Gravel Calculator

Garden paths and decorative beds need 2-3 inches. Driveways call for 4-6 inches total in two layers: a 3-inch base of large crushed stone for drainage and stability, plus 2-3 inches of 3/4-inch topcoat. French drains typically use 6-12 inches. Enter your target depth in the calculator to get exact cubic yards and tons.

It depends on the type. Pea gravel runs about 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons) per cubic yard, crushed stone about 2,970 lbs (1.49 tons), river rock about 2,835 lbs (1.42 tons), and decomposed granite about 2,565 lbs (1.28 tons). All weights use US short tons (2,000 lbs). Moisture can add a few percent; these figures assume typical dry density.

For crushed stone at 110 lbs per cubic foot, 1 ton (2,000 lbs) gives you about 18 cubic feet. Spread 2 inches deep that covers roughly 109 sq ft; spread 4 inches deep, about 55 sq ft. Buying by the bulk ton is almost always cheaper than bags once you need more than 1 cubic yard.

Use 3/4-inch crushed stone (ASTM #57) for the surface layer. Its angular edges lock together under traffic and resist shifting. Set the base with 1.5-2 inch crushed stone (#2 or #3) for drainage and load-bearing support. Avoid round pea gravel on any sloped surface - it rolls and scatters under tires.

Yes. Crushed stone compacts 10-15% after plate-compaction and a few rain cycles. Order at least 10% more than your calculated volume so the finished depth still meets your plan after the first season. The calculator gives the theoretical volume; bump the tons figure up by 10% when placing your order.