Gravel Calculator
To cover a 10 × 20 ft driveway with gravel at the standard 3-inch depth you need about 1.85 cubic yards of gravel plus 10% waste — roughly 111 bags of 0.5 cu ft gravel.
Reviewed by The ponderloop teamUpdated 2026-07-15How we calculate
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0 cu yd + 0% waste = 0 cu yd
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How this number is calculated
0 cu yd (no waste added) ÷ 0.0185 cu yd per bag = 0 bags
Shopping list
- Crushed stone / gravel (0.5 cu ft bag)
- Landscape fabric
- Bow rake
- Plate compactor
- Contractor wheelbarrow
- Steel landscape edging
0.0 cu yd — ~0% of a standard truck load
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Methodology & assumptions
Volume is calculated as area length × width × (depth in inches ÷ 12), then divided by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. A waste percentage is added for spillage, compaction, and uneven subgrade, and the result is divided by the coverage per bag (0.0185 cu yd for a 0.5 cu ft bag) and rounded up to the next whole bag. For bulk/quarry orders, multiply the cubic yard figure by roughly 1.4 to estimate tons — see the FAQ.
- USDA NRCS aggregate base course specifications
- University extension service gravel driveway and path depth guidelines
- Manufacturer bag-yield specs (0.5 cu ft bag)
- Typical crushed stone density (~1.4 tons per cubic yard) and US retail price ranges, 2026
Worked examples
| Room | Result |
|---|---|
| 10 × 20 ft driveway, 3 in thick (default), standard waste | 1.85 cu yd + 10% waste ≈ 2.04 cu yd → 111 bags |
| 3 × 20 ft gravel path, 3 in thick, standard waste | 0.56 cu yd + 10% waste ≈ 0.61 cu yd → 34 bags |
| 12 × 30 ft gravel driveway, 4 in thick, standard waste | 4.44 cu yd + 10% waste ≈ 4.89 cu yd → 265 bags |
| 6 × 6 ft drainage base, 2 in thick, minimal waste | 0.22 cu yd + 5% waste ≈ 0.23 cu yd → 13 bags |
Frequently asked questions
- How many tons of gravel do I need instead of cubic yards?
- Gravel and crushed stone are often sold by the ton at landscape and quarry yards rather than by the cubic yard. For typical crushed stone, one cubic yard weighs about 1.4 tons — multiply the cubic yards this calculator gives you by 1.4 to get an approximate ton figure. Density varies by material (pea gravel and lava rock are lighter, dense granite is heavier), so confirm the exact conversion with your supplier.
- How deep should a gravel layer be for a path, driveway, or drainage bed?
- A walking path typically needs 2 to 3 inches of gravel, a vehicle driveway needs 4 to 6 inches (often a compacted base layer plus a topcoat), and a drainage bed or drain-field trench is usually 3 to 4 inches. This calculator defaults to 3 inches, a good general-purpose depth for paths and light-duty surfaces — adjust the depth field for your specific use.
- Do I need a base layer under gravel?
- For paths and light foot traffic, gravel can go directly over compacted, weed-barrier-lined soil. For driveways or any area that sees vehicle weight or standing water, lay a compacted sub-base of larger crushed stone (or paver base) first, then top it with your finish gravel — this prevents rutting, sinking, and drainage problems.
- Does a gravel path or driveway need edging?
- Yes, for anything beyond a rough temporary path. Steel, plastic, or stone edging keeps gravel contained, stops it from migrating into lawns or beds, and cuts down how often you need to top it up. Without edging, expect to add more gravel every year or two as it scatters.
- How much gravel do I need?
- Multiply the area length by width in feet, multiply by the depth in feet (inches divided by 12), then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Add 5-10% for waste, then divide by the coverage per bag (0.0185 cu yd for a 0.5 cu ft bag) and round up.