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Gravel Calculator

This gravel calculator takes one or more areas and a depth and gives the volume, the weight in metric tonnes and US short tons, and an optional cost — using a density you can check and change.

Areas to cover

Driveway
m
m
cm

30 m² × 10 cm = 3 m³

kg/m³
%

For compaction, uneven ground and spillage.

Gravel, dry: 105 lb/ft³. Source: Engineering ToolBox — Dirt and Mud Densities (checked 2026-10-06). Density depends on stone size, grading and moisture — use your supplier's figure when you have it.

USD

Gravel needed

5.54 tonnes, 6.11 short tons

5.54metric tonnes

= 6.11 US short tons · 5,544 kg · 12,222 lb

Volume
3.3 m³
4.32 yd³
Before allowance
3 m³
5,040 kg
  1. volume = Σ area × depth = 3 m³
  2. + 10% allowance = 3.3 m³
  3. mass = volume × 1,680 kg/m³ = 5,544 kg
  4. 1 tonne = 1,000 kg · 1 short ton = 907.18 kg

An estimate for ordering. Suppliers may sell by loose volume or by weight, and compacted gravel takes more material than its finished volume suggests.

How it's calculated

  1. Area: length × width, π × (diameter ÷ 2)², or the area you enter.
  2. Volume = area × depth, added up for every area, then increased by your allowance.
  3. Weight = volume × bulk density. 1 tonne = 1,000 kg; 1 US short ton = 907.18474 kg.

Worked example

A 10 m² path at 0.1 m deep needs 10 × 0.1 = 1 m³. At a density of 1,600 kg/m³ that weighs 1,600 kg — 1.6 metric tonnes or 1.76 US short tons — before the allowance.

Frequently asked questions

How much gravel do I need?+

Multiply each area by its depth to get the volume, add an allowance for compaction and uneven ground, then multiply by the material's bulk density to get the weight. 10 m² at 10 cm deep is 1 m³; at 1,600 kg/m³ that's 1,600 kg (1.6 tonnes) before any allowance.

How many tons is a cubic yard of gravel?+

It depends on the stone. At 1,680 kg/m³ (dry gravel) one cubic yard weighs about 1,284 kg — 1.28 metric tonnes or 1.42 US short tons. Lighter loose or crushed material weighs less, wet gravel more. Ask your supplier for the density of what they sell.

Are tonnes and tons the same?+

No. A metric tonne is 1,000 kg. A US short ton is 2,000 lb (907.18 kg). A UK long ton is 2,240 lb (1,016 kg). The calculator labels metric tonnes and US short tons separately.

How deep should gravel be?+

As a rough guide, decorative paths and borders are 5 cm (2 in), footpaths 5–7.5 cm (2–3 in) and driveways 10–15 cm (4–6 in) over a compacted sub-base. Follow your installer or supplier's advice for your ground.

Where do the density figures come from?+

The presets come from published Engineering ToolBox tables (linked under the material picker, checked 6 October 2026). Real gravel varies with size, shape, grading and moisture, so every preset can be edited.

How much gravel do I need for a driveway?+

A 30 × 10 ft driveway 4 in deep is 3.7 cubic yards. With a 10% allowance that's 4.07 yd³, which at the dry-gravel density of 1,680 kg/m³ weighs about 5.8 US short tons (5.2 metric tonnes).

How many square feet does a ton of gravel cover?+

At 1,680 kg/m³, one US short ton is about 19.1 cubic feet. That covers roughly 114 sq ft at 2 in deep, 76 sq ft at 3 in and 57 sq ft at 4 in. Lighter or heavier stone covers more or less.

Why add extra gravel for compaction?+

Loose gravel settles and packs down when it's rolled or driven on, and ground is rarely perfectly level, so the finished layer uses more than its plain volume. The calculator adds 10% by default; change the allowance to match your supplier's or installer's advice.

Can I work out gravel for several areas or a round bed?+

Yes. Add as many areas as you need, each as a rectangle, a circle (by diameter) or a known area, and each with its own depth. The calculator adds them up before applying the allowance and density.

Does it work for sand or crushed stone?+

Yes. The material list includes dry and wet sand and crushed limestone as well as gravel. For anything else, such as pea gravel, decomposed granite or road base, pick Custom and enter the bulk density your supplier gives you.

Should I buy gravel by the ton or by the cubic yard?+

Suppliers sell either way, so use whichever your quote uses. Enter the price and choose per tonne, per US short ton, per cubic meter or per cubic yard; the calculator converts your total to match. Delivery charges aren't included.

Is anything I enter saved or sent?+

No. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is uploaded or stored.

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