How Much to Buy

Gravel and stone calculator

For paths, patios, shed pads and driveways. Get tons, cubic yards and bags.

Measure the area

Add each section separately. Lengths can be typed as 12, 12.5, 12' 6" or 3m.

Depth and material
in
tons
Compare prices

Optional. Quarries and landscape yards usually price gravel by the ton.

Name it for your list

What to buy

Enter your measurements to see how much to buy.

How the gravel math works

Area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 = cubic feet
Cubic feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards
Cubic yards × tons per yard = tons

Bulk orders are rounded up to the nearest half ton.

Worked example

A 27 × 10 ft path is 270 sq ft. At 4 inches deep that’s 90 cubic feet, or 3.33 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per yard it weighs about 4.67 tons, so you’d order 5 tons, or 180 bags of 0.5 cu ft.

Why the weight setting matters

Suppliers sell gravel by weight, but your project is measured in volume. The conversion depends on the stone: size, shape, rock type and moisture all change how much a yard weighs. 1.4 tons per yard is a common middle value; your supplier can tell you the figure for the exact product.

Check before you buy: driveways and anything that carries vehicles usually need a compacted base, often laid in layers of different stone sizes. Base gravel compacts, so depths measured after compaction need more loose stone. Ask a local supplier or contractor for the right build-up for your soil and use.

Common questions

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

Typically about 1.3 to 1.7 tons, depending on the stone. 1.4 tons is a common estimate; ask your supplier for the exact product.

How much area does a ton of gravel cover?

At 1.4 tons per yard, one ton is about 0.71 cubic yards, which covers roughly 58 sq ft at 4 inches deep or 116 sq ft at 2 inches.

How deep should a gravel path be?

Decorative paths are often 2 to 3 inches of gravel over landscape fabric or a compacted base. Areas that carry vehicles need more depth and a proper base.

How many bags of gravel equal a ton?

At 1.4 tons per yard, a ton is about 19 cubic feet, which is roughly 39 bags of 0.5 cu ft. Always round up.

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