tax, excavation, geotextile, edging, compaction, spreading and other installation work. Use the delivery quote for your site; truck capacities and minimum orders vary.
Gravel tons to cubic yards: direct answers
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
Cubic yards = US tons ÷ density (US tons per cubic yard). At an illustrative density of 1.4 US tons/yd³, one US ton is about 0.7143 yd³. There is no universal ton-to-yard conversion: moisture, material and loose or compacted condition affect density.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
At the same assumed density, one cubic yard weighs 1.4 US tons, and six cubic yards weigh 8.4 US tons. These are planning examples before allowance, not specifications for every gravel product.
| Starting quantity | Converted quantity |
|---|---|
| 1 cubic yard | 1.40 US tons |
| 3 cubic yards | 4.20 US tons |
| 6 cubic yards | 8.40 US tons |
| 1 US ton | 0.7143 cubic yards |
| 3 US tons | 2.1429 cubic yards |
For three US tons, 3 ÷ 1.4 = about 2.1429 cubic yards. For a different product, replace 1.4 with the supplier’s density in the gravel calculator. For depth-based area answers, use the gravel coverage chart.
Method and material references
A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Converting inch-depth to feet gives the divisor 324 in the area-to-volume formula. AcreSketch’s coverage tables and examples are calculated from these conversions, with assumptions shown next to the numbers.
Vulcan Materials’ aggregate calculator takes dimensions and density as inputs and advises confirming project quantities with a local representative. Our preset densities are not Vulcan product specifications. Use the value for your actual aggregate and its loose or compacted state.
For a density quoted in lb/ft³, multiply by 27 and divide by 2,000 to get US tons/yd³. For example, an illustrative 100 lb/ft³ converts to 1.35 US tons/yd³. Read AcreSketch’s methodology and limitations.