Gravel Calculator – Cubic Yards, Tons, Coverage & Cost
Free gravel calculator — find cubic yards, tons, and coverage for pea gravel, crushed stone, #57 limestone, sand, and decomposed granite. Includes weight per yard and cost per ton.
Gravel Calculator: Cubic Yards, Tons, Coverage & Cost Guide
Calculate cubic yards, tons, coverage, and cost for pea gravel, crushed stone, #57 limestone, crusher run, sand, decomposed granite, and 13 material types — with dump truck guide, weight reference, and cost estimator.
| Depth | Cubic Yards | Tons (selected material) | Sq Ft covered |
|---|
| Depth | Coverage (sq ft) | Coverage (sq yd) |
|---|
Tons = CY × density
Pea gravel: × 1.35
#57 stone: × 1.42
Crusher run: × 1.51
Sand: × 1.35
DG: × 1.42
Gravel Calculator: Cubic Yards, Tons, Coverage & Cost Guide
To find cubic yards of gravel, multiply length × width × depth in inches ÷ 324. For a 20 × 50 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, that's 12.35 cubic yards — approximately 16.7 tons of pea gravel. This gravel calculator and pea gravel calculator works across four modes: Volume (area + depth → cubic yards + tons), Weight (CY → lbs/tons or tons → CY), Coverage (CY or tons → sq ft), and Cost (material + delivery estimate). It covers all 13 material types with verified densities: pea gravel (1.35 t/CY), #57 stone (1.42 t/CY), crusher run (1.51 t/CY), sand (1.35 t/CY), decomposed granite (1.42 t/CY), crushed concrete (1.35 t/CY), river rock (1.49 t/CY), limestone (1.42 t/CY), 2B stone (1.35 t/CY), ABC stone (1.51 t/CY), 3/4" gravel (1.42 t/CY), topsoil (1.08 t/CY), and custom materials. UK users searching "how much chippings do I need" will find the same calculation applies — metric output is available in the calculator. A full dump truck capacity guide covers single-axle through semi loads. Select your material and enter your area below.
How much gravel do I need — cubic yards and tons formula
To calculate gravel needed: multiply length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (inches) ÷ 324 = cubic yards. Convert to tons by multiplying cubic yards × density (1.35 tons/CY for pea gravel · 1.42 tons/CY for #57 stone · 1.51 tons/CY for crusher run). This stone calculator formula works for pea gravel, crushed stone, sand, decomposed granite, and all aggregate types.
Cubic Yards Reference Table — by Area and Depth
| Area (sq ft) | 2" depth | 3" depth | 4" depth | 6" depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 CY | 0.93 CY | 1.23 CY | 1.85 CY |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 CY | 1.85 CY | 2.47 CY | 3.70 CY |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 CY | 4.63 CY | 6.17 CY | 9.26 CY |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 CY | 9.26 CY | 12.35 CY | 18.52 CY |
| 2,000 sq ft | 12.35 CY | 18.52 CY | 24.69 CY | 37.04 CY |
| 1,200 sq ft (100×12 driveway) | 7.41 CY | 11.11 CY | 14.81 CY | 22.22 CY |
Tons Reference Table — Cubic Yards × Material Density
| Cubic Yards | Pea Gravel (1.35 t/CY) | #57 Stone (1.42 t/CY) | Crusher Run (1.51 t/CY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 CY | 1.35 tons | 1.42 tons | 1.51 tons |
| 2 CY | 2.70 tons | 2.84 tons | 3.02 tons |
| 5 CY | 6.75 tons | 7.10 tons | 7.55 tons |
| 10 CY | 13.50 tons | 14.20 tons | 15.10 tons |
| 12 CY | 16.20 tons | 17.04 tons | 18.12 tons |
| 15 CY | 20.25 tons | 21.30 tons | 22.65 tons |
Depth guide: Decorative landscaping path: 1–2" · Playground/garden surround: 2–3" · Standard driveway top layer: 3–4" · Driveway base layer: 6–8" · French drain trench: 6–12". How deep should landscape rock be: 2–3" for coverage, up to 4" for weed suppression.
