Gravel Calculator
Calculate how much gravel, sand, or topsoil you need in cubic yards and tons.
About the Gravel Calculator
Bulk landscaping materials like gravel, sand, and topsoil are typically priced and delivered by the ton, but project area is measured in square feet and depth in inches — this calculator bridges that gap, converting your area and depth into both cubic yards and estimated weight in tons.
How It Works
The calculator multiplies length by width by depth (converted to feet) to get cubic feet, divides by 27 for cubic yards, then multiplies cubic yards by a density factor specific to the material selected — gravel, sand, topsoil, and crushed stone all weigh somewhat differently per cubic yard.
Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth(in)/12) / 27; Weight (tons) = Cubic Yards × Material Density.
Worked example
Scenario: A 20 ft × 10 ft area filled 4 inches deep with gravel.
- Depth in feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.333 ft; volume: 20 × 10 × 0.333 = 66.67 cu ft.
- Cubic yards: 66.67 ÷ 27 = 2.47 cu yd.
- Weight at about 1.4 tons per cubic yard: 2.47 × 1.4 = 3.46 US tons.
Result: 2.47 cubic yards, weighing about 3.5 tons.
Tips and common mistakes
- Densities are typical averages: gravel ≈ 1.4, crushed stone and sand ≈ 1.35, topsoil ≈ 1.1 tons per cubic yard. Wet material weighs more.
- Suppliers sell by the ton or the yard — ask which, and order 5–10% extra for compaction.
- Driveways typically need 4–6 inches over a compacted base.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Density factors used are standard industry approximations (gravel ~1.4 tons/cu yd, sand ~1.35, topsoil ~1.1, crushed stone ~1.35) — exact density varies by moisture content and specific material source.
- Assumes a uniform, level depth across the entire area.
- Actual material density can vary by supplier and moisture content, so treat the weight estimate as approximate when ordering — many suppliers can confirm exact density for their specific product.
Depth matters as much as area
A gravel project can look correct in square feet but still be badly under-estimated if the depth is wrong. Measure the compacted depth you actually need and remember that loose material can settle after placement. Supplier density, moisture and stone size affect the conversion from volume to weight, so use the calculator as a planning estimate and confirm bulk quantities with the supplier.