Gravel Calculator
Tons of gravel = length × width × depth in feet ÷ 27 × the weight of one cubic yard. A 30 × 12 ft driveway 4 in deep takes 4.44 yd³, about 6.22 tons of 3/4 in crushed stone at 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Gravel needed
6.22 tons
4.44 yd³ · US short tons (2,000 lb)
- Volume
- 4.44 yd³ · 120 ft³ · 3.4 m³
- Weight
- 6.22 short tons · 5.64 t · 12,444 lb
- Area covered
- 360 ft²
How it works
Volume (ft³) = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12
Cubic yards = ft³ ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × density (tons per yd³)
Assumptions
- Default density 1.4 short tons per cubic yard (2,800 lb/yd³), the weight LandCare Stone lists for its 3/4 in crushed stone. Pea gravel, river rock and crusher run differ: use your supplier's number.
- Tons are US short tons (2,000 lb); metric results use tonnes (1,000 kg).
- The volume is the loose volume delivered. Compacted base layers settle, so many contractors order extra; add it to the depth or ask your supplier.
Worked example
A 30 × 12 ft driveway, 4 in deep
- 30 × 12 = 360 ft²
- 360 × 4 ÷ 12 = 120 ft³ = 4.44 yd³
- 4.44 × 1.4 = 6.22 tons
Result: 4.44 yd³, about 6.22 tons of 3/4 in crushed stone.
Checked by the automated test “gravel — 30 × 12 ft driveway at 4 in = 4.44 yd³ = 6.22 tons”.
Buying by the ton or the yard
- Compare quotes in the same unit. The result gives both, so a price per ton and a price per yard can be put side by side.
- One layer, one run. Driveways are usually built in layers, a coarse base under a finer top. Run the calculator once per layer, each with its own depth and density.
- Ask about partial loads. A delivery truck may carry more than you need; ask whether a small load costs extra before you round up.
Common mistakes
- Keeping the default density for every stone. 1.4 tons per yard is one supplier’s 3/4 in crushed stone. Other stones and sizes weigh differently, so the tons can be off even when the yards are right.
- Forgetting edging. Without a border, stone spreads into the lawn and the layer gets thinner over time.
- Measuring depth on top of old gravel. If you are topping up, enter only the new depth you want to add.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a yard of gravel?
For 3/4 in crushed stone, about 1.4 tons: LandCare Stone lists 2,800 lb per cubic yard. Other stones have their own weight, so use the figure on your quote in the density box.
How many yards are in a ton of gravel?
At 1.4 tons per yard, one ton is 1 ÷ 1.4 = 0.71 cubic yard. With a different stone, divide 1 by the tons-per-yard figure your supplier gives.
How much does a yard of gravel cover?
It depends on the depth: 162 ft² at 2 in, 108 ft² at 3 in, 81 ft² at 4 in. The "Area covered" line in the result shows it for your own job.
Sources
Formula, examples and sources checked on by the Yardstick Math team. How we check our formulas.