Driveways, paths, drainage, and rock
Cubic Yard Calculator for Gravel and Rock
Estimate gravel or rock in cubic yards and tons, with depth presets for driveways, paths, and drainage projects.
Calculate Gravel
Gravel Types and Their Uses
Pea gravel works well for decorative beds and low traffic paths. Crushed stone locks together for driveways and bases. River rock is heavier and often used for drainage channels or visible landscape areas.
Tons vs Cubic Yards
Gravel is often sold by ton because it is weighed at the yard. Cubic yards tell you how much volume will cover the ground, while tons help match supplier tickets and truck capacity.
Depth Guide by Project Type
| Project | Typical depth |
|---|---|
| Driveway top layer | 2 inches |
| Walkway | 3 inches |
| Drainage area | 4 inches or more |
Gravel Weight by Type
| Type | Approx. lbs per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 2,800 |
| Crushed stone | 2,800 |
| River rock | 4,500 |
| Decomposed granite | 2,800 |
Quick answer: Multiply length x width x depth in feet and divide by 27. A 20 x 20 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs (20 x 20 x 0.333) / 27 = 4.94 cubic yards of gravel - about 6.9 tons. Add 10 to 15 percent extra for compaction.
Gravel Driveway Calculator Guide
A proper gravel driveway is built in layers: a 4 to 6 inch compacted base of large crushed stone plus a 2 to 3 inch top layer of smaller gravel. Estimate the full depth, not just the top layer.
| Driveway size | 4 in deep | 6 in deep | Approx. tons (4 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 20 (single car) | 2.47 yd | 3.70 yd | 3.5 |
| 12 x 40 | 5.93 yd | 8.89 yd | 8.3 |
| 20 x 20 (two car) | 4.94 yd | 7.41 yd | 6.9 |
| 20 x 50 | 12.35 yd | 18.52 yd | 17.3 |
Ton figures use 2,800 lbs per yard for standard gravel. All values are before the 10 to 15 percent compaction overage.
Compaction and Overage for Gravel
Angular crushed stone compacts 10 to 15 percent when rolled; rounded pea gravel compacts less. For driveways and parking pads, order 15 percent over the measured volume. For decorative beds that will not be compacted, 10 percent covers spreading loss and uneven ground.
Which Gravel for Which Project
Crushed stone (#57 / 3/4 in): the all-rounder for driveways, bases, and drainage. Angular edges lock together under load.
Pea gravel (3/8 in): comfortable underfoot for paths, patios, and play areas. Shifts more than crushed stone, so edge restraints help.
River rock (1 to 3 in): decorative beds, dry creek beds, and drainage swales. Heavier per yard - about 4,500 lbs.
Decomposed granite: natural-looking paths and patios that compact into a firm surface. Needs a stabilizer in rainy climates.
Crusher run / road base: the compactable base layer under driveways and shed pads. Contains fines that bind it solid.
Common Gravel Estimating Mistakes
Estimating only the top layer. A driveway needs its base depth counted too - often double the visible layer.
Using pea gravel for a driveway base. Rounded stone shifts under tires. Use angular crushed stone where vehicles drive.
Ignoring delivery access. A tri-axle dump truck needs wide, firm access. Tight sites may need smaller loads at higher per-yard cost.
FAQ
Measure length and width in feet, multiply by gravel depth in feet, then divide by 27. A 3 inch depth is 0.25 feet.
Using 2,800 lbs per cubic yard, gravel is about 1.40 tons per cubic yard. River rock and crushed stone can vary.
A light top layer may be 2 inches, but a full driveway base is usually deeper. Confirm the base design for vehicle traffic.
Pea gravel and crushed stone are close, but exact weight varies by rock type and moisture. Use supplier weights for hauling.
Many suppliers sell gravel by the ton. Use cubic yards for volume planning and tons for ordering when needed.
Order about 10 percent extra for compaction, uneven base, and spreading loss. Larger jobs may need a supplier review.
A 3 inch layer is common for a walkway surface over a prepared base. Drainage and soil conditions may require more.
Yes, select rock for heavier decorative stone or gravel for standard aggregate. Ask your supplier for exact density if available.
There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard. The calculator shows both values.
Yes. Angular gravel compacts more than rounded stone, so overage is useful for final grade.
A 20x20 ft driveway at 4 inches needs about 4.94 cubic yards, or roughly 6.9 tons of standard gravel. At 6 inches deep it needs about 7.41 yards (10.4 tons). Add 15 percent for compaction.
Plan 4 to 6 inches of compacted crushed stone total, including the base layer. Heavy vehicles and soft soil push toward the deeper end.
Standard gravel and crushed stone weigh about 2,800 lbs (1.40 tons) per cubic yard. River rock is heavier at about 4,500 lbs per yard.
A single-axle dump truck carries about 5 to 6 cubic yards of gravel. Tri-axle trucks carry 10 to 20 yards, but gravel weight often hits the legal limit first.
A compacted base of larger crushed stone (such as crusher run) topped with 2 to 3 inches of 3/4 inch crushed stone (#57) is the standard durable combination.
At 4 inches deep, a 10x10 ft shed pad needs about 1.23 cubic yards before overage (about 1.4 yards with 15 percent extra for compaction). Use compactable crusher run rather than decorative stone under a shed.