Gravel Calculators
Whether you're building a structural driveway base, laying decorative pea gravel in your garden, or filling an aquarium, our suite of free gravel calculators helps you precisely estimate volume, weight, and costs depending on the exact material density.
Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel volume, tons, cubic yards, and estimated cost.
Gravel Driveway Calculator
Estimate driveway gravel in tons, yards, and total cost.
Pea Gravel Calculator
Estimate pea gravel needed for landscaping.
Gravel Tons to Yards Calculator
Convert between gravel tons and cubic yards.
Gravel Cost Calculator
Estimate total project cost including delivery for gravel projects.
Aquarium Gravel Calculator
Calculate pounds and bags of gravel for your aquarium.
How to Estimate Gravel Projects Accurately
The most common mistake when ordering landscaping materials is confusing volume (cubic yards) with weight (tons). Local suppliers load material by the cubic yard; quarries and commercial operations weigh trucks and sell by the ton. Knowing your project's cubic yards lets you convert to tons — or to bags — depending on how your supplier sells the material.
Crushed Stone / Standard Gravel
Density: ~105 lb/ft³
Per cubic yard: ≈ 1.4 t/yd³
Best for driveways & bases
Pea Gravel
Density: ~100 lb/ft³
Per cubic yard: ≈ 1.35 t/yd³
Walkways, play areas, decorative
River Rock / Lava Rock
Density: 80–110 lb/ft³
Per cubic yard: ≈ 1.1–1.5 t/yd³
Varies by porosity & mineral type
Core Formula
Volume (yd³) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 — then multiply by material density to get weight in tons. Always add 10–15% for waste and compaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a 10×20 driveway at 4 inches deep?
- Volume = (10 × 20 × 0.333) ÷ 27 ≈ 2.47 yd³. Add 10% waste → order roughly 2.72 yd³. Use the Gravel Driveway Calculator above to model any size instantly.
- How do I convert gravel tons to cubic yards?
- Divide the weight in tons by the material density in t/yd³. For crushed stone at 1.4 t/yd³: 5 tons ÷ 1.4 = 3.57 yd³. Our Gravel Tons to Yards Calculator does this in one click.
- How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
- Residential driveways need 4–6 inches of compacted gravel. High-traffic or commercial driveways may require 8–12 inches. A deeper base improves drainage and prevents rutting.
- How much gravel do I need for an aquarium?
- The standard rule is 1 lb per gallon of tank water, or a 1–2 inch bed. Our Aquarium Gravel Calculator accepts tank dimensions and returns the exact weight in pounds and kilograms.
- Does the calculator account for compaction?
- Yes — all our gravel calculators apply a 10% default waste/compaction factor. For heavily trafficked driveways, increase this to 15% for a reliable buffer.