Cubic to Feet Calculator
Gravel Volume Calculator - ft³ · yd³ · Tons · Cost

Gravel Calculator - Cubic Feet

How Many Cubic Feet of Gravel Do I Need? Driveways, Paths, Drainage & Landscaping

Use our free gravel calculator in cubic feet to instantly find out how much gravel you need for any project. Supports rectangular areas, circular areas, and triangular spaces. Get results in cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons because gravel is sold by both volume and weight. Includes bag count and cost estimate for both bulk delivery and bagged gravel. Whether you're calculating cubic feet of gravel for a driveway, path, drainage trench, or landscape bed, this gravel cubic feet calculator gives you accurate results with the full formula explained.

🚗 Driveways🛤️ Paths & Walkways💧 Drainage & French Drains🏡 Landscaping & Beds

Bulk Conversion

1 yd³ = 27 ft³

Crushed Stone

1 ton ≈ 20 ft³

Driveway Depth

4-6 inches deep

Order Rule

Always add 10% overage

Gravel cubic feet calculator
LWDepth

Rectangular Gravel Inputs

Enter dimensions, depth, and gravel type to calculate cubic feet, cubic yards, tons, pounds, bag count, and cost.

Weight is calculated from density. Crushed stone defaults to about 100 lb/ft³.

ft
ft
in

4 inches is common for driveways; 6 inches for heavier loads.

%

Use 10% for grading, compaction, and edge loss.

Most common driveway, drainage, and base material.

Multiple Areas

Add up to 5 areas

Select a row to edit it. Gravel type and density can differ by area.

66.67 ft³

3.67 tons with overage

Total before overage

66.67 ft³

Total order weight

3.67 tons

How Deep Should Your Gravel Be?

Recommended gravel depth by project type, with cubic feet and tons impact.

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Decorative Landscape Beds

Depth: 2-3 inches

Best for:

  • • Decorative rock in garden beds
  • • Around shrubs and perennials
  • • Xeriscape and desert gardens

Volume impact:

  • • 100 ft² at 2" = 18.3 ft³ with overage
  • • 100 ft² at 3" = 27.5 ft³ with overage

Recommended: Pea gravel, River rock, Lava rock

Landscape fabric underneath helps prevent gravel sinking into soil.

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Garden Paths & Walkways

Depth: 3-4 inches

Best for:

  • • Foot traffic garden paths
  • • Informal walkways
  • • Between raised beds
  • • Side yard access paths

Volume impact:

  • • 100 ft² at 3" = 27.5 ft³ with overage
  • • 100 ft² at 4" = 36.7 ft³ with overage

Recommended: Pea gravel, Crushed granite, Decomposed granite

Edging is required to keep gravel contained.

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MOST SEARCHED

Residential Driveways

Depth: 4-6 inches

Best for:

  • • Passenger vehicle driveways
  • • Parking areas
  • • Rural access roads

Volume impact:

  • • 100 ft² at 4" = 36.7 ft³ with overage
  • • 100 ft² at 6" = 55.0 ft³ with overage

Recommended: 4" compacted #57 crushed stone, 2" #9 or pea gravel top layer

Use 8 inches total depth for trucks, RVs, or poor soil.

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French Drains & Drainage

Depth: Fill trench

Best for:

  • • French drain systems
  • • Drainage trenches
  • • Foundation perimeter drains

Volume impact:

  • • 12"W x 18"D = 1.5 ft³ per linear foot
  • • 12"W x 24"D = 2.0 ft³ per linear foot
  • • 18"W x 24"D = 3.0 ft³ per linear foot

Recommended: Clean #57 crushed stone only

Do not use pea gravel for drainage trenches.

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Base Layer & Sub-base

Depth: 4-8 inches

Best for:

  • • Under concrete slabs
  • • Under pavers and flagstone
  • • Shed and outbuilding pads

Volume impact:

  • • 100 ft² at 4" = 36.7 ft³ with overage
  • • 100 ft² at 6" = 55.0 ft³ with overage
  • • 100 ft² at 8" = 73.3 ft³ with overage

Recommended: Crushed stone #411 or #57, Compactable base gravel, Recycled concrete aggregate

Compact in 2-3 inch lifts with a plate compactor.

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Erosion Control

Depth: 3-6 inches

Best for:

  • • Slopes and hillsides
  • • Streambank stabilization
  • • Swales and channels

Volume impact:

  • • 100 ft² at 3" = 27.5 ft³ with overage
  • • 100 ft² at 6" = 55.0 ft³ with overage

Recommended: River rock 1"-3", Rip-rap for steep slopes, Crushed stone for channels

Larger rock performs better on steeper slopes.

