YardGravel Calculator: Yards, Tons & Bags
Use this gravel calculator to estimate cubic yards, US tons and bags for paths or landscape projects. Enter your dimensions and supplier density, then compare delivery and bag costs.
01 Measure your space
Add each bed or section. Different sizes are welcome.
Extra is an ordering allowance, not a recommendation to apply a thicker layer.
Enable JavaScript for an interactive estimate. Formulas and examples are available below.
02 Compare your prices
OPTIONALReplace example prices with your store and supplier quotes.
Minimum and increment use the selected bulk pricing unit. Prices exclude tax and installation.
Take it to the store
Save a copy of your result here. It stays in this browser after you reload the page.
Volume and weight answer different questions
Dimensions give you volume. A supplier selling by the ton needs weight, which depends on bulk density. Enter the supplier’s density in pounds per cubic foot. The default of 100 lb/ft³ is an illustrative value, not a property shared by all gravel.
Moisture, particle size and how material is packed affect bulk density. A US short ton is 2,000 pounds; it is not a metric tonne. Select the pricing unit that matches your quote.
Example: a 10 × 20 ft area
At 3 inches deep, the volume is 50 cubic feet, or about 1.85 cubic yards. At an assumed 100 lb/ft³, the weight is 5,000 pounds, or 2.5 US tons, before extra allowance and purchase rounding.
For a driveway or base layer, ask your installer or supplier for the specified depth and ordering allowance. This calculator estimates material; it does not design load-bearing layers or calculate compaction from a material test.
Frequently asked questions
Is one cubic yard always the same number of tons?
No. Multiply 27 by your density in lb/ft³, then divide by 2,000. At 100 lb/ft³ a yard is 1.35 US tons; a different density gives a different result.
Does the extra percentage calculate compaction?
No. It is a user-selected ordering allowance. If a project specifies compacted thickness, obtain the required loose delivery quantity or allowance from your supplier.
Should I use a pea gravel calculation?
The geometry is the same, but the density and intended project may differ. Our pea gravel calculator explains the product-specific inputs.
How the estimate works
For each rectangular area, multiply length by width, then multiply by depth in feet. A square uses side length × side length. An oval uses length × width × π ÷ 4. A circle uses π × radius². Add the volumes of all areas, then apply the extra-material percentage once.
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard. Bag quantities round up to whole bags. Bulk orders round up to the increment you enter, after applying your supplier’s minimum order. Taxes, installation, pickup costs and additional fees are excluded.