How it works
Calculate your material requirement
Estimate gravel volume, cubic yards, and tons for driveways, paths, patios, and landscaping projects.
The formula
Base cubic yards = length × width × (depth ÷ 12) × quantity ÷ 27. Order cubic yards = base cubic yards × (1 + extra material percentage). Estimated tons = order cubic yards × material density.
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft area at 3 in deep contains 1.85 yd³ before extra material. With 10% extra, plan to order about 2.04 yd³, or about 2.85 tons at a density of 1.4 tons/yd³.
Before you order
- Compacted base gravel is commonly ordered by weight.
- Ask the supplier for the actual density of the product you selected.
- Irregular areas can be divided into rectangles and added together.