Pro Tip: Layer Your Driveway Gravel

For better driveway performance, use 4 inches of #57 or #411 crushed stone as the compacted base, then 2 inches of #9 stone or pea gravel as the smoother top layer. Calculate each layer separately if the materials have different densities.

Key Gravel Facts

  • • 1 yd³ = 27 ft³
  • • 1 ton ≈ 20 ft³ for crushed stone
  • • 1 yd³ ≈ 1.35 tons for crushed stone
  • • 0.5 ft³ bag ≈ 50 lbs
  • • Driveway minimum: 4 inches
  • • Always add 10% overage

1 Cubic Yard Coverage

  • • At 2 inches: 162 ft²
  • • At 3 inches: 108 ft²
  • • At 4 inches: 81 ft²
  • • At 6 inches: 54 ft²
  • • At 12 inches: 27 ft²
  • • 1 ton of crushed stone covers about 60 ft² at 4 inches

Gravel Weight by Type

  • • Crushed stone: ~100 lb/ft³ = 1.35 tons/yd³
  • • Pea gravel: ~96 lb/ft³ = 1.30 tons/yd³
  • • River rock: ~105 lb/ft³ = 1.42 tons/yd³
  • • Lava rock: ~50 lb/ft³ = 0.68 tons/yd³
  • • Base gravel: ~95 lb/ft³ = 1.28 tons/yd³

Gravel Coverage Reference Table

Pre-calculated cubic feet and tons for common project sizes. Tons use crushed stone at 100 lb/ft³.

Project SizeSquare Feetft³ Baseft³ +10%Tons (+10%)yd³ (+10%)
10 x 10 ft100 ft²33.3 ft³36.7 ft³1.83 tons1.36 yd³
10 x 20 ft200 ft²66.7 ft³73.3 ft³3.67 tons2.72 yd³
12 x 20 ft240 ft²80.0 ft³88.0 ft³4.40 tons3.26 yd³
20 x 20 ft400 ft²133.3 ft³146.7 ft³7.33 tons5.43 yd³
12 x 50 ft600 ft²200.0 ft³220.0 ft³11.00 tons8.15 yd³
20 x 50 ft1,000 ft²333.3 ft³366.7 ft³18.33 tons13.58 yd³
20 x 100 ft2,000 ft²666.7 ft³733.3 ft³36.67 tons27.16 yd³
30 x 100 ft3,000 ft²1,000.0 ft³1,100.0 ft³55.00 tons40.74 yd³

Gravel Volume & Weight Formulas

Use these formulas to verify cubic feet, cubic yards, pounds, and tons.

Gravel Volume & Weight Formulas

VOLUME:
  Rectangular:
    ft³ = L(ft) x W(ft) x D(in) ÷ 12

  Circular:
    ft³ = pi x (D(ft)/2)² x depth(in) ÷ 12

  Triangular:
    ft³ = base(ft) x height(ft) ÷ 2 x depth(in) ÷ 12

UNIT CONVERSIONS:
  yd³ = ft³ ÷ 27
  lbs = ft³ x density(lb/ft³)
  tons = lbs ÷ 2,000

WEIGHT BY TYPE:
  Crushed stone: ft³ x 100 = lbs
  Pea gravel: ft³ x 96 = lbs
  River rock: ft³ x 105 = lbs
  Lava rock: ft³ x 50 = lbs

OVERAGE:
  Order = calculated ft³ x 1.10

Why do I need tons?

Gravel is sold by volume and by weight. Bags are usually labeled in cubic feet, bulk delivery can be quoted in cubic yards, and many quarry or truck orders are priced per ton.

For crushed stone, 100 ft³ x 100 lb/ft³ ÷ 2,000 = 5 tons. One cubic yard of crushed stone is about 27 x 100 = 2,700 lbs, or 1.35 tons.

Example 1: Gravel Driveway

A 12 ft x 40 ft driveway, 4 inches deep, using crushed stone.

Step 1: Area = 12 x 40 = 480 ft²

Step 2: ft³ = 480 x 4 ÷ 12 = 160 ft³

Step 3: Add 10% overage = 176 ft³

Step 4: yd³ = 176 ÷ 27 = 6.52 yd³

Step 5: Weight = 176 x 100 = 17,600 lbs = 8.8 tons

Result: Order about 7 yd³ or 9 tons of crushed stone.

Example 2: French Drain Trench

A French drain 50 ft long, 12 inches wide, 18 inches deep.

