TrowelMath

Gravel calculator

Default density 1.4 tons per cubic yard; check with your supplier.

  • ENERGY STAR sizing · manufacturer bag yields
  • Updated Oct 23, 2026
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From yards to tons

One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Crushed stone weighs roughly 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard depending on size and moisture, so suppliers who sell by the ton will convert for you. A 10 × 20 ft area 4 inches deep is 2.47 cubic yards, about 3.5 tons.

Typical depths

About 2 inches for a decorative top layer over a base, 4 inches for a walkway or patio base, and 4 to 8 inches in compacted layers for a driveway base. Compaction reduces depth, so add 10% or more for a compacted base.

Frequently asked questions

How deep should driveway gravel be?

Often 4–6 in over a compacted base; ask a local supplier.

How many bags make a yard?

At 0.5 cubic feet per bag, 54 bags make a cubic yard.

Should I use landscape fabric?

It helps keep gravel from mixing into the soil under paths.