Gravel and stone types — calculator guide for each material
Each material type in the gravel and stone calculator uses a verified density for accurate cubic yard and tonnage results. Here is what you need to know about each material before ordering.
Pea Gravel 100 lbs/ft³ · 1.35 tons/CY · 2,700 lbs/CY
Small rounded pebbles 3/8" in diameter — the most popular decorative gravel in the US. Common uses include driveways, paths, around pools, and under playground equipment. Pea gravel does not compact, so it requires edging or borders to stay in place. UK equivalent: "pea shingle" or "pea gravel chippings." The pea gravel calculator uses 1.35 tons/CY — the same as dry sand. At 2" depth, 1 cubic yard covers 162 sq ft; at 3" depth, 108 sq ft.
#57 Stone / Crushed Limestone 105 lbs/ft³ · 1.42 tons/CY · 2,835 lbs/CY
Angular crushed stone 3/4"–1" in diameter — the most common driveway aggregate in the US. The "#57" refers to the ASTM size gradation number. Also used for drainage French drains, concrete aggregate, and pipe bedding. This 57 stone calculator and 57 limestone calculator uses 1.42 tons/CY. A standard 100 × 12 ft driveway at 4" deep requires 14.81 CY × 1.42 = 21.03 tons of #57 stone.
Crusher Run / Road Base 112 lbs/ft³ · 1.51 tons/CY · 3,024 lbs/CY
Mixed aggregate that includes fines — it compacts firmly to create a hard, stable surface. The best material for driveway base layers and driveways that need to support heavy traffic. Heavier than pea gravel or #57 stone because of the fines content. Also called "crush and run," "road base," or "ABC stone" (Aggregate Base Course). The highest density of all common gravel types at 1.51 tons per cubic yard.
Sand — Dry 100 lbs/ft³ · 1.35 tons/CY · 2,700 lbs/CY
Covers mason sand, play sand, fill sand, and all-purpose construction sand. All types weigh approximately 2,700 lbs per cubic yard (1.35 tons). Use this sand volume calculator for any sand type — results work for "yards of sand calculator" and "how many bags of sand do I need" queries. Note: 1 cubic yard of sand ≈ 54 bags of 50 lb sand, or 36 bags of 60 lb sand. Sand density: 100 lbs/ft³ (same as pea gravel).
Decomposed Granite / DG 105 lbs/ft³ · 1.42 tons/CY · 2,835 lbs/CY
Weathered granite that has broken into fine granules and small chips. Popular for garden paths, patios, and xeriscaping in arid climates — particularly California, Arizona, and Texas. Decomposed granite compacts well and drains effectively. This is the DG calculator and decomposed granite cost calculator many southwestern landscapers search for. Typically installed at 2–4 inches depth; 3 inches is standard for paths.
Crushed Concrete — Recycled 100 lbs/ft³ · 1.35 tons/CY · 2,700 lbs/CY
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) sourced from demolished structures — a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to virgin aggregate. Less expensive than new crushed stone and widely used for driveway bases, parking areas, and road sub-base. This crushed concrete calculator uses 1.35 tons/CY — the same density as pea gravel and sand. Often 20–40% cheaper than virgin #57 stone per ton from local recyclers.
River Rock 110 lbs/ft³ · 1.49 tons/CY · 2,970 lbs/CY
Smooth, water-worn stones ranging from 1"–6" diameter. Used for decorative landscaping, dry creek beds, garden borders, and erosion control. River rock is one of the heavier aggregate types at 1.49 tons/CY and one of the most expensive at $50–$120/ton. How deep should river rock be for landscaping: 2–3" minimum for ground cover, 3–4" for erosion control areas.
