Gravel Calculator
Calculate Gravel Volume & Weight for Driveways, Landscaping & Construction Projects
📏 Pro Tips for Accurate Gravel Calculations:
Measure area carefully in consistent units. Standard depth: 2-6 inches depending on application. Account for gravel density (affects weight). Add 5-10% for compaction and settling. For irregular areas, break into simple shapes. Consider traffic loads and maintenance frequency.
Basic Gravel Calculator
✅ Gravel Calculation Results:
Advanced Gravel Calculator
✅ Advanced Gravel Analysis:
Gravel Types & Density Reference
| Gravel Type | Size | Density (tons/cu yd) | Cost/cu yd | Best For | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Gravel | 0.2-2 inches | 1.5 | $20-30 | Landscaping, driveways | 3-5 years |
| Pea Gravel | 0.5-1.5 inches | 1.3 | $25-40 | Decorative, comfort areas | 2-4 years |
| Crushed Stone | 1-2 inches | 1.6 | $15-25 | Driveways, base layer | 3-5 years |
| River Rock | 1-3 inches | 1.55 | $30-50 | Decorative, accent areas | 5+ years |
| Marble Chips | 0.5-2 inches | 1.4 | $40-80 | Premium decorative | 5+ years |
| Crushed Granite | 0.5-2 inches | 1.7 | $35-60 | Durable landscaping | 5+ years |
| Bank Gravel | Mixed sizes | 1.5 | $15-25 | Foundation, drainage | 5+ years |
| Recycled Asphalt | Mixed sizes | 1.4 | $10-20 | Driveways, base | 3-4 years |
🔨 Gravel Applications & Depth Guidelines
Driveway Installation:
- Total depth: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
- Base layer: 2-3 inches crushed stone (compacted)
- Top layer: 1-2 inches smaller gravel or pea gravel
- Maintenance: Rake annually, add top-up layer every 2-3 years
- Best material: Crushed limestone or crushed granite
- Typical depth: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm)
- Use landscape fabric: Prevents weeds, extends life
- Best materials: Pea gravel, marble chips, river rock
- Maintenance: Rake every season, refresh annually
- Around plants: Keep 2-3 inches from plant stems
- Typical depth: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm)
- Best materials: Bank gravel, crushed stone, pea gravel
- Purpose: Water management, foundation protection
- Compaction: Compact layers every 2-3 inches
- Lifespan: 5-10+ years if properly installed
- Typical depth: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
- Best materials: Pea gravel, crushed stone, marble chips
- Edging: Use borders to contain gravel
- Maintenance: Rake monthly, refresh yearly
- Comfort: Smaller, smoother gravels more comfortable
💰 Gravel Project Cost Analysis
Price Breakdown Example (500 sq ft, 3 inches deep):
Volume: 4.6 cubic yards
• Standard gravel: 4.6 × $25 = $115 material
• Crushed stone: 4.6 × $20 = $92 material
• Pea gravel: 4.6 × $35 = $161 material
• River rock: 4.6 × $45 = $207 material
• Delivery (typical): +$75-150
• Landscape fabric (optional): +$25-50
- Material cost: Largest expense, varies by type and location
- Delivery: Add $75-200 for most projects
- Site preparation: Remove existing material (labor cost)
- Compaction equipment: Rent or hire for larger projects
- Landscape fabric: $25-50 additional
- Annual maintenance: Budget $20-50/year for touch-ups
- Buy bulk quantities for better pricing
- Order in off-season (spring/fall vs summer)
- Mix materials: expensive top layer, cheaper base
- DIY installation saves 50-70% on labor
- Use landscape fabric to extend gravel life
- Recycle or reuse existing gravel when possible
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I add new gravel?
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Typical maintenance: annually for high-traffic areas. Add 1-2 inches top-up in spring. For low-traffic decorative areas: every 2-3 years. Complete replacement: 3-5 years depending on type and maintenance. Regular raking extends lifespan.
Is landscape fabric necessary under gravel?
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Highly recommended. Benefits: prevents weeds (75% reduction), stops soil mixing, extends gravel life. Cost: minimal ($25-50 for average project). Use quality fabric rated for 5+ years. Install before spreading gravel for best results.
What's the best gravel for a driveway?
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Best choice: crushed limestone or crushed granite (angular shape, compacts well). Size: 1-2 inches for strength. Layering: 2-3 inches base + 1-2 inches top. Avoid smooth pea gravel (rolls under tires). Total depth: 4-6 inches.
How do I calculate gravel weight for ordering?
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Weight = Volume × Density. Standard gravel: 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Formula: volume (cubic yards) × 1.5 = tons needed. Example: 5 cubic yards × 1.5 = 7.5 tons. Different materials have different densities (check label).
Should I compact gravel after spreading?
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Yes, especially for driveways and paths. Compaction increases stability, reduces settling, improves drainage. Manual (light): rake and walk multiple times. Professional: use plate compactor or vibratory compactor for best results. Compact base layer most thoroughly.
Can pea gravel be used on driveways?
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Not recommended as primary surface. Too smooth, rolls under tires, doesn't compact well. Can be used as decorative top layer (1 inch max) over crushed stone base. Better for: playgrounds, pathways, decorative areas where comfort matters more than stability.
How much does gravel weigh per cubic yard?
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Varies by type: Standard gravel 1.5 tons. Crushed stone: 1.3-1.6 tons. Pea gravel: 1.3 tons. River rock: 1.5-1.6 tons. Marble chips: 1.4 tons. Weight affects: delivery costs, equipment needed, compaction requirements. Heavier materials compact better.
What's the difference between gravel and crushed stone?
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Gravel: naturally occurring, rounded stones from erosion, 0.2-2 inches. Crushed stone: mechanically broken, angular edges, compacts better. Crushed stone more suitable for driveways (angular shape locks together). Gravel better for decorative or drainage. Different densities and costs.