How much gravel do I need?
Estimate gravel volume in cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons for driveways, pathways, drainage, and landscaping projects.
Gravel volume calculator
Choosing the Right Gravel Type
Gravel size and shape determine how well it compacts, drains, and stays in place. Match the gravel type to the specific use — driveway gravel is different from decorative gravel.
Crushed Stone (#57): Angular, 3/4-inch stone that compacts tightly. The most popular choice for driveways, base layers, and drainage. Angular edges lock together, creating a stable surface that resists shifting.
Pea Gravel: Small, smooth, round stones typically 3/8 inch. Pea gravel is decorative and comfortable underfoot but does not compact well. Best for paths, play areas, and garden borders where appearance matters more than stability.
Quarry Process (QP): A blend of crushed stone and stone dust that compacts into a solid, almost concrete-like surface. Used as a base for pavers, patios, and asphalt. The dust fills voids between stones for maximum stability.
River Rock: Large, smooth, decorative stones ranging from 1 to 6 inches. Used for landscaping features, dry creek beds, and drainage swales. Does not compact and is not suitable for driveways or walkways.
Gravel Type Cheat Sheet
Use this reference to choose the right gravel for your project:
| Type | Best For | Compaction |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed Stone (#57) | Driveways, base layers, drainage, parking areas | Excellent (locks together) |
| Pea Gravel | Paths, garden borders, play areas, decorative beds | Poor (round stones shift) |
| Quarry Process (QP) | Paver bases, patio bases, road sub-base, asphalt base | Maximum (dust fills voids) |
| River Rock | Dry creek beds, drainage swales, decorative features | None (decorative only) |
How to measure for gravel
Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover, then decide on the depth. Multiply length by width by depth (in feet) to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Most gravel suppliers sell by the cubic yard or ton.
Common gravel depths
- Walkways and pathways: 2-3 inches deep
- Driveways: 4-6 inches deep (with compacted base)
- Drainage and French drains: 6-12 inches deep
- Garden beds and decorative: 2-3 inches deep
Gravel calculator tips
Order about 10% more gravel than you think you need to account for compaction, settling, and uneven ground. For driveways, use larger crushed stone (3/4 inch) for the base and smaller gravel for the top layer.
Worked example
For example, for a 20×12 ft driveway, 4 inches deep:
- Volume = 20 × 12 × (4 ÷ 12) = 80 cu ft
- Cubic yards = 80 ÷ 27 = 2.96 yd³
- Estimated weight = 2.96 × 1.4 = 4.14 tons
- Order about 3.25 tons to account for compaction and settling
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Skipping the compaction step | Loose gravel shifts under weight — compact in 2-in layers for driveways |
| Using the wrong gravel type | Crushed stone (#57) locks together best for driveways; round gravel shifts too much |
| Not sloping for drainage | A driveway should slope 1/4 inch per foot to shed water |