How this calculator works
It calculates the volume of your area, converts it to cubic yards, then to tons using a typical gravel weight of about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Worked example — a 20 ft × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches:
20 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 cubic feet → ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards → × 1.4 = 3.46 tons.
20 × 10 × (4 ÷ 12) = 66.7 cubic feet → ÷ 27 = 2.47 cubic yards → × 1.4 = 3.46 tons.
How deep should gravel be?
For a walking path, 2 inches is plenty. For a driveway that holds vehicle weight, aim for 4 inches of gravel over a compacted base.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 tons, varying from 1.4 to 1.5 by stone type and moisture.
How much gravel for a driveway?
A 20 × 10 ft driveway at 4 inches deep needs roughly 2.5 cubic yards (~3.4 tons).