Gravel & Stone Calculator
Gravel and crushed stone are sold by the ton for bulk delivery and by 50-lb bags for small decorative areas. This calculator converts area and depth to cubic yards, then applies the material density to get tons — different stone types have different weights per cubic yard. Crushed stone #57 (1/2" to 3/4" angular stone) is the most common choice for driveways at 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel is rounded, softer underfoot, and better for pathways. Limestone is more affordable in the Southeast. Lava rock is extremely lightweight and used for decorative xeriscaping. For driveways: apply in compacted layers of 2–3 inches each — a total of 4 inches is standard for passenger vehicles, 6 inches for heavy loads.
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Top PickPea Gravel 50lb Bag — Home Depot~$5.48/bag* Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your measurements in the fields above. Use the units shown next to each field (ft, in, etc.).
- 2Click Calculate to get your material estimate instantly.
- 3Review the highlighted result — it shows the key quantity you need to order.
- 4Use Copy Results to save your estimate, or bookmark the URL — your inputs are encoded in the link.
Pro tip: Always add 10% to your material order to account for waste, cuts, and defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a 20×20 ft driveway?
A 20×20 driveway (400 sq ft) at 4 inches deep requires about 4.9 cubic yards, or roughly 7 tons of crushed stone. At $40/ton delivered, expect to pay about $280 for the gravel plus a delivery fee.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Residential driveways typically need 4 inches of gravel over a well-compacted base. For areas with heavy truck traffic or soft soil, use 6 inches. Apply in 2–3 inch layers and compact each layer before adding the next.
What size gravel is best for a driveway?
Use #57 crushed stone (3/4" to 1" angular pieces) for driveway surfaces — it compacts well and resists displacement. Avoid pea gravel for driveways; it's round, doesn't interlock, and rolls out of the path of tires. For a solid driveway base, use #4 or #411 crusher run (a mix of stone and stone dust) as the base layer under the top coat.
How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?
It depends on the stone type. Crushed limestone and #57 stone: 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard. Pea gravel: 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Lava rock: 0.8–0.9 tons per cubic yard. River rock: 1.35 tons per cubic yard. The calculator applies the correct density for each material type automatically.