Gravel Calculator
Estimate cubic yards from your project area and depth. Add a source-labeled density only when you also need an approximate weight in short tons.
Compare a gravel quote per cubic yard with one per short ton
Use the same area, depth and waste allowance from the calculator above, then enter the bulk density supplied for the specific aggregate. Add each supplier's minimum quantity, order increment and delivered charges. This compares real quoted totals, not advertised per-unit prices alone. Prices are entered by you and are never fetched from retailers.
Worked example (fictional supplier offers)
A 20 ft × 10 ft area at a depth of 3 in needs 50/27 ≈ 1.852 yd³ before waste. At an assumed 2,700 lb/yd³ this is 2.5 US short tons. If the yard supplier bills at least 2 yd³ in half-yard increments at $54/yd³ plus $35 delivery, the delivered total is $143. If the ton supplier bills at least 3 short tons in half-ton increments at $42/ton plus $30 delivery, its total is $156. The first is $13 less only if the aggregate and delivery scopes actually match. These teaching prices are made up; check real quotes before ordering.
The comparison does not determine compacted depth, truck access, road restrictions, taxes not included in the entered charges, or whether one supplier's aggregate is fit for your application. If the supplier quotes a metric tonne, do not enter that rate as a US short-ton price. The default order increment is an editable illustration, not a market standard.
Continue your project estimate
Estimate gravel driveway cost →How the gravel calculation works
First calculate project area. Convert depth from inches to feet, multiply area by depth to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards.
cubic yards = area (ft²) × depth (ft) ÷ 27
If you add a waste percentage, the calculator increases the purchase quantity after the base volume is calculated. Tonnage is shown only when a density is selected because weight varies by material, grading, moisture and compaction.
Example
A 20 ft × 10 ft area at 3 in deep is 200 ft² × 0.25 ft = 50 ft³. That is about 1.85 yd³ before waste. With 10% waste, the purchase estimate is about 2.04 yd³.
Gravel cubic yards by area and depth
This quick-reference table uses the same tested volume formula as the calculator above and assumes a rectangular measured area with 0% added waste. Use it as a fast check, then enter your exact area and depth in the calculator when your project differs.
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep | 6 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 0.62 yd³ | 0.93 yd³ | 1.23 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ |
| 200 sq ft | 1.23 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ | 2.47 yd³ | 3.70 yd³ |
| 500 sq ft | 3.09 yd³ | 4.63 yd³ | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ |
| 750 sq ft | 4.63 yd³ | 6.94 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ | 13.89 yd³ |
| 1,000 sq ft | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ | 12.35 yd³ | 18.52 yd³ |
Example: 500 sq ft at 3 in deep is about 4.63 yd³ before any extra material. Weight in tons is intentionally omitted here because density varies by aggregate, grading and moisture.
Density and weight
Volume is the most reliable planning result. The optional weight presets are loose-density references and should not replace a supplier's material specification. If your quarry or supplier gives you a bulk density, use the custom density field.
Waste and compaction are not the same thing
The waste field adds extra purchase volume for spillage, uneven edges or other project-specific allowance. Compaction is different: some aggregates settle when placed and compacted, and the amount depends on material, moisture, lift thickness and installation method.
ProjectCalcWorks does not insert a hidden compaction factor. If your supplier or project specification gives a loose-to-compacted conversion, include that additional requirement deliberately rather than treating a generic percentage as universal.
Related calculators
500-sq-ft gravel example · Topsoil Calculator · Mulch Calculator
Compare gravel prices by yard versus short ton
Learn how a verified bulk density connects supplier volume and weight quotes and why delivery can reverse the result.
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