How Much Gravel Do I Need? (2026 Calculator + Coverage Chart)
Ordering gravel is one of those jobs where guessing costs money twice: too little means a second delivery fee, and too much means a pile you cannot return. The maths is simple, and you only need three measurements. Use the free gravel calculator for an exact figure.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A typical single-car driveway of 20 by 10 feet at 3 inches deep needs about 1.85 cubic yards, or 2.59 tons, of gravel. That equals roughly 104 bags of 50 lb gravel, though bulk delivery is far cheaper at this size. Your own figure depends on your exact length, width and depth, so measure all three before ordering.
That example is the default in our gravel calculator: a double driveway needs about 3.70 cubic yards at the same depth.
How do you calculate gravel by hand?
Multiply length by width in feet to get the area, multiply by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Finally, multiply cubic yards by 1.4 to get tons, because this guide uses a standard density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard. That chain gives area, volume and weight from three measurements.
Take a 30 by 12 foot area at 4 inches deep: 360 square feet, one third of a foot deep, gives 120 cubic feet, 4.44 cubic yards and 6.22 tons. The gravel calculator does this instantly, plus bag counts and cost.
How many tons of gravel do I need?
For most home projects, the answer falls between 1 and 7 tons: a garden path needs 1 to 2 tons, a single driveway needs 2 to 4 tons, and a double driveway needs 5 to 7 tons at normal depths. Larger areas, deeper layers and longer driveways push the figure higher, sometimes well past 10 tons.
Tons matter because suppliers price bulk gravel by the ton or cubic yard, and trucks have weight limits. A standard single-axle truck often carries 10 to 14 tons, so check whether a second trip or larger truck is cheaper.
How many 50 lb bags make a ton of gravel?
Exactly 40 bags of 50 lb gravel make one ton, because one ton is 2,000 lb and 2,000 divided by 50 equals 40. So a 2.59-ton job needs 104 bags once you round up, and a 6.22-ton job needs 249 bags. Bag counts always round up in our calculator, so you are never left one bag short.
Bags suit small jobs: a path under a ton, a top-up, or a spot a truck cannot reach. Over 1 to 2 cubic yards, bags become expensive and exhausting: 100 bags is a full day’s work, while bulk delivery tips the same quantity in minutes.
How deep should gravel be?
Garden paths and walkways need 2 to 3 inches, patios and seating areas need about 3 inches, and driveways need 3 to 4 inches over a compacted base layer. Going deeper wastes money, while going too shallow leaves bare patches where ground shows through after a few weeks. Depth is the measurement most people guess, so measure it properly.
For driveways, the base matters as much as the top layer: compacted larger stone stops surface gravel sinking into soft soil after rain. Spread and compact in 2-inch layers, and use landscape fabric under paths to stop weeds and sinking.
Which type of gravel is best?
Crushed stone is best for driveways because its angular edges lock together into a firm, stable surface that resists rutting under tyres. Pea gravel is best for paths and patios because its small, smooth stones are comfortable to walk on, though it shifts under vehicles. River rock suits decorative garden beds, not driving surfaces.
All three types use the same density in the gravel calculator, so your choice changes look and performance, not quantity. If unsure, ask your supplier what local customers use: regional stone varies.
How much does gravel cost in 2026?
Bulk gravel typically costs $30 to $60 per ton for material alone, plus delivery, which varies widely by distance and truck size. At the calculator’s default price of $45 per ton, a 2.59-ton driveway costs about $116.67 in material, while a 6.22-ton job costs about $280.00. Bags cost far more per ton, often double or triple bulk prices.
Always get a delivered price, because delivery can add $50 to $200 or more. For a whole home project, the mortgage payment calculator and down payment calculator help with bigger numbers, and the closing costs estimator covers cash needed at purchase.
Should I order extra gravel?
Yes, order about 10% extra for settling and uneven ground, because real ground is never perfectly level and gravel compacts under use. A 2.59-ton job becomes about 2.85 tons with the extra added, and a 6.22-ton job becomes about 6.84 tons. The calculator deliberately does not add this extra, so add it yourself before ordering.
The extra also covers spillage and thin spots noticed only once the area is raked out. Leftover gravel stores easily for top-ups, while a shortage means another delivery fee costing more than the extra gravel.
What else should I know before ordering gravel?
Three practical points cover most surprises: measure irregular areas in sections, compare bulk against bags for your exact tonnage, and prepare the ground properly before delivery day. The questions below cover each one, including delivery access and leftovers, before you place the order.
How do I measure an irregularly shaped area?
Split it into rectangles, calculate each separately, and add the results. For curved edges, approximate with straight sections; the small error is covered by the 10% extra. Measure in feet, and check depth at several spots.
Is bulk delivery or bags cheaper?
Bulk delivery is almost always cheaper beyond 1 to 2 cubic yards, and far less labour. Bags win only for small top-ups, tight access, or jobs under a ton. Compare delivered bulk price against total bag price for your exact tonnage.
How do I prepare the ground for gravel?
Clear grass and topsoil, level the area, lay landscape fabric, add edging, then spread and compact in layers. Without edging, gravel migrates onto lawns within weeks. Check truck access before delivery day.
Get your exact number in the gravel calculator.
Disclaimer: Estimates only. Actual gravel weight varies by stone type, size and moisture content, and supplier densities and prices differ. Confirm the delivered quantity and price with your supplier before ordering.
