Gravel Calculator

Enter the area, depth and gravel type and get the cubic yards, tons and bags to order, with the weight factor and its source.

Yard & GardenWorldwideSource: NM EMNRD conversion factors (from BLM Handbook H-3890-1)Free, no sign-up

Material

Area shape

Units

Depth (in)

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Or total area (ft², optional)

Overrides the shape when filled in.

Bag size (cu ft)

Printed on the bag; 0.5 is common.

Tons per cubic yard

1.42 = NM/BLM gravel ¼" – 2". Use your supplier's figure if you have it.

Extra allowance (%)

$ / ton

$ / bag

Pick the closest gravel type to set the weight factor, or type your supplier's tons-per-yard figure. The result updates as you type.

Gravel needed

1.11 cubic yards · about 1.58 tons

30 cu ft = 60 bags of 0.5 cu ft · 0.85 m³ · 1.43 tonnes

Area covered	120 ft² (11.15 m²)
Volume	30 ft³ = 1.11 yd³
Weight at 1.42 tons/yd³	1.58 short tons (3,156 lb)
Bags	60 × 0.5 cu ft

What this page cannot tell you

The weight of your gravel. Tons depend on the stone's density, size and moisture, so a supplier's own tons-per-yard figure beats any table. The volume assumes an even depth over a flat area and does not allow for settling, a base layer or edging.

How to calculate gravel

Pick the gravel type. Gravel ¼–2 in, pit run, base course, crushed limestone or sand.
Enter the area. Rectangle, circle, or a total area.
Enter the depth. In inches (or cm in metric).
Read yards, tons and bags. Plus cost if you enter prices.

10 gravel jobs this sizes

Gravel driveway

A homeowner orders base course and top gravel by the ton.

Garden paths

Someone covers a path 3 ft wide and 40 ft long.

Patio base

A DIYer sizes a compacted base under pavers.

Shed pad

A gravel pad for a shed is ordered by the yard.

Drainage trench

A French drain trench is filled with gravel.

Parking area

A small business prices a gravel lot.

Playground or dog run

Someone estimates pea-sized gravel.

Comparing supplier quotes

One supplier sells by the ton, another by the yard; the page gives both.

Bags for small jobs

A renter works out bags for a small bed.

Sand bedding

Someone orders sand for a paver bed.

How the gravel is worked out

Volume = area × depth (depth in inches ÷ 12) × (1 + allowance); cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27; bags = cubic feet ÷ bag size, rounded up.

Weight uses the short tons per cubic yard in the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department table 'Conversion Factors for Construction Materials', adapted from BLM Handbook H-3890-1: gravel ¼–2 in 1.42, pit run 1.62, base course 1.25, limestone 1.3, sand 1.45.

Limits: actual weight depends on the stone, its size and moisture, so a supplier's own figure beats any table. Compacted base needs extra material because it settles. The page does not set depths for a driveway or base.

Sources

NM EMNRD — Conversion Factors for Construction Materials (from BLM H-3890-1)

Frequently asked questions

How much gravel do I need?

Area × depth ÷ 27 gives cubic yards; multiply by the tons-per-yard factor for tons.

How many tons is a yard of gravel?

About 1.42 short tons for ¼–2 in gravel in the NM/BLM table; it varies by stone.

How much area does a yard of gravel cover?

At 3 in deep, 108 sq ft; at 2 in, 162 sq ft.

How many bags of gravel make a yard?

54 bags of 0.5 cu ft make 27 cu ft.

What depth of gravel do I need?

That depends on the use and base; the page uses the depth you enter.

Is pea gravel different?

There is a separate pea gravel calculator; the weight factor is the same table row.