How to Calculate Gravel
Gravel calculations require three measurements — length, width, and depth — plus the density of the specific material. Volume gives you the cubic yards; multiplying by density converts that to tons, which is what bulk suppliers quote by.
Tons = Volume (cu yd) × Material density (tons/cu yd)
Gravel by the Yard vs by the Ton
This is where most DIYers get confused. Volume (cubic yards) tells you how much space the gravel occupies. Weight (tons) tells you what your supplier will charge you, because bulk delivery trucks are weighed at the scale house. You need both numbers — use cubic yards to visualise how much material you're dealing with, and tons to get quotes and place orders.
One cubic yard of crushed stone is a pile roughly 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep by 3 feet tall. That's about 14 standard wheelbarrow loads. At 1.5 tons per cubic yard, it weighs as much as a mid-size car.
Depth Guide by Project
- Driveway top-dressing — 2–3 inches
- New driveway base (road base/compacted) — 6–8 inches, then 2–4 inches surface stone
- Walkway or path — 3–4 inches
- Decorative landscaping bed — 2–3 inches
- Drainage trench fill — fill completely to grade
- French drain surround — 6+ inches around pipe, to top of trench
Pea Gravel vs Crushed Stone: Which to Choose
The choice is mostly about function. Crushed stone is angular — the edges interlock under compaction, creating a stable, load-bearing surface. It's the right choice for driveways and anywhere vehicles or heavy foot traffic will be. Pea gravel is rounded and loose — it doesn't compact into a firm surface, so it rolls underfoot and shifts. Better for decorative beds, playgrounds, and areas where drainage is the priority over stability. Also significantly easier to walk on barefoot.
How to Order Gravel
Call your local quarry or landscape supplier with the tonnage figure from the calculator (add 10–15% buffer). Most bulk suppliers have a 1-ton minimum delivery and charge by the half-ton increment. Confirm whether they deliver direct to the project area or dump at the kerb. A full-size delivery truck needs about 10 feet of vertical clearance and a reasonably firm surface to access your property.