Calculate how many cubic yards and tons of gravel or crushed stone you need for driveways, pathways, landscaping, and construction. Enter area dimensions and desired depth to get your estimate.
| Application | Depth |
|---|---|
| Driveway (base layer) | 4–6 inches |
| Driveway (top layer) | 2–3 inches |
| Walking path | 2–3 inches |
| Landscaping bed | 2–3 inches |
| French drain | Fill depth of trench |
Calculating the right amount of gravel prevents costly over-ordering and time-wasting return trips to the supply store. The key variables are area (length × width) and depth — which together give you volume. Most materials are sold by the cubic yard (27 cubic feet) or by the bag/pallet.
Volume (cubic feet) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft)
Cubic yards = Cubic feet ÷ 27
Always add 10% for waste, spillage, and uneven surfaces. It's cheaper to have a little extra than to run short mid-project.
Ready-mix concrete is delivered in trucks and is cost-effective for large pours (over 1 cubic yard). For smaller projects, bagged concrete mix works well — an 80-lb bag covers about 0.6 cubic feet when mixed. Calculate the number of bags by dividing your total cubic feet by 0.6.