Calculators/ Masonry & Aggregate/Gravel Calculator
Gravel Calculator
Cubic yards and tons of gravel, sand or topsoil.
Gravel Calculator
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Aggregate is specified by depth but sold by weight, and the conversion depends on the material. A cubic yard of crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons, while the same volume of bark mulch is under half a ton.
How this is calculated
- Volume = length × width × depth ÷ 12, in cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards.
- Multiply cubic yards by the material density in tons per yard. Crushed stone is about 1.4, sand 1.35, topsoil 1.1 and bark mulch 0.4.
- These are loose delivered weights. Compacted road base settles about 20%, so order extra if the finished depth matters.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Four inches of compacted stone over a stable sub-grade is the minimum. Six to eight inches in two layers is better on soft ground, using a coarser base under a finer top course.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Around 2,800 lb, or 1.4 tons, for typical crushed stone. Wet gravel weighs noticeably more, which matters if you are paying by the ton.
How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?
At 2 inches deep, roughly 100 square feet. At 4 inches, about 50 square feet.