Gravel & Sand Calculator
Estimate cubic yards and tons of gravel, sand, or aggregate for any project.
Reviewed by the ToolNestr Editorial Team — July 2026
How the gravel and sand calculator works
The gravel and sand calculator determines the volume of material needed for a rectangular area at a given depth. It calculates cubic feet, converts to cubic yards, and estimates weight in tons based on the material type's density. Different materials have different densities — gravel is heavier than sand, and crushed stone is heavier than pea gravel.
To use the calculator, enter the length and width of the area in feet and the desired depth in inches. Select the material type — each type has a different tons-per-cubic-yard factor. The calculator shows the volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, plus the estimated weight in tons. Most suppliers sell bulk aggregates by the ton, so the weight is the practical number for ordering.
Aggregate grading and base-course depths follow ASTM D448 (Standard Classification for Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction) and typical state DOT gravel-base specifications.
Measure the area
Measure the length and width of the area to be covered. Determine the depth needed.
Select material
Choose gravel, sand, crushed stone, or pea gravel. The density changes the weight estimate.
Order the right amount
Call your supplier with the cubic yards or tons. Add 10% for compaction and spreading waste.
The formula explained
Volume in cubic feet
V = L × W × (D/12). For a 20′ × 12′ driveway at 4 inches: 20 × 12 × (4/12) = 80 cu ft.
Cubic yards
CY = V / 27. 80 / 27 = 2.96 cu yd.
Weight in tons
Tons = CY × density (t/cy). For gravel at 1.95 t/cy: 2.96 × 1.95 = 5.77 tons.
Worked example
A 30′ × 20′ gravel parking area, 6 inches deep, using crushed stone (2.0 t/cy), plus 10% extra for compaction.
Use cases for the gravel and sand calculator
Driveway topping
Add a fresh layer of gravel to your driveway. Standard depth is 4 inches. Calculate the volume based on your driveway dimensions and order the right amount for a smooth, mud-free surface.
Garden paths
Pea gravel paths are attractive and functional in gardens. Use 2-3 inches of depth. The calculator helps you find the right amount for winding paths and irregular garden beds.
Paver base
Sand is used as the setting bed for pavers. Calculate the sand volume needed at 1-2 inches depth over the entire paver area. Add the gravel base layer (4-6 inches) separately.
Foundation backfill
Crushed stone is used for foundation drainage and backfill. Calculate the volume of the trench around the foundation footings to determine how much stone to order.
Tips for buying aggregate
Order extra for compaction
Aggregates compact by 10-20% when rolled or tamped. Order 10-15% more than the calculated volume to account for compaction. This is especially important for driveways and base layers where proper compaction determines long-term stability.
Know the difference between stone sizes
Crushed stone is graded by number: #57 (1 inch) is the most common for driveways and base layers. #67 (3/4 inch) works well for pathways. #3 (2 inches) is used as a base layer. Pea gravel (3/8-1/2 inch) is for decorative surfaces and paths.
Check delivery minimums
Most aggregate suppliers have a minimum delivery of 3-5 tons. For smaller amounts, you will pay more per ton or need to pick it up yourself in a truck or trailer. Bagged gravel from home centers costs more per ton but is better for small projects.
Real-world context
Setting sand for pavers is one of the smallest and most precise jobs this calculator handles. A 12 ft by 10 ft patio needs a 1.5-inch sand bed: 12 × 10 × (1.5/12) = 15 cubic feet, which is only 0.556 cubic yards — about 0.75 tons of sand at 1.35 tons per cubic yard. That's small enough to fit in the bed of a pickup truck, and well below most suppliers' delivery minimums, which is why many patio installers buy bagged sand for jobs this size instead of ordering bulk.
Long gravel driveways sit at the opposite end of the scale. A 60 ft driveway, 14 ft wide, topped with 5 inches of gravel needs 60 × 14 × (5/12) = 350 cubic feet, or about 12.96 cubic yards — roughly 25.3 tons at gravel's typical 1.95 tons per cubic yard. At that volume, a dump truck delivery is the only practical option, and most quarries price a full truckload noticeably cheaper per ton than a partial load.
A winding pea gravel garden path shows how depth and density work together on a lighter project. A path 150 ft long (measured along its curves) and 3 ft wide at 2 inches deep needs 150 × 3 × (2/12) = 75 cubic feet, about 2.78 cubic yards. Because pea gravel is lighter than crushed stone at roughly 1.8 tons per cubic yard, that comes out to exactly 5 tons — noticeably less than the same volume of crushed stone would weigh, which matters when comparing delivery quotes priced by the ton.
Common misconceptions
"A ton of gravel and a ton of sand cover about the same area." Not true. Sand is lighter per cubic yard (about 1.35 t/cy) than gravel (about 1.95 t/cy) in the densities this calculator uses, so a ton of sand actually spreads over noticeably more volume than a ton of gravel. Always convert to cubic yards first when comparing coverage between materials, not tons directly.
"The calculated volume is exactly how much material to order." Order more. Loose aggregate compacts 10-20% once it's spread, rolled, or driven over, so the finished depth ends up shallower than the loose volume delivered. Suppliers and contractors routinely add 10-15% to the raw calculation specifically to account for this settling, not just for spillage.
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
A cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.9-2.0 tons (3,800-4,000 lbs). The exact weight depends on the stone size and type. Pea gravel is lighter, while crushed stone is heavier.
What depth of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A gravel driveway needs 4-6 inches of compacted gravel. Use a 6-inch base of larger crushed stone (#3 or #4) topped with 2-4 inches of smaller gravel (#57 or #67) for a stable, smooth surface.
Should I order by cubic yard or ton?
Most suppliers sell bulk material by the ton, but they also quote by the cubic yard. Use the calculator to get both numbers so you can compare quotes from different suppliers.
How much sand do I need for a paver base?
Paver sand base should be 1-2 inches deep after compaction. For a 100 sq ft patio: 100 × (1.5/12) = 12.5 cu ft, which is about 0.46 cu yd or roughly 0.9 tons.
Sources & references
This tool uses standard formulas and reference values from:
- • American Concrete Institute — ACI 318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete. concrete.org
- • ICC — International Residential Code (IRC), span, footing and framing tables. codes.iccsafe.org
- • APA – The Engineered Wood Association, allowable span and load guidance.
Estimates for planning only. Span, load and code values vary by jurisdiction — verify against your local adopted code and a licensed engineer before building.