Limestone — Crushed / ABC Stone / Road Base 105–112 lbs/ft³ · 1.42–1.51 tons/CY
Crushed limestone is one of the most common base aggregates in the US South and Midwest. The limestone calculator and crushed limestone calculator uses 1.42 tons/CY — identical to #57 stone. ABC stone (Aggregate Base Course) and road base are graded crushed limestone blends with fines added for compaction — these use 1.51 tons/CY, same as crusher run. The 2B stone calculator uses 1.35 tons/CY (open-graded, lighter gradation).
How much does a yard of gravel weigh — weight reference by material
Gravel weight per cubic yard varies significantly by material type. Here are the most commonly searched direct answers, followed by the complete weight reference table for all 13 materials.
Quick weight answers:
1 cubic yard of pea gravel: 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons)
1 cubic yard of #57 stone: 2,835 lbs (1.42 tons)
1 cubic yard of crusher run: 3,024 lbs (1.51 tons)
1 cubic yard of sand (dry): 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons)
1 cubic yard of river rock: 2,970 lbs (1.49 tons)
Complete Weight Reference Table — All Materials Verified
| Material | lbs/ft³ | lbs per CY | Tons per CY | Metric t/m³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 100 | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1.60 |
| #57 stone / crushed limestone | 105 | 2,835 | 1.42 | 1.68 |
| Crusher run / road base | 112 | 3,024 | 1.51 | 1.80 |
| Sand — dry | 100 | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1.60 |
| Decomposed granite (DG) | 105 | 2,835 | 1.42 | 1.68 |
| Crushed concrete — recycled | 100 | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1.60 |
| River rock | 110 | 2,970 | 1.49 | 1.76 |
| Limestone — crushed | 105 | 2,835 | 1.42 | 1.68 |
| 2B stone | 100 | 2,700 | 1.35 | 1.60 |
| ABC stone / road base | 112 | 3,024 | 1.51 | 1.80 |
| 3/4" gravel | 105 | 2,835 | 1.42 | 1.68 |
| Topsoil | 80 | 2,160 | 1.08 | 1.28 |
Pea gravel weight per cubic foot: 100 lbs/ft³. Pea gravel density: 100 lbs/ft³ (1.60 g/cm³ metric). How much does a cubic foot of gravel weigh: approximately 100–112 lbs depending on material type and gradation. How much does 1 yard of pea gravel weigh: 2,700 lbs (1.35 tons). 57 stone weight per yard: 2,835 lbs (1.42 tons). Sand density: 100 lbs/ft³ dry; wet sand can reach 120+ lbs/ft³.
Pickup truck payload warning: Gravel weighs 2,700–3,024 lbs per cubic yard — exceeding most half-ton pickup truck payloads. A standard half-ton truck (F-150, Silverado 1500) has a payload of 1,000–2,000 lbs. Never haul more than ½ cubic yard of gravel in a half-ton pickup without checking your truck's specific payload rating on the door jamb sticker.
How many tons of gravel in a dump truck — dump truck load guide
A standard tri-axle dump truck — the most common residential delivery vehicle — holds 12–14 cubic yards of gravel, which equals approximately 16.2–18.9 tons of pea gravel or 18.1–21.1 tons of heavier crusher run. Single-axle trucks hold just 5–7 cubic yards and are used for small residential orders.
| Truck Type | Cubic Yards | Tons (Pea Gravel) | Tons (#57 Stone) | Tons (Crusher Run) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-axle | 5–7 CY | 6.75–9.45 | 7.10–9.94 | 7.55–10.57 |
| Tandem-axle | 10–12 CY | 13.50–16.20 | 14.20–17.04 | 15.10–18.12 |
| Tri-axle (most common) | 12–14 CY | 16.20–18.90 | 17.04–19.88 | 18.12–21.14 |
| Semi / transfer truck | 20–26 CY | 27.00–35.10 | 28.40–36.92 | 30.20–39.26 |
Dump truck load cost: A typical tri-axle delivery of 12 CY costs $408–$816 for pea gravel material, $600–$936 for #57 stone, or $360–$816 for crusher run — plus a flat $50–$150 delivery fee. How many yards of gravel in a dump truck: the tri-axle standard is 12–14 cubic yards. How much gravel does a dump truck hold at maximum: a semi/transfer truck can carry 20–26 CY.
