How much gravel do I need?
Measure length and width, then use the compacted depth your project calls for. The calculator converts that volume to cubic yards and estimated weight.
Gravel calculator
Measure the bed.
Plan the load.
Estimate cubic yards, tons, and 50 lb bags for driveways, paths, and landscape beds.
Estimated orderIncludes 10% extra
1.10cubic yards
1.54US tons
1.40metric tonnes
6250 lb bags
- Volume
- 29.7 ft³
- Material density
- 1.40 tons/yd³
- Coverage area
- 108 ft²
Volume follows the dimensions you enter. Weight and bag counts are estimates based on the displayed density. Round up to the supplier's available order size.
Yards or tons?
Landscape suppliers may sell by volume or weight. Choose a planning preset, then replace its density with your supplier's figure before ordering by US short ton.
What does extra cover?
An overage can cover uneven ground, settling, and small measurement errors. It is added to volume, tons, and bag count.
Check the estimate
The gravel calculation, step by step
Formula
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 324
For a circle, area is π × radius². Extra is applied to volume first, then estimated weight equals adjusted cubic yards × density. Bag count rounds up because partial bags cannot be purchased.
Worked example
- Bed
- 12 × 9 ft × 3 in
- Volume + 10%
- 1.10 yd³
- At 1.40 tons/yd³
- 1.54 US tons
- 50 lb bags
- 62 bags
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Unit conversions follow the NIST conversion factors. Material density is not universal; use the value from your supplier when available.
Gravel calculator questions
Is a cubic yard the same as a ton?
No. A cubic yard measures volume and a ton measures weight. The conversion changes with material density, moisture, grading, and compaction.
Should I include extra material?
Use the overage your project and supplier recommend. The 10% default is a planning allowance, not a rule for every site.
Why does the calculator round bag count up?
The exact weight may require part of a bag, but bags are normally sold whole. Bulk tonnage is left unrounded enough for you to follow the supplier's order increments.