Gravel Calculator (Tons, Cubic Yards & Driveway Estimator)

Calculate exact gravel tonnage and cubic yards for driveways, French drains, walkways, and patio bases. Compares pea gravel, #57 crushed stone, crusher run, and decomposed granite.

Presets:

1. Material Grade & Project Dimensions

Area: 600.0 sq ft (55.74 m²) Net Vol: 7.41 cu yd (5.66 m³)
Area: 224.0 sq ft (20.81 m²) Net Vol: 2.77 cu yd (2.11 m³)

2. Material Takeoff, Blueprint & Cost

CAD FIELD BLUEPRINT (LIVE) BUILDCALC
Isometric 3D Layer Blueprint (2 Zones) L: 50.0 ft W: 12.0 ft D: 4.0 in 2 ZONES COMBINED VOLUME & MASS 11.39 cu yd 8.71 m³ · 307.6 ft³ 15.38 US tons 13.95 t · 30,763 lbs Area: 824.0 sq ft Waste: +12% (100 lb/ft³)
Total Volume & Tonnage (incl. waste) 11.39 cu yd · 15.38 tons 8.71 m³ · 13.95 metric tonnes (30,763 lbs)
Total Material Weight
15.38 US tons
30,763 lbs (100 lb/ft³)
Store Bags (50-lb bags)
616 bags
307.6 cu ft (8,711 L)
Total Project Area (Net)
824.0 sq ft
76.6 m² (+12% waste)
Half-Ton Pickup Truck Loads
21 trips
@ 1,500 lb safe bed payload
Cost Break-Even: Bulk Dump Truck vs. Store Bags Bulk Truck saves $2,275
Bulk Dump Truck (15.38 tons + $85 delivery) $793
616 × 50-lb Hardware Store Bags $3,068
Show Step-by-Step Formula & Takeoff Math
Net Area = 824.00 sq ft (76.55 m²) Net Volume = 274.67 cu ft ÷ 27 = 10.17 cu yd With +12% Allowance = 11.39 cu yd (8.71 m³) Weight = 307.63 cu ft × 100 lb/ft³ = 30,763 lbs = 15.38 US tons (13.95 t)

Recommended Gravel Depth & Grade by Project Type

Material / ApplicationStandard Spec / DepthCoverage / WeightField Note
Walkway / Garden Path (Gartenweg)2 – 3 inches (5 – 8 cm)Pea Gravel, Decomposed Granite, 3/8" Chip+10% compaction
Driveway Top Layer (Einfahrt Deckschicht)3 – 4 inches (8 – 10 cm)#57 Crushed Stone (3/4" angular)+12% compaction
Driveway Sub-Base (Einfahrt Tragschicht)4 – 6 inches (10 – 15 cm)#3 Stone + Crusher Run (#411 with fines)+15% plate compactor
Patio / Shed Pad (Terrassen-/Gartenhaus-Bett)4 – 6 inches (10 – 15 cm)#57 Clean Angular Stone or Crusher Run+12–15% compaction
French Drain Trench (Drainagegraben)12 – 24 inches (30 – 60 cm)Washed #57 Stone or 3/4"–1.5" Drain Rock+5% settling

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Frequently Asked Questions & Field Guide

How much gravel do I need for a 100 ft driveway?

A 100 ft × 12 ft single-lane driveway resurfaced at 4 inches deep requires 14.8 cubic yards net, or 16.6 cubic yards with a 12% compaction allowance — which equals roughly 22.4 US tons of #57 crushed stone (about 1.5 tri-axle dump truck loads).

Why is angular crushed stone (#57) better than pea gravel for driveways?

Crushed stone has sharp, fractured edges that interlock under vehicle tires and a plate compactor. Pea gravel has smooth, rounded edges that roll like marbles under car tires, creating ruts unless stabilized inside a honeycomb gravel grid.

How much does a cubic yard of gravel cover at 2, 3, and 4 inches deep?

1 cubic yard (27 cu ft) covers 162 sq ft at 2 inches deep, 108 sq ft at 3 inches deep, 81 sq ft at 4 inches deep, and 54 sq ft at 6 inches deep.