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MaterialsCalc
Gravel

Gravel Calculator

Length × width × depth × the right density. Six material presets cover pea gravel to compacted crusher run — pick honestly, because density varies 45% across them.

Gravel Calculator

Tons and cubic yards for any gravel or crushed stone type. Pick the material — the right density is applied automatically.

Paths 2–3 in · patios 2–4 in · driveways 4–12 in in layers.

The gravel formula

Formula

Tons = Area (ft²) × (depth ÷ 12) × density ÷ 2,000 × (1 + waste)

Area
length × width (ft²)
depth
placed depth (inches)
density
loose bulk density by type (lb/ft³)

Same takeoff discipline as concrete and asphalt — only the density line changes. All type densities live in the gravel density database.

If you estimate more than one material, notice the pattern: the concrete calculator multiplies by 150 lb/ft³, the asphalt calculator by 145, and gravel by 96–140 depending on type. One method, three materials — the full walkthrough is in how to calculate gravel.

Worked example: parking pad on soft ground

Worked example

A 20 × 30 ft parking pad: 4 in of #57 stone over soft, grassy subgrade.

  1. 1

    Area

    20 × 30 = 600 ft²

  2. 2

    Volume

    600 × (4 ÷ 12) = 200 ft³

  3. 3

    Weight at 100 lb/ft³

    200 × 100 = 20,000 lb = 10 tons

  4. 4

    Soft ground: add 15%

    10 × 1.15 = 11.5 tons

Result: Order 12 tons — one tandem load. Strip the sod first or the first third disappears into the mud.

Ordering mistakes to avoid

Density quick reference

The five densities behind the dropdown. The full 20-material table is in the density database.

Loose bulk densities per ASTM C29 typical values. Compare with concrete (2,400 kg/m³) and asphalt (2,322).
Materialkg/m³lb/ft³t/m³
Pea gravel (loose)3/8 in rounded; pours and flows1,54096.11.54
Common gravel, dry (loose)The 1.4 t/yd³ estimating standard1,680104.91.68
Gravel, wetRain adds ~10–15% to scale weight1,920119.91.92
Crushed stone #57 (loose)3/4–1 in angular, self-locking1,60099.91.6
Crushed stone #57 (compacted)1,750109.21.75
Crusher run / road base (loose)Stone + fines blend2,000124.92
Crusher run / road base (compacted)140 lb/ft³ — matches DGA under asphalt2,240139.82.24

Frequently asked questions

Gravel guides

How to Calculate GravelArea × depth × density, step by step.GuideGravel Density ChartUnit weights for every common gravel type.ChartGravel Coverage GuideWhat a ton — and a yard — actually covers.GuideGravel Weight ChartPounds and tons per yard, foot and meter.ChartGravel Volume FormulaThe math, with every unit trap flagged.GuideGravel Measurement GuideMeasuring real sites, including irregular areas.GuideGravel FAQThe questions everyone asks before ordering.FAQ

Reference charts

Gravel Density DatabaseGravel Size Chart

Estimating other materials?

Sources & references

  1. [1]ASTM C29/C29M: Bulk Density (Unit Weight) and Voids in Aggregate — ASTM International, 2017
  2. [2]ASTM D448: Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate — ASTM International, 2017
  3. [3]The Aggregates Handbook, 2nd ed. — National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, 2013