Written by Awais Khadim · Updated
How to calculate gravel
To work out how much gravel you need, find the volume of the area in cubic yards, then convert to tons. This gravel calculator does both, in yards and tons, for pea gravel, crushed rock, crusher run, river rock and other landscape rock.
cubic yards = (length ft × width ft × depth in ÷ 12) ÷ 27
tons = cubic yards × 1.4
cost = tons × price per ton + deliveryWorked example: 10 × 10 ft pea gravel path, 3 in deep
- Volume: 10 × 10 × 3 ÷ 12 = 25 cu ft
- Cubic yards: 25 ÷ 27 = 0.9259 ≈ 0.93 yd³
- Tons: 0.9259 × 1.4 = 1.2963 ≈ 1.30 tons
- Cost: 1.2963 tons × $37/ton = $47.96
How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard
| Material | Tons per cubic yard |
|---|---|
| Gravel (¼"–2") | 1.4–1.7 |
| Rock (2"–6") | 1.1–1.4 |
| Pea gravel | 1.25–1.5 |
| Sand, dry | 1.3–1.5 |
| Topsoil, dry | 1.0–1.3 |
Source: Inch Calculator. Most gravel weighs 1.4 to 1.7 tons per cubic yard (Inch Calculator). HomeGuide uses 1.4 as a rule of thumb.
For pounds per yard and yards-to-tons conversion charts, see how many tons are in a yard of gravel.
Gravel cost by type
| Type | Per ton | Per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | $28–$45 | $29–$86 |
| Crushed limestone | $30–$38 | $35–$54 |
| Crusher run | $24–$34 | $51–$54 |
| Road base | $18–$30 | $25–$33 |
| River rock | $33–$49 | $47–$70 |
| Decomposed granite | $25–$50 | $38–$75 |
| Lava rock | $76–$85 | $96–$140 |
Source: HomeGuide (Dec 2025). Small orders usually cost more per ton. Pea gravel runs about $28/ton for 24+ tons and $45/ton in smaller amounts (HomeGuide).
How much area does a ton of gravel cover
| Depth | Coverage per ton |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 80–100 sq ft |
| 4 in | 40–50 sq ft |
| 6 in | 25–35 sq ft |
| 12 in | 12–18 sq ft |
Source: HomeGuide.
Installed gravel cost
- Landscaping rock: $1–$4 per sq ft installed (HomeGuide).
- Gravel driveway: $4–$10 per sq ft installed (HomeGuide).
- Crawl space or garage lining: $0.50–$2.00 per sq ft (HomeGuide).
- Delivery: $10–$25 per ton, or included nearby (HomeGuide).
Choosing the right gravel
- Pea gravel: smooth, comfortable underfoot, good for paths and play areas.
- Crushed stone: angular, locks together, good for drainage and bases.
- Crusher run: crushed stone plus fines, compacts hard, common for driveway bases.
- River rock: rounded, decorative, for beds and dry creek beds.
- Decomposed granite: fine, packs into a firm natural-looking surface.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a yard of gravel?
About 1.4 tons for most gravel, ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 tons (HomeGuide, Inch Calculator).
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
About 80–100 sq ft at 2 inches deep, or 40–50 sq ft at 4 inches (HomeGuide).
How much does a yard of gravel cost?
Usually $15–$75 per cubic yard, with a national average around $60 (HomeGuide).
Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the ton or the yard?
Neither by itself; compare after converting with about 1.4 tons per yard. Bigger orders usually cost less per ton.
How much pea gravel do I need?
Use the calculator with pea gravel selected; a 10 × 10 ft area 2 inches deep needs about 0.62 cubic yards (about 0.86 tons).
Sources
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Crushed Stone or Gravel Cost? (Dec 19, 2025)
- Inch Calculator — Gravel Calculator (updated Apr 30, 2026)
Related guides
- How much gravel do I need for a driveway?Layer depths, tons by driveway size, the best gravel for each layer, and costs.
- Pea gravel vs crushed stone vs river rockPrice per ton, weight, best uses and which works for driveways, paths and drainage.
- How many tons are in a yard of gravel?Weight per cubic yard by material, plus yards-to-tons and tons-to-yards charts.