Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel area, volume, waste-adjusted quantity, approximate tonnage, metric tonnes, and optional bag counts for rectangular or circular projects.
Enter measurements below. The result updates as you type.
Calculation breakdown
Geometry
Area = length x width
Base volume
20 cu ft before waste
Purchase volume
0.81 cu yd after 10% waste
Mass estimate
0.81 cu yd x 1.35 tons/cu yd
More Gravel help
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Open the project hub for nearby tools, measurement guidance, and published articles.
Formula explanation
Core gravel estimate basis
Area = length x width or pi x radius^2; volume = area x depth; mass = volume x density
- Depth must be converted to the same base unit before multiplying.
- Tonnage requires a material density value and should be treated as an estimate.
- Waste allowance should be shown separately from base volume.
Example structure
Rectangular path example
20 ft long x 4 ft wide x 3 in deep
- 1Convert 3 inches to 0.25 feet.
- 2Multiply 20 x 4 x 0.25.
- 3Convert cubic feet to cubic yards if needed.
Base volume: 20 cubic feet, before waste or density conversion.
Assumptions to verify
Before this calculator goes live
- Rectangular and circular areas are supported in this calculator.
- Depth, compaction, and gravel type can materially change the final order quantity.
- Density presets are approximate planning defaults and remain editable.
Measurement checklist
How to measure
- For rectangular projects, measure the usable length and width of the area to be covered.
- For circular projects, measure the full diameter across the circle.
- Measure gravel depth separately and use a compacted finished depth when that is what you need to order for.
- Use supplier density when available, especially for compacted crushed stone or decorative rock.
Avoid these errors
Common mistakes
- Using inches for depth while leaving the calculator in metric mode.
- Treating gravel tonnage as exact when density and moisture can vary.
- Forgetting that compaction can change the delivered quantity needed on site.
- Ordering without checking supplier minimums, delivery units, and local product density.
Estimate disclaimer
Verify before ordering.
Use the output as a planning baseline. Site conditions, product coverage, waste, supplier units, installation method, and local requirements can change the final quantity.
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Published guides
Understand the measurements and assumptions
Supporting guide
How Much Gravel Do I Need for a Driveway?
Turn driveway measurements into cubic yards, cubic metres, and approximate tons while keeping depth, density, compaction, and waste assumptions visible.
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Supporting guide
Gravel Driveway Cost: Size, Depth, Tons, and Delivery
Turn a measured driveway into a practical gravel cost estimate by separating volume, tonnage, delivery, site work, and local pricing assumptions.
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Common questions
Use the result with context
01Is gravel weight exact?+
No. Weight is an estimate based on the density value you choose. Gravel density varies by material, moisture, gradation, and compaction.
02Why does gravel need density?+
Gravel volume and gravel weight are different estimates. Tonnage depends on material type, moisture, compaction, and supplier data.
03Should the estimate include waste?+
Yes. The live calculator should show base quantity and the added allowance separately so the user can understand the order margin.