GRAVEL / TOPSOIL
About this calculator
This gravel calculator computes how much gravel, crushed stone, or topsoil you need for a driveway, patio base, or fill area. Enter the area dimensions and the depth of fill, and the calculator returns cubic yards along with the equivalent in tons (gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, topsoil about 1.0 ton). Most quarries sell by the ton, while landscape suppliers often sell by the cubic yard.
How to use this calculator
Measure the area length and width in feet, set the depth in inches, and pick the material. Gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard, sand about 1.3, and topsoil about 1.0 — the calculator returns both volume (cubic yards) and weight (tons) so you can match whichever unit your supplier prices in.
For driveway base, use 4 inches minimum over compacted subgrade; 6 inches if the soil is soft or expansive. For walkway base under pavers, 4 inches of crushed stone is typical. For drainage gravel around a French drain or foundation, 6–12 inches is common. For topsoil over a lawn, 2–4 inches is enough for new sod or seed.
Worked example
A 30 × 12 ft driveway base at 4 inches deep, using crushed gravel:
Volume = 30 × 12 × (4 ÷ 12) = 120 ft³. In cubic yards: 120 ÷ 27 = 4.44 yd³.
In tons: 4.44 × 1.4 = 6.22 tons.
At $30–$50 per yard delivered, that's $130–$220 in materials. A pickup truck holds about 1 yard of gravel safely (gravel is heavy — don't max out a half-ton truck), so you're either getting it delivered or making 4–5 trips with a trailer.
For a 12 × 12 ft patio base under pavers at 4 inches deep: 1.78 yd³ = 2.5 tons. Add another 1 inch (0.45 yd³) of paver sand on top for the screed bed.
Common mistakes & waste factors
Skipping the compaction step. Loose gravel settles 15–25% the first year. Always compact in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor (rentable for ~$70/day) to lock the stone in place.
Mixing rock sizes incorrectly. Driveways need ¾-inch crushed gravel as a base with a top layer of #57 stone or pea gravel. Pure pea gravel as a base shifts under weight; pure ¾-inch on top is ankle-twisting to walk on.
Underordering. Bulk gravel is heavy and a 5% short order means a second delivery fee that often costs more than the missing material. Add 10% to your calculated volume.
Confusing tons and yards. Suppliers price either way. Always confirm — a "5-yard delivery" and a "5-ton delivery" for gravel are different volumes (5 tons of gravel is only 3.6 yards).
Rules of thumb
Gravel: 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Topsoil: 1.0 ton per cubic yard. Sand: 1.3 tons per cubic yard.
1 cubic yard covers 81 ft² at 4 inches deep, or 54 ft² at 6 inches.
Driveway minimum: 4 inches over compacted subgrade; 6 inches if heavy vehicles or soft soil.
Paver base: 4 inches of ¾-inch crushed stone, then 1 inch of paver sand for screeding.
A standard pickup bed safely hauls 1 cubic yard of gravel (about 2,800 lbs). A half-ton truck shouldn't try to carry more than 1 yard; ¾-ton can take 1.5 yards.