Gravel Calculator

Gravel Tonnage Calculator

gravel tonnage calculator. Convert area and depth to tons for bulk gravel ordering.

The Short Answer: Crushed gravel weighs about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. A 20x30 driveway at 4 inches of gravel needs about 7.4 cubic yards or 10 tons. Most quarries have a 2-ton delivery minimum.

Gravel Tonnage Calculator

Area / Volume
Quantity
Materials

Ordering Gravel by the Ton

Quarries and many landscape suppliers sell gravel by the ton (weight), but you measure your project by the cubic yard (volume). The conversion between the two depends entirely on the material density. Crushed limestone at 1.35 tons per cubic yard converts very differently from lava rock at 0.75 tons per yard.

When ordering by the ton, always specify the material type and ask the supplier to confirm their conversion factor. Moisture content also affects weight -- wet gravel can weigh 10-15% more than dry. If you're charged by the ton and it rained the night before delivery, you're paying for water weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Depends on gravel type. Crushed limestone: ~1.35 tons/yd. Pea gravel: ~1.30 tons/yd. Decomposed granite: ~1.50 tons/yd. Lava rock: ~0.75 tons/yd. The calculator above converts volume to weight using accurate densities for each material type.

Most landscape suppliers have a 2-3 cubic yard minimum for delivery (roughly 3-4 tons). Below that, you are better off picking up bags or small quantities in a truck bed. Some quarries have lower minimums (1 ton) but charge a delivery fee of $50-100 regardless of quantity. Always ask about delivery minimums and fees before ordering.

The Bottom Line

Free gravel tonnage calculator. Convert area and depth to tons for bulk gravel ordering. Accurate measurements prevent over-ordering and under-ordering — both cost you money and time. Enter your project dimensions above, add 10% for waste, and order with confidence.