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CostToUpgrade
Landscaping

Gravel Calculator

Figure out how much gravel to order for a driveway, path, or base layer. Enter the area and depth to get the volume in cubic yards, the weight in tons, and an estimated cost.

Reviewed by The CostToUpgrade Estimating Desk Last reviewed How we estimate

Your project

Area

Paths 2–3", driveways 4–6" over a base.

Pricing

Crushed stone is commonly $30–$60/ton plus delivery.

Estimate

2.59tons

Gravel needed · Most yards sell by the ton

Volume
1.85yd³
Estimated material cost
$116.67

Estimates are guidance only and exclude tax, labor, and site conditions unless stated. Confirm with a local pro.

How it's calculated

No black boxes — here is the exact math behind your estimate, so you can check it or adapt it for your own quote.

  1. 1Cubic yards = (length × width × depth ÷ 12) ÷ 27
  2. 2Tons = cubic yards × 1.4 (crushed stone density)
  3. 3Cost = tons × price per ton

Worked example

A 20 ft × 10 ft path at 3 inches deep.

Inputs

Length
20 ft
Width
10 ft
Depth
3 in
Price per ton
45 $/ton

Result

Gravel needed
2.59 tons
Volume
1.85 yd³
Estimated material cost
$116.67

Tools & materials for this project

As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

  • Landscape fabric Lay under gravel to block weeds and keep stone from sinking.
  • Landscape rake Spread and level gravel evenly.
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Gravel cost by state

The calculator does the quantity math exactly. What it can't know is what a fair unit price looks like where you live — gravel runs 61% more in the priciest US market than the cheapest.

Gravel cost in all 50 states + DC US average $45 per ton delivered · regional averages, full ranked table, and typical project totals.

Frequently asked questions

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Crushed stone weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard, though it varies from about 1.3 to 1.5 depending on stone size and moisture. We use 1.4 as a practical average.
How deep should gravel be?
Walkways and decorative beds are usually 2–3 inches. Driveways need 4–6 inches, ideally in two layers over a compacted sub-base.
Should I buy by the ton or the yard?
Bulk suppliers typically price by the ton, so we convert volume to weight for you. For small jobs, bagged gravel by the cubic foot may be easier but costs more per unit.