Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel cubic yards, bag counts, pounds and US short tons from your measurements and chosen bulk density.
Enter positive dimensions. Changing measurement units converts your current measurements rather than resetting them.
Estimates are for rectangular areas. Check bag sizes and specifications with your supplier.
How to use this calculator
Enter the dimensions and a supplier-provided gravel density to estimate weight. The default density is illustrative, not a universal specification.
Worked example
A 10 ft × 10 ft area at 3 inches deep holds 25 cubic feet, about 0.93 cubic yards. At 100 lb/ft³, its estimated weight is 2,500 lb.
US short tons and metric tonnes are different
One US short ton equals 2,000 pounds. A metric tonne equals 1,000 kilograms. This calculator displays US short tons; check which unit your local supplier uses.
Calculation method
Volume = length × width × depth, converted to matching units. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Bags are rounded up to a whole bag. Estimated weight = volume in cubic feet × density in lb/ft³.
Planning tip
Gravel weight depends on stone type, moisture, size and compaction. Confirm density and delivery units with your supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use metric measurements?
Yes. Select meters and centimeters from the measurement units menu. The results include cubic meters as well as US units.
Is this an exact purchase quantity?
No. It is a planning estimate. Irregular shapes, settling, compaction and supplier packaging can change the amount needed.
Estimate gravel by volume and weight
Why gravel weight varies
Gravel suppliers may quote tons rather than cubic yards. Weight depends on rock type, size, moisture, void space and compaction. This calculator multiplies volume by the density you enter; the default is an example, not a universal density.
Check the density with your supplier
Ask the supplier for a bulk density in pounds per cubic foot or for tons per cubic yard. If they quote tons per cubic yard, multiply that value by 2,000 and divide by 27 to estimate lb/ft³ for US short tons.
Example: a small gravel area
For 10 × 10 ft at 3 inches, the volume is 25 ft³ or about 0.93 yd³. At an illustrative density of 100 lb/ft³, the estimated weight is 2,500 lb, or 1.25 US short tons.
Delivery and compaction
A compacted base can require more loose material than the final finished volume. Confirm whether your supplier’s density and quantity refer to loose or compacted gravel. Site preparation and drainage requirements depend on the application.
Avoid a costly ordering error
Measure several sections separately. Confirm the planned depth, aggregate size, delivery minimums and local weight units before paying. The calculator is a planning aid, not a structural or engineering specification.
Explore the other free tools: Mulch calculator, Gravel calculator, and Raised bed soil calculator.