Landscaping
Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel volume and approximate tons from area, depth, density, and an optional compaction overage.
Landscaping
Calculator inputs
Gravel Calculator Results
Results update in your browser as you edit inputs.
Enter project dimensions to calculate material quantity.
Assumptions
- The area is treated as a rectangle with even depth.
- Density varies by material, moisture, compaction, and supplier.
- The overage factor is a planning allowance for compaction, settling, uneven areas, and small losses.
- This is a volume and approximate weight estimate, not a delivery quote.
- Any cost estimate uses only the unit price you enter. The site does not provide live, current, near-me, or store-specific material prices.
Formula
- Cubic feet = length x width x depth in feet.
- Cubic yards = cubic feet divided by 27.
- Overage volume = base volume x (1 + compaction / overage factor).
- Tons estimate = overage cubic yards x density in tons per cubic yard.
Example calculation
Example: 20 x 4 path
A 20 ft by 4 ft path at 3 in deep needs about 20 cubic feet, or 0.74 cubic yards, before overage. With 10% overage at 1.4 tons per cubic yard, that is about 1.14 tons.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting depth is entered in inches.
- Treating tons as exact when density varies.
- Skipping compaction and base-layer requirements.
FAQ
Is the tons estimate exact?
No. It is an approximation based on the density value you select.
Does this include delivery fees?
No. The calculator does not provide supplier pricing or delivery quotes.