Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel volume, weight and cost for any project — driveway, walkway, drainage or landscape.
How to use the Gravel Calculator
- Enter your inputs into the Gravel Calculator above.
- Results update instantly as you type — no submit button needed.
- Adjust any value to see how the result changes in real time.
The gravel calculation
Volume = Area × Depth · · · Weight = Volume × density · · · Cost = Volume × Price per unit
Gravel density varies by type: pea gravel ~1,680 kg/m³ (105 lb/ft³); crushed stone ~1,600 kg/m³. Convert volume to consistent units before multiplying.
Worked example
200 sq ft × 4 inches deep = 67 ft³ = 2.5 yd³ of gravel. At 2,800 lb/yd³ ≈ 3.5 tons. At $35/ton delivered: ~$120. At $0.05/lb retail bags: $350 (bagged is much more expensive for bulk needs).
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be?
Driveway: 4–6 inches of base + 2–4 inches of surface gravel. Walkway: 2–3 inches. Drainage: 4–8 inches around drain pipes. Decorative landscaping: 2–3 inches.
Bagged vs. bulk gravel?
For any project needing more than ~1 yd³, bulk delivery is far cheaper. Bagged gravel is convenient for small projects or fixing small spots.
What size gravel for what use?
Crushed stone #57 (~3/4"): driveways, drainage. Pea gravel (3/8"): walkways, decorative. #4 (1.5–2.5"): heavy-duty drainage. Crusher run: compacted base under pavers/concrete.