Gravel & Soil Tonnage Calculator
Enter the area and depth to find out how much material to order — in cubic yards and in tons.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Bulk materials are priced by the cubic yard or the ton, and the two are linked by the material's density. This calculator does all three steps:
Volume (cu ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Cubic yards = Volume ÷ 27
Tons = Cubic yards × material density
- Typical densities: crushed gravel ≈ 1.5, sand ≈ 1.4, topsoil ≈ 1.1, mulch ≈ 0.5 tons per cubic yard.
- Depth guide: 3–4 inches of gravel over a compacted base for walkways and patios; 4–6 inches for driveways.
- Coverage rule: one ton of gravel covers roughly 80 sq ft at 3 inches deep.
- Always add ~10% extra — loose material settles, subgrades are uneven, and spillage is guaranteed.
- Ordering by the bag? One cubic yard equals about 54 half-cubic-foot bags — bulk delivery is far cheaper for anything over a yard or two.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
About 1.4–1.6 tons, depending on moisture and how tightly it packs. This calculator uses 1.5 tons per cubic yard for crushed gravel, which matches most supplier charts.
Should I order gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard?
Either — they describe the same load. Tons = cubic yards × density. Most quarries quote both, so use whichever number your supplier lists and convert with the density above.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
3–4 inches of gravel over a compacted base works for light use. For a driveway that carries cars daily, go 4–6 inches, and compact the soil underneath first so the stone doesn't sink.
How much area does one ton of gravel cover?
One ton is about 0.67 cubic yards, which covers roughly 80 square feet at 3 inches deep, or about 60 square feet at 4 inches deep.
Why add 10% extra?
Loose material settles after the first rain, no subgrade is perfectly level, and some always spills off the wheelbarrow. Running short means a second delivery fee that costs more than the extra stone.
What is the difference between crushed gravel and pea gravel?
Crushed gravel has angular edges that lock together — best for driveways and bases. Pea gravel is rounded and smooth — best for decoration, drainage, and play areas, but it shifts underfoot.
How many 0.5-cu-ft bags make a cubic yard?
54. A cubic yard is 27 cubic feet, so 27 ÷ 0.5 = 54 bags. For anything over a yard or two, bulk delivery is dramatically cheaper than bags.
Can I use this calculator for topsoil or mulch?
Yes — just pick the material. Topsoil is lighter (~1.1 tons/cu yd) and mulch is much lighter (~0.5 tons/cu yd), so the same volume weighs far less than gravel.
Do I need landscape fabric under the gravel?
For walkways and patios, yes — it stops weeds and keeps the stone from sinking into mud. For a driveway base over compacted soil, it helps but proper compaction matters more.
Will a dump truck damage my driveway?
A loaded tri-axle dump truck can weigh 20+ tons and will crack thin concrete or pavers. For residential jobs, ask for a smaller single-axle load, or have it dumped on the street and wheel it in.