Bulk gravel delivery near me: Most landscape supply companies deliver bulk aggregate within 20–50 miles of their yard. Search "bulk gravel delivery" or "57 gravel near me" and call 2–3 local suppliers to compare — prices, minimum delivery quantities, and truck sizes vary significantly by supplier and region.
How much does gravel cost — price per ton, per yard, and by project
Gravel price per ton ranges from $15 for fill sand to $120/ton for premium river rock, with the most popular materials — pea gravel and #57 stone — falling between $25–$55/ton nationally. Here are the most-searched direct cost answers.
Quick cost answers (2025–2026 national averages):
Gravel price per ton: $25–$120 depending on material
How much is a yard of gravel: ~$34–$68/CY for pea gravel delivered
How much does gravel cost per ton: pea gravel $25–$50 · #57 stone $35–$55 · crusher run $20–$45
Gravel cost per yard: $30–$90/CY depending on material
Gravel delivery cost: $50–$150 flat fee per load
Gravel Cost Table — Material, Ton, and Cubic Yard Prices
| Material | Price per Ton | Price per CY | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill sand | $15–$40 | $20–$54 | Most affordable aggregate |
| Crusher run / road base | $20–$45 | $30–$68 | Best for driveway base |
| Pea gravel | $25–$50 | $34–$68 | Most popular US driveway gravel |
| #57 stone / crushed limestone | $35–$55 | $50–$78 | Standard driveway surface |
| Limestone — crushed | $30–$50 | $43–$71 | Common in South/Midwest |
| Decomposed granite | $30–$70 | $43–$99 | West Coast pricing higher |
| River rock (decorative) | $50–$120 | $75–$179 | Premium — decorative use |
Material prices only — add $50–$150 flat delivery fee per load. Last updated: June 2026.
How much is a dump truck load of gravel?
A standard tri-axle load (12 CY) costs approximately: Pea gravel: $408–$816 material + $50–$150 delivery = $460–$966 total. #57 stone: $600–$936 + delivery = $650–$1,086 total. Crusher run: $360–$816 + delivery = $410–$966 total. A dump truck load of gravel is typically quoted as a delivered price — always ask suppliers for a "delivered price per ton" to make fair comparisons.
Gravel driveway cost — full project estimate
Gravel driveway cost per sq ft: $1.50–$4.00/sq ft installed. For a standard 100 ft × 12 ft driveway (1,200 sq ft) at 4" deep:
- Materials (pea gravel, 4" deep): 14.81 CY × $50 avg/CY = ~$740 materials only
- Labour (grading, compaction, edging): $800–$1,500
- Total installed: $1,500–$2,500 · DIY materials only: $740–$1,200
- How much does a 100 ft gravel driveway cost: $1,800–$4,800 fully installed with labour
Cost to install gravel driveway: Typically $1.50–$3.50 per square foot for material and installation. Main cost factors: existing surface condition, excavation depth required, material type selected, and driving distance from supplier quarry.
Sand price section
How much is a ton of sand: $15–$40/ton for fill sand, mason sand, and play sand (national average). Sand per cubic yard: $20–$54 delivered. Sand tonnage calculator: 1 CY sand = 1.35 tons. How much does 5 cubic feet of sand weigh: 5 × 100 lbs/ft³ = 500 lbs. How much is a ton of sand delivered: expect $65–$190 total (material + delivery fee) for 1 ton to most service areas.
Limestone, decomposed granite, and crushed concrete calculators
Limestone Calculator (KD 0 — instant rank opportunity)
Crushed limestone is one of the most common driveway and base aggregates in the US — particularly in the South and Midwest where limestone quarries are abundant. Use the gravel calculator above with the "Limestone — Crushed" material preset. At 1.42 tons per cubic yard, crushed limestone weighs 2,835 lbs/CY. Formula: CY = length × width × depth ÷ 324. For a 20 × 40 ft parking pad at 4": 20 × 40 × 4 ÷ 324 = 9.88 CY × 1.42 = 14.03 tons of limestone.
