Cubic yards vs. tons
Quarries and landscape yards sell aggregate either by volume (cubic yards) or by weight (tons). Your project is a volume, so the calculator works out cubic yards first, then multiplies by the material's density to get tons:
Tons = cubic yards × density (tons per yd³)
Density depends on the stone, its size range and how wet it is. Published reference ranges (Inch Calculator) put ¼–2 in gravel at about 1.4–1.7 tons per cubic yard, pea gravel at 1.25–1.5, and larger 2–6 in rock at 1.1–1.4. The default here is 1.4. Your supplier knows the real figure for their material, so ask and type it in.
| Material | Approx. tons per yd³ |
|---|---|
| Gravel ¼–2 in | 1.4–1.7 |
| Pea gravel | 1.25–1.5 |
| Rock 2–6 in | 1.1–1.4 |
| Sand, dry | 1.3–1.5 |
| Topsoil, dry | 1.0–1.3 |
| Material | Approx. tonnes per m³ |
|---|---|
| Gravel 6–50 mm | 1.66–2.02 |
| Pea gravel | 1.49–1.88 |
| Rock 50–150 mm | 1.30–1.66 |
| Sand, dry | 1.54–1.78 |
| Topsoil, dry | 1.19–1.54 |
How the volume is calculated
Volume = length × width × (depth ÷ 12). That's then raised by the compaction allowance, because loose base material settles when you compact it, so you need more loose stone than the finished depth suggests. Then the waste percentage is added. The defaults (20 × 10 ft at 4 in, 10% compaction, 5% waste) give 2.85 yd³ (77 ft³), or 3.99 tons at 1.4 tons per yd³. The compaction figure is a rule of thumb. Some crushed bases compact more, so ask your supplier.
Bagged gravel
For small jobs, the calculator also counts bags: bags = weight ÷ bag weight, using the density above. Bagged gravel and paver base are commonly sold in 0.5 ft³ bags of about 50 lb (Quikrete HardScapes Paver Base is one example), so 40 and 50 lb presets are included. The defaults (20 × 10 ft at 4 in) come to 3.99 tons, or 160 bags of 50 lb. At that size, a bulk delivery is usually easier.
For small jobs, the calculator also counts bags: bags = weight ÷ bag weight, using the density above. Bagged gravel and sub-base are commonly sold in 20–25 kg bags, so those are the presets. The metric defaults (6 × 3 m at 10 cm) come to 3.53 tonnes, or 142 bags of 25 kg. At that size, a bulk delivery is usually easier.
How deep should gravel be?
- Decorative stone and paths: often 2–3 in over landscape fabric. Thicker layers of round stone get loose underfoot.
- Base under pavers: ICPI Tech Spec 2 calls for at least 4 in compacted under patios and walkways on well-drained soil, at least 6 in under residential driveways, and 2–4 in more in cold climates or on wet or weak soils.
- Gravel driveways are usually built in layers: a coarse, well-compacted base topped with a finer surface course. Total depth depends heavily on the soil and traffic, so get advice from a local supplier or contractor.
- Under concrete slabs: a compacted granular base is common. Thickness follows local practice and the plans.
Which gravel?
- Crushed stone with fines (sold as crusher run, dense-graded base, road base or "item 4", depending on region) has angular stones with dust that locks together when compacted. It's the usual base under pavers, slabs and driveways. ICPI points to ASTM D2940 base gradations where there's no local standard.
- Clean crushed stone (often sold by number, such as #57) has no fines, so water drains through it. It's used for drainage, French drains and permeable pavers.
- Pea gravel is small and rounded. It's comfortable underfoot but doesn't lock together, so it needs edging.
- Decorative river rock is larger and rounded. Use it for borders and dry creek beds.
Names and sizes vary by region and quarry. Describe the job to the yard, and confirm what you're getting and its weight per yard.
