How Much Gravel Do I Need? (Tons and Cubic Yards)
Volume (cu ft) = Area (sq ft) × Depth (ft) → Cubic yards = Volume ÷ 27 → Weight (tons) = Cubic yards × ~1.4–1.7 tons/yd³ (crushed stone typically weighs 2,800–3,400 lbs per cubic yard, denser than sand or pea gravel)
Worked example: A 10×20 ft pathway (200 sq ft) at 3” depth (0.25 ft): 200 × 0.25 = 50 cu ft ÷ 27 = 1.85 cu yd, roughly 2.6–3.1 tons.
Gravel for a Driveway
Driveways typically use two layers, not one uniform depth:
- Base layer (crushed stone, #3 or #4 — larger, angular rock for drainage and load-bearing): 4–6 inches deep, compacted.
- Top/surface layer (smaller crushed stone like #57 or pea gravel for a finished look and comfortable footing): 2 inches deep.
Worked example: A 12×50 ft driveway (600 sq ft): base layer at 4” (0.33 ft) = 600 × 0.33 = 198 cu ft ÷ 27 = 7.3 cu yd ≈ 10.6 tons; top layer at 2” (0.167 ft) = 600 × 0.167 = 100 cu ft ÷ 27 = 3.7 cu yd ≈ 5.4 tons. Total ≈ 16 tons for the full driveway.
Pea Gravel — Coverage and Uses
Pea gravel (small, rounded stones roughly 3/8”) is lighter and less angular than crushed stone, and is typically weighed at 2,500–2,700 lbs per cubic yard. It’s commonly used for garden beds, walkways, playground surfacing, and drainage, at depths of 2 inches (decorative/walkway) to 3–4 inches (drainage or play areas).
What Is #57 Gravel?
“#57” refers to a standard crushed-stone gradation size (roughly 3/4” to 1” stones, per ASTM C33 sizing) — one of the most common general-purpose crushed stone grades for driveways, drainage, and concrete aggregate. The number is an industry size designation, not a brand or product name, so #57 gravel is available from most quarries and landscape suppliers regardless of where you shop.
Gravel Cost by Type
| Gravel type | Typical cost per ton (delivered) |
|---|---|
| Crushed stone (#57/#4, general purpose) | $30–$65 |
| Pea gravel | $35–$70 |
| Crushed granite / decomposed granite | $40–$85 |
| River rock (decorative) | $50–$110 |
A typical driveway base + top layer project (16 tons, general crushed stone) runs roughly $600–$1,200 for material alone, before delivery fees and spreading labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for my project?
Multiply your area by your desired depth in feet, divide by 27 to get cubic yards, then multiply by roughly 1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard for crushed stone. A 200 sq ft area at 3 inches deep needs about 2.6–3.1 tons.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Crushed stone typically weighs 2,800–3,400 lbs (roughly 1.4–1.7 tons) per cubic yard; pea gravel is lighter, at about 2,500–2,700 lbs per cubic yard. Always confirm your specific supplier’s weight-per-yard figure for large orders.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Driveways typically use two layers — a 4–6 inch compacted base of larger crushed stone, then a 2 inch top layer of smaller stone or pea gravel. A 600 sq ft driveway needs roughly 10–11 tons for the base and 5–6 tons for the top layer, about 16 tons total.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
Material alone for a typical driveway (base plus top layer) runs roughly $600–$1,200, depending on stone type and tonnage — add delivery fees and spreading labor for a full installed estimate.
How much pea gravel do I need?
Use the same area-and-depth formula as general gravel, at a typical 2–4 inch depth depending on use (2” for decorative walkways, 3–4” for drainage or play surfacing). Pea gravel weighs about 2,500–2,700 lbs per cubic yard.
What is #57 gravel?
#57 is a standard crushed-stone size grade (roughly 3/4”–1” stones), one of the most common general-purpose gravel sizes used for driveways, drainage, and concrete aggregate — it’s an industry sizing designation, not a specific brand.
How do I calculate gravel in tons vs. cubic yards?
Cubic yards measure volume (area × depth ÷ 27); tons measure weight. Convert using crushed stone’s typical density of about 1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard — the calculator above does both directions instantly.
How much gravel do I need for an aquarium or fish tank?
Aquarium gravel is calculated very differently — by substrate depth across the tank’s footprint, typically using roughly 1–1.5 lbs of gravel per gallon for a standard bed depth. This calculator is built for landscaping and driveway quantities, not aquarium substrate.
What’s the difference between crushed stone, pea gravel, and river rock?
Crushed stone is angular, mechanically crushed rock best for structural base layers and drainage; pea gravel is small and rounded, better for walkways and decorative beds; river rock is larger and rounded, used mainly for decorative landscaping rather than load-bearing surfaces.
Can I use this instead of my landscape supplier’s calculator?
Yes, as an independent, brand-agnostic estimate to sanity-check any supplier’s tool. Gravel density varies by material and moisture, so always confirm your supplier’s specific weight-per-yard figure for bulk orders.
Get free quotes from local landscaping contractors
Delivery and spreading often cost as much as the stone. Get 2–3 local quotes before you order a bulk dump.