Enter the total area you need to cover in square feet, the desired depth in inches, and select your gravel type. The calculator instantly gives you the volume in cubic yards and cubic feet, the weight in tons, the number of 0.5 cu ft bags you'd need, and an estimated cost based on current bulk and bagged prices for your selected gravel type.
Small, smooth, rounded stones about ⅜ inch in diameter. Pea gravel is popular for decorative pathways, playgrounds, and as a mulch alternative in garden beds. It's easy on bare feet but can shift underfoot, so it's not ideal for driveways without proper edging.
Crushed stone ranging from ¾ to 1 inch in size. The angular edges lock together under compaction, making #57 the go-to choice for driveways, road base, and drainage systems. It's also commonly used as a base under concrete slabs and pavers.
Larger crushed stone, typically 1–2½ inches. #3 gravel is used as a base layer for driveways and roads, under shed foundations, and in French drains where high water flow is expected. Its larger size provides excellent drainage but isn't comfortable to walk on.
General-purpose angular crushed rock in varying sizes (typically ¼–¾ inch). Crushed stone compacts well and is versatile — used for driveways, pathways, drainage, and as a base material. It's often the most cost-effective option per ton.
Smooth, rounded stones ranging from 1–3 inches. River rock is primarily decorative — used in dry creek beds, around pools, in garden borders, and as a ground cover. It's the most expensive per ton but offers a premium, natural look. Not suitable for driveways or high-traffic areas.
The right depth depends on what you're using the gravel for. Here are common recommendations:
Pro tip: Always order 10–15% more than your calculation to account for compaction and settling. Gravel compacts significantly, especially under weight or after rain.
A 10×10 area (100 sq ft) at 4 inches deep needs about 1.23 cubic yards or roughly 1.6 tons of pea gravel. At 3 inches deep, it's about 0.93 cubic yards or 1.2 tons. Use the calculator above with your exact dimensions and gravel type for a precise estimate.
Residential driveways typically need 4–6 inches of gravel after compaction. For best results, use a base layer of #3 or #57 gravel (4+ inches) topped with a 1–2 inch layer of finer crushed stone or pea gravel. On soft ground, consider a geotextile fabric under the base layer to prevent sinking.
Pea gravel is small, smooth, rounded stones (⅜ inch) used for decorative purposes and pathways. #57 gravel is crushed stone (¾–1 inch) with angular edges that locks together, making it better for driveways, base layers, and drainage. Pea gravel shifts under weight; #57 compacts and stays put.
A standard half-ton pickup can safely carry about 0.5 cubic yards of gravel (roughly 1,400 lbs). A three-quarter ton truck can handle about 1 cubic yard. A full cubic yard of gravel weighs 2,500–2,900 lbs depending on type — always check your truck's payload capacity before loading.
Crushed stone is better for drainage because its angular shape creates more void space for water to flow through. Pea gravel's smooth, rounded shape compacts more tightly and allows less water movement. For French drains, use #57 or #3 crushed stone for optimal water flow.