Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel, crushed stone, and aggregate volume in cubic yards or meters with estimated tonnage.
Last verified: September 2026Inputs & Parameters
Calculation Results
Volume includes 5% contingency waste allowance; weight estimate assumes standard 1.4 tons/yd³ density.
Estimating Gravel, Stone, and Aggregate Volumes
Gravel, crushed stone, and base aggregates are sold commercially by the cubic yard or ton. Accurately estimating material requirements requires converting surface area and trench depth into volume, factoring in aggregate bulk density, and adding compaction allowance.
Core Mathematical Formulas
- Theoretical Volume:
Volume (cu yd) = (Length ft × Width ft × (Depth in / 12)) / 27 - Compaction & Waste Volume:
Total Volume = Volume × (1 + Waste% / 100) - Weight Estimation:
Tons = Total cu yd × Density (user-editable, default 1.40 tons/yd³) - Metric Conversion:
Metric Tonnes = US Tons × 0.907185
Worked Example
A gravel driveway measuring 40 ft long by 12 ft wide with a depth of 4 inches, using standard crushed gravel (1.4 tons/yd³) and a 10% compaction allowance:
1. Surface Area = 40 ft × 12 ft = 480 sq ft
2. Raw Volume = (480 × (4 / 12)) / 27 = 5.93 cu yd
3. Volume with 10% Compaction = 5.93 × 1.10 = 6.52 cu yd
4. Total Weight = 6.52 cu yd × 1.40 tons/yd³ = 9.13 US Tons (8.28 tonnes)
Assumptions & Limitations
Bulk density varies depending on moisture content, stone gradation, and quarry geology. Crushed stone packs more tightly than round river pea gravel; density is fully editable to match your aggregate quarry ticket.