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Gravel calculator

Start with dimensions, cubic yards, or US short tons. Use your supplier’s density and quote to turn the estimate into an order.

01

Plan your gravel order

Choose the measurements you have, then check the supplier’s ordering rules.

Start with what you know
Areas to cover
Layer and allowance
in
%

Use your planned compacted layer depth. Add an allowance only if your project calls for one; this tool does not predict compaction.

Supplier density optional for volume
short tons/yd³

Ask the supplier for the density of the exact gravel you're buying. Leave blank for a volume-only estimate.

Supplier quotes

Enter prices and ordering rules from your suppliers. Ton quotes need a density above.

YOUR ESTIMATE

Gravel order plan

Enter dimensions, a known volume, or a known weight to see your order.

Start with what you know.

Choose dimensions, volume, or weight above. Complete the measurements for that mode to see an estimate.

Report a calculation issue

How the gravel estimate works

If you already know cubic yards, enter volume directly. To convert short tons to cubic yards, divide the known weight by your supplier-confirmed density. No dimensions are needed for either mode. Your extra allowance is applied to the known quantity before supplier rounding.

Add the areas of all sections using the same gravel and layer depth. The calculator finds geometric volume, adds only the allowance you enter, then rounds each supplier order up to its minimum and increment. Calculate base and surface layers separately if they use different materials or depths.

CORE FORMULASArea (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 12 = volume (ft³)Divide cubic feet by 27 for cubic yards. Estimated short tons = cubic yards × the density you enter in short tons per cubic yard.

Example: a 20 × 10 ft path

At 3 in deep, 200 ft² needs 50 ft³, or about 1.85 yd³, before any extra allowance. If your supplier confirms a density of 1.4 short tons/yd³ for that product, the weight estimate is about 2.59 short tons. A supplier selling half-yard increments would quote 2 yd³ before any minimum order.

Check the quote before buying

Gravel density varies by material and condition; the example density is an illustration, not a default for your project. Confirm the product, placed depth, density, minimum order, delivery, and any taxes with the supplier. This estimate does not predict compaction or guarantee delivered yield.

For numeric links or JSON results, see calculator links and AI tools. Read how cubic yards become short tons or review our volume and rounding method.