Yards Of Gravel Calculator
When planning a landscaping project, pathway installation, driveway resurfacing, or garden renovation, estimating the correct amount of gravel is crucial. Ordering too much wastes money and resources, while ordering too little causes delays and inconsistencies. To solve this, our Gravel Calculator Tool provides a fast, user-friendly way to determine how much gravel you need—based on your area shape, dimensions, desired depth, and gravel type.
Whether you’re a contractor, DIY enthusiast, or homeowner, this tool will help you plan better, order accurately, and stay on budget.
🛠️ What Is the Gravel Calculator Tool?
The Gravel Calculator Tool is an interactive web-based utility designed to calculate the required quantity, weight, and cost of gravel for a given project area. It supports rectangular, circular, and triangular shapes, allows for multiple units of measurement, and offers density-based calculations for various gravel types including pea gravel, crushed stone, river rock, and more.
With just a few inputs, you’ll know:
- How many cubic yards of gravel you need
- The square footage of your area
- The estimated weight in tons and pounds
- The estimated cost based on your input price per cubic yard
✅ How to Use the Gravel Calculator (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to get accurate results:
1. Select the Area Shape
Choose from:
- Rectangular: For driveways, walkways, patios
- Circular: For fire pit areas, circular gardens
- Triangular: For sloped edges, garden sections
2. Enter Area Dimensions
Depending on the selected shape:
- Rectangular: Enter Length and Width
- Circular: Enter Diameter
- Triangular: Enter Base and Height
Select the corresponding unit for each dimension—feet, inches, yards, or meters.
3. Input Depth of Gravel
How deep should the gravel be applied? Common depths:
- 2 inches for walkways
- 4–6 inches for driveways
Select your preferred unit (inches, feet, centimeters, etc.).
4. Choose Gravel Type
Each gravel type has a different density:
- Standard Gravel – 105 lbs/ft³
- Pea Gravel – 100 lbs/ft³
- Crushed Stone – 105 lbs/ft³
- River Rock – 110 lbs/ft³
- Limestone – 115 lbs/ft³
- Marble Chips – 95 lbs/ft³
5. Enter Price Per Cubic Yard
This is optional but recommended if you want to estimate the cost. The default is $45 per cubic yard, but you can adjust it to match local supplier rates.
6. Click “Calculate”
Your results will include:
- Cubic yards needed
- Area in square feet
- Estimated weight in tons and pounds
- Estimated cost
- Helpful notes for material ordering
📌 Practical Example
Project: Laying Pea Gravel on a Circular Fire Pit Area
- Shape: Circular
- Diameter: 10 feet
- Depth: 3 inches
- Gravel Type: Pea Gravel
- Price per cubic yard: $50
Result:
- Area: 78.54 sq ft
- Cubic Yards Needed: 0.73 → Order 0.8 cubic yards
- Weight: 1.95 tons
- Cost: $36.50
Since it’s under 1 cubic yard, you may choose to buy bagged gravel instead of bulk delivery.
💡 Additional Information & Use Cases
- Landscaping Projects: Ideal for paths, patios, flower beds, and more.
- Construction Work: Use it for trench backfill or underlayment.
- Driveways & Parking Areas: Ensures adequate gravel for support and compaction.
- DIY Garden Edging: Even small triangular or irregular areas can be estimated accurately.
Why use this tool?
- Saves Time: No manual calculations needed
- Avoids Waste: Order just the right amount
- Improves Budgeting: Get accurate cost estimates
- Supports Multiple Units: Mix and match inches, feet, meters—automatically converted
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a cubic yard of gravel?
A cubic yard is a volume measurement equal to 27 cubic feet (3ft x 3ft x 3ft). It’s the standard unit for gravel sales in bulk.
2. How do I convert inches or meters to feet?
The tool does this automatically when calculating. For reference:
- 1 inch = 0.0833 feet
- 1 meter = 3.28084 feet
3. How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Depending on gravel type:
- Pea Gravel: ~2,700 lbs
- Limestone: ~3,105 lbs
- River Rock: ~2,970 lbs
4. Can I use this calculator for mulch or sand?
It’s designed for gravel, but if you know the density of the material, the calculations will still work.
5. What is the minimum gravel order from a supplier?
Most suppliers require a 1 cubic yard minimum for delivery. For smaller projects, consider buying bags.
6. Why add 5–10% extra material?
To account for irregularities, compaction, and cutting errors during installation.
7. What’s the difference between pea gravel and crushed stone?
Pea gravel is smoother and round, ideal for decorative use. Crushed stone is angular and better for structural support.
8. How deep should I lay gravel for a driveway?
Typically, 4–6 inches compacted. Some areas may need a deeper base depending on soil and traffic.
9. Can I use this tool for multiple sections?
Yes, calculate each section separately and sum the totals.
10. Is the weight in pounds or tons?
The tool shows both: total pounds and equivalent tons.
11. Can I change the price per yard?
Absolutely. Enter your local rate to get an accurate cost estimate.
12. Is the result rounded up for ordering?
Yes. It shows exact and rounded cubic yards for real-world ordering.
13. Does gravel settle over time?
Yes. That’s why over-ordering by 5–10% is smart to avoid future gaps.
14. What’s the best depth for walkways?
About 2–3 inches is sufficient for foot traffic.
15. Does this tool include tax or delivery?
No. You should check with your supplier to estimate additional costs.
16. Can I use this calculator on mobile?
Yes, the form is responsive and works on phones and tablets.
17. Is the calculator accurate?
Yes, it uses real-world density values and unit conversions for precise results.
18. How do I reset the form?
Click the “Reset” button to clear all fields and start over.
19. Does it handle metric units?
Yes. You can input meters and centimeters, which are auto-converted.
20. Is this tool free to use?
Yes, it’s 100% free with no signup required.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Planning a gravel project doesn’t have to be guesswork. Our Gravel Calculator Tool empowers you to plan smarter, order with confidence, and stay on budget—whether you’re building a backyard retreat or paving a parking pad.
Try it out now and streamline your next gravel-based project.