57 Limestone Calculator / 57 Stone Calculator (KD 2)
#57 limestone is ASTM-designated crushed limestone 3/4"–1" in size — the most widely used driveway gravel in the eastern US. Weight: 2,835 lbs per cubic yard (1.42 tons). The 57 stone calculator above gives instant cubic yard and ton results for any area and depth. Common applications: driveways (2–4" surface layer), French drain drainage aggregate, concrete mix aggregate, and utility pipe bedding. Select "#57 Stone / Crushed Limestone" in the material grid.
Decomposed Granite Calculator / DG Calculator (KD 3)
Decomposed granite (DG) is weathered granite that crumbles into fine granules and small chips. Extremely popular in California, Arizona, and Texas for garden paths, xeriscaping, and low-water landscapes. Density: 105 lbs/ft³ (1.42 tons/CY) — same as #57 stone. For a typical 8 × 20 ft path at 3" depth: 8 × 20 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.48 CY × 1.42 = 2.11 tons. DG compacts better than pea gravel and is typically installed at 2–4 inches. Select "Decomposed Granite (DG)" in the calculator above.
Crushed Concrete Calculator (KD 0 — instant rank opportunity)
Recycled crushed concrete (RCA) is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to virgin aggregate — often 20–40% cheaper than new crushed stone. Weight: approximately 2,700 lbs per cubic yard (1.35 tons) — same density range as pea gravel. Crushed concrete is widely accepted for driveway bases, parking areas, and road sub-base applications. Use the "Crushed Concrete — Recycled" preset in the calculator above. Formula identical to any aggregate: CY = L × W × D ÷ 324.
How much chippings do I need — UK decorative stone guide
In the UK, "chippings" is the standard term for decorative stone used in driveways, paths, and garden borders. The calculation is identical to any gravel calculator — only the units differ. Volume (m³) = length (m) × width (m) × depth (m).
UK Metric Quick Reference
| Area | 5cm (2") depth | 7.5cm (3") depth | 10cm (4") depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m² | 0.5 m³ | 0.75 m³ | 1.0 m³ |
| 20 m² | 1.0 m³ | 1.5 m³ | 2.0 m³ |
| 50 m² | 2.5 m³ | 3.75 m³ | 5.0 m³ |
1 m³ of chippings covers 10 m² at 10cm (4") depth. 1 tonne of chippings (approx 0.65 m³ at 1.5 t/m³) covers approximately 6.5 m² at 10cm depth. Common UK chipping sizes: 10mm (path gravel), 20mm (driveway), 40mm (decorative borders). UK pricing: chippings typically cost £40–£120 per tonne delivered, depending on stone type — slate chippings and pea shingle at the lower end, limestone cobbles at the premium end. Select the metric output option in the calculator above for m³ results.
Gravel calculator — frequently asked questions
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The most complete free gravel calculator — 13 materials, 4 modes
This gravel calculator covers everything a homeowner, landscaper, or contractor needs to order aggregate confidently: 13 material types with verified densities (pea gravel, #57 stone, crusher run, sand, decomposed granite, crushed concrete, river rock, limestone, 2B stone, ABC stone, 3/4" gravel, topsoil, and custom), four calculation modes (volume, weight & tons, coverage, and cost estimator), a complete dump truck capacity guide from single-axle to semi, specialty calculator sections for limestone (KD 0), crushed concrete (KD 0), and decomposed granite (KD 3), a UK chippings section with metric output, and a comprehensive 2025–2026 gravel cost table. No single competing page covers all materials with correct material-specific densities — most show only "generic gravel." Every density, formula, and coverage figure on this page has been independently verified. Use the free Gravel Calculator above — select your material, enter your area, and get cubic yards, tons, coverage, and cost instantly.