Worked examples
Single-car gravel pad, 20 × 12 ft, 6 in of baseSingle-car gravel pad, 6.1 × 3.66 m, 15.2 cm of base
Length 20 ft · Width 12 ft · Depth 6 in · Material density 1.5 tons/yd³ · Compaction allowance 10 % · Waste / overage 5 % · Bag weight 50 lbLength 6.1 m · Width 3.66 m · Depth 15.2 cm · Material density 1.78 t/m³ · Compaction allowance 10 % · Waste / overage 5 % · Bag weight 22.7 kg
- Volume: 5.13 yd³ (138.6 ft³)Volume: 3.92 m³
- Weight: 7.7 tonsWeight: 6.99 tonnes
Garden path, 40 × 3 ft, 2 in pea gravelGarden path, 12.2 × 0.91 m, 5.1 cm pea gravel
Length 40 ft · Width 3 ft · Depth 2 in · Material density 1.4 tons/yd³ · Compaction allowance 0 % · Waste / overage 5 % · Bag weight 50 lbLength 12.19 m · Width 0.91 m · Depth 5.1 cm · Material density 1.66 t/m³ · Compaction allowance 0 % · Waste / overage 5 % · Bag weight 22.7 kg
- Volume: 0.78 yd³ (21 ft³)Volume: 0.595 m³ (595 L)
- Weight: 1.09 tonsWeight: 0.99 tonnes
French drain trench, 50 ft × 1 ft wide × 18 in deepFrench drain trench, 15.2 m × 0.3 m wide × 45.7 cm deep
Length 50 ft · Width 1 ft · Depth 18 in · Material density 1.4 tons/yd³ · Compaction allowance 0 % · Waste / overage 5 % · Bag weight 50 lbLength 15.24 m · Width 0.3 m · Depth 45.7 cm · Material density 1.66 t/m³ · Compaction allowance 0 % · Waste / overage 5 % · Bag weight 22.7 kg
- Volume: 2.92 yd³ (78.8 ft³)Volume: 2.23 m³
- Weight: 4.08 tonsWeight: 3.7 tonnes
A 4 in perforated pipe takes up about 0.09 ft³ per foot (4.4 ft³ over 50 ft), which you can subtract if you want to be exact.A 10.2 cm perforated pipe takes up about 8.4 L per metre (125 L over 15.2 m), which you can subtract if you want to be exact.
Ordering tips
- Most yards deliver by dump truck and have a minimum load. Ask what it is and where the truck can tip. A full load dumped in the wrong place is hard to move.
- Round up to the yard's ordering increment (often ½ yd or 1 ton), not down.
- Protect the driveway or lawn where the pile lands with a tarp or plywood. Some materials stain.
- Compact base in lifts with a plate compactor rather than all at once. ICPI's paver guidance uses lifts of about 4–6 in, depending on the compactor.
Spreading and compacting
Have the load dumped as close to the work area as the truck can safely reach. Bulk gravel is heavy to wheelbarrow, and a tarp under the pile protects the lawn. For a base under pavers or a slab, spread and compact the gravel in layers. ICPI's guidance for paver base is lifts of about 4–6 in, compacted with a plate compactor. A driveway or path holds its shape better with an edge to contain the stone and a slight crown or slope so water runs off rather than pooling. Loose gravel loses volume when it's compacted. The calculator's compaction allowance (10% by default, adjustable) accounts for that on base layers.
Checked against
Each case below is re-run against the calculator by our automated test suite.
| Case | Our result | Checked against | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 yd³ of gravel at the default density | 1.4 tons | InchCalculator.com gravel calculator (published density range) | Within the published range |
| Case | Our result | Checked against | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.76 m³ of gravel at the default density | 1.27 tonnes | InchCalculator.com gravel calculator (published density range) | Within the published range |
Frequently asked questions
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
Typically 1.4–1.7 tons for ¼–2 in gravel (published reference range). Ask your supplier for their exact figure.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length × width × depth. A 50 × 10 ft driveway at 6 in is 250 ft³, about 9.3 yd³ before compaction, or roughly 13–16 tons at 1.4–1.7 t/yd³.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per yd³, one ton is about 19 ft³. That covers about 58 ft² at 4 in deep, or 116 ft² at 2 in.
How much gravel for under a concrete slab?
Use the slab's length and width with your base depth. The calculator adds compaction so you order enough loose stone.
Sources & assumptions
The results are planning estimates, and the cost figures only use prices you enter. Product yields, densities and coverage rates vary, so check the label or ask your supplier, and follow local codes. Figures marked "approximate" or "rule of thumb" are general practice, not exact standards.
- Inch Calculator: weight per cubic yard of landscape materials (published reference ranges)
- Quikrete HardScapes Paver Base, 0.5 ft³ / 50 lb bag (retail listing)
- ICPI Tech Spec 2: Construction of Interlocking Concrete Pavements
- ICPI Tech Spec 10: Application Guide for Interlocking Concrete Pavements
See how we calculate and test our formulas and the changelog. Last updated 2026-10-08.
Reviewed by the MaterialWhiz Editorial Team. This estimate uses the assumptions shown in the calculator. Review the result against your supplier's product coverage and site conditions. Last reviewed: October 10, 2026. See how we calculate · Report a correction.