How Much Gravel Do I Need?
Short answer: multiply length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.4 for tons. The tables below turn that into coverage per yard and per ton, so you can check a quote in seconds.
The three-step formula
Every gravel estimate comes down to the same three multiplications. Work in feet, convert the depth from inches, then convert cubic feet to cubic yards and tons.
cubic yards = volume (ft³) ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × 1.4
The 1.4 is the number most suppliers use for crushed stone: one cubic yard weighs roughly 1.4 US tons (about 2,800 lb). Limestone, granite and trap rock all land between 1.3 and 1.45 tons per yard depending on moisture and how well the stone is graded, so treat the tonnage as an estimate and confirm the factor when you order.
How much area does a yard or a ton cover?
Coverage falls as depth rises. This table is the one worth bookmarking — it is the fastest way to sanity-check any quote.
| Depth | 1 cubic yard covers | 1 ton covers | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 162 sq ft | 116 sq ft | Decorative cover around plants |
| 3 in | 108 sq ft | 77 sq ft | Garden paths, light foot traffic |
| 4 in | 81 sq ft | 58 sq ft | Walkways, shed bases |
| 6 in | 54 sq ft | 39 sq ft | Driveways (with a compacted base) |
Those figures assume a 1.4 ton-per-yard stone. If your supplier quotes a lighter or heavier mix, scale the ton column by the same ratio.
Worked example: a 40 × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches
Area is 480 sq ft. At 4 inches the depth is 0.333 ft, so the volume is 480 × 0.333 = 160 ft³. Divide by 27 and you need 5.9 cubic yards, or about 8.3 tons at 1.4 tons per yard. Add 5–10% for spillage and uneven ground: order 6.5 yards or 9 tons.
If you are topping an existing driveway rather than building one, remember that 4 inches is a finish layer, not a base. A driveway that will take a car needs 4–6 inches of compacted 2–3 inch crushed stone underneath, with a 1 inch layer of ¾ inch minus on top.
Which gravel for which job?
| Stone | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ¾ inch crushed (¾ minus) | Driveways, paths | Fines lock together; compacts hard |
| 2–3 inch crushed | Base layer | Drainage and load bearing |
| Pea gravel | Play areas, decorative beds | Rounds and shifts; poor on slopes |
| River rock | Dry creek beds, borders | Larger and more expensive per yard |
Bags or bulk delivery?
A standard bag holds 0.5 cubic feet, so one cubic yard is 54 bags. For anything over about a cubic yard, bulk delivery is cheaper and far less work — but it usually comes with a minimum order and a truck that needs somewhere to dump. Bags make sense for small beds, a single path or a job where the truck cannot reach.
FAQ
- How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
- About 1.4 US tons for crushed stone. Pea gravel is slightly lighter, limestone screening slightly heavier.
- How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
- 4–6 inches of compacted stone over a proper base. Less than that and the stone will spread and rut under a car.
- Do I need a weed barrier under gravel?
- For decorative beds and paths, yes. Under driveways and other compacted surfaces it is optional and often counter-productive.
- How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
- Roughly 2,800 lb, or 1.4 tons. Confirm with your supplier before ordering by weight.