How to calculate gravel
Gravel is delivered and priced by the ton, but you measure your project by volume — so the estimate is a two-step conversion. Find the volume first, then turn it into weight:
Cubic yards = area (sq ft) × depth (ft) ÷ 27, then tons = cubic yards × 1.4
Depth is normally measured in inches, so divide it by 12 to get feet first (4 inches = 0.33 ft). The 1.4 figure is the typical weight of a cubic yard of crushed gravel; it ranges from about 1.3 to 1.5 tons depending on the stone and how wet it is, so confirm the exact number with your supplier when you order.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
For ordering it's often easier to think in coverage. One ton of typical gravel is about 0.71 cubic yards (19 cu ft), which spreads to roughly:
| Depth | Coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 1 in | ~230 sq ft |
| 2 in | ~115 sq ft |
| 3 in | ~75 sq ft |
| 4 in | ~58 sq ft |
Recommended depths
| Use | Recommended depth |
|---|---|
| Topping up an existing path | 1–2 in |
| New garden path | 2–3 in |
| Driveway surface layer | 3–4 in |
| Driveway / patio base | 4–6 in (compacted) |
Which type of gravel do you need?
"Gravel" covers a lot of different stone, and the right one depends on whether you want a surface to drive or walk on, a decorative finish, or a free-draining fill:
- Crusher run (#411 / "road base"). Crushed stone mixed with stone dust that locks together and compacts rock-hard. The standard choice for a driveway base or under pavers.
- #57 stone. Angular ¾-inch crushed stone with no fines, so it drains freely and won't compact tight — ideal for French drains, behind retaining walls, and sub-base drainage.
- Pea gravel. Small, smooth, rounded stones that are comfortable underfoot and attractive for paths, patios, and garden beds — but it rolls and migrates, so it needs solid edging to contain it.
- Crushed stone #8 (⅜ in). A small angular stone that knits together better than pea gravel — a good top dressing over a compacted base.
- River rock. Larger smooth, rounded stone used decoratively and in dry creek beds and drainage where looks matter.
- Decomposed granite (DG). Fine, gritty granite that packs into a firm, natural-looking path or patio surface.
How much does gravel cost?
Bulk gravel runs about $25–$65 per ton for common crushed stone, with decorative stone like pea gravel and river rock costing more. The figure that surprises people is delivery: a dump-truck drop is often a flat $60–$120 on top of the stone, so the cost per ton falls sharply the more you take in one load. Bagged gravel from a home center costs far more per pound and only makes sense for small top-ups — as a rule of thumb, once you need more than about a cubic yard (roughly 40 bags), bulk delivery is cheaper.
Tips for ordering and laying gravel
- Order by the ton for big jobs. Bulk delivery is far cheaper than bags once you need more than about a cubic yard.
- Lay landscape fabric first. It stops the gravel sinking into the soil and suppresses weeds — cheap insurance under any gravel.
- Build a driveway in layers. A lasting gravel driveway is a compacted crusher-run base topped with a surface stone, each layer tamped before the next.
- Add 5–10% extra. Ground is never perfectly flat, and gravel settles and compacts as it's used.
- Edge loose stone. Pea gravel and river rock spread without a border of steel, paver, or timber edging.