Step 1: Width = 12 ÷ 12 = 1 ft and depth = 18 ÷ 12 = 1.5 ft

Step 2: ft³ = 50 x 1 x 1.5 = 75 ft³

Step 3: Add 10% overage = 82.5 ft³

Step 4: yd³ = 82.5 ÷ 27 = 3.06 yd³

Step 5: Weight = 82.5 x 100 = 8,250 lbs = 4.13 tons

Result: Order about 3.5 yd³ or 4.5 tons of clean #57 crushed stone.

Example 3: Circular Decorative Bed

A circular landscape bed 14 ft diameter with 3 inches of river rock.

Step 1: Area = pi x (14 ÷ 2)² = 153.94 ft²

Step 2: ft³ = 153.94 x 3 ÷ 12 = 38.48 ft³

Step 3: Add 10% overage = 42.33 ft³

Step 4: yd³ = 42.33 ÷ 27 = 1.57 yd³

Step 5: River rock weight = 42.33 x 105 = 4,445 lbs = 2.22 tons

Result: Order about 1.75 yd³ or 2.5 tons of river rock.

Gravel Types - Choosing the Right Material

Different gravel types have different weights, sizes, and best uses.

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Crushed Stone #57

Weight: ~100 lb/ft³ (2,700 lb/yd³ = 1.35 tons/yd³)

Size: 3/4" to 1"

Best for

  • • Driveways and base layers
  • • Drainage and French drains
  • • Under concrete slabs
  • • Road base

Pros

  • • Excellent drainage
  • • Compacts well for base layers
  • • Most widely available

Cons

  • • Angular underfoot
  • • Not decorative
  • • Can track into garages

$30-$50/ton bulk

ft³ to tons: ft³ x 100 ÷ 2,000

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Pea Gravel

Weight: ~96 lb/ft³ (2,592 lb/yd³ = 1.30 tons/yd³)

Size: 3/8" round

Best for

  • • Garden paths
  • • Playground surfaces
  • • Decorative landscape beds
  • • Pools and patios

Pros

  • • Smooth underfoot
  • • Attractive natural appearance
  • • Good drainage

Cons

  • • Rolls and shifts
  • • Poor for driveways
  • • Can scatter into lawns

$35-$55/ton bulk

ft³ to tons: ft³ x 96 ÷ 2,000

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River Rock

Weight: ~105 lb/ft³ (2,835 lb/yd³ = 1.42 tons/yd³)

Size: 1" to 5"

Best for

  • • Decorative beds
  • • Dry creek beds
  • • Water features
  • • Erosion control

Pros

  • • Very decorative
  • • Smooth rounded appearance
  • • Long-lasting

Cons

  • • More expensive
  • • Heavy to move
  • • Not suitable for driveways

$60-$100/ton bulk

ft³ to tons: ft³ x 105 ÷ 2,000

🔴

Lava Rock

Weight: ~50 lb/ft³ (1,350 lb/yd³ = 0.68 tons/yd³)

Size: 3/4" to 2"

Best for

  • • Desert landscaping
  • • Cacti and succulents
  • • Fire pit areas
  • • Accent beds

Pros

  • • Lightweight
  • • Unique red or black appearance
  • • Excellent drainage

Cons

  • • Costs more than crushed stone
  • • Can harbor weeds
  • • Fades in sun

$80-$120/ton bulk

ft³ to tons: ft³ x 50 ÷ 2,000

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Crushed & Decomposed Granite

Weight: ~103 lb/ft³ (2,781 lb/yd³ = 1.39 tons/yd³)

Size: 1/4" to 3/4"

Best for

  • • Driveway top layers
  • • Garden paths
  • • Patio base
  • • Desert landscaping

Pros

  • • Compacts firm
  • • Natural tan appearance
  • • Good for paths

Cons

  • • Can wash away
  • • Dusty when dry
  • • Needs stabilizer for best surface

$35-$60/ton bulk

ft³ to tons: ft³ x 103 ÷ 2,000

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Base Gravel & Crushed Limestone

Weight: ~95 lb/ft³ (2,565 lb/yd³ = 1.28 tons/yd³)

Size: 3/4" to 1.5" mixed

Best for

  • • Concrete sub-base
  • • Driveway base layer
  • • Road construction
  • • Shed pads

Pros

  • • Excellent compaction
  • • Stable structural base
  • • Affordable

Cons

  • • Not decorative
  • • Can be dusty
  • • Requires proper compaction

$25-$45/ton bulk

ft³ to tons: ft³ x 95 ÷ 2,000

Common Gravel Projects - Volume Planning Guide

Six project types with cubic feet estimates, weight, and pro tips.

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Gravel Driveway Installation

A standard 20 x 20 ft two-car driveway can use a 4 inch crushed stone base plus a 2 inch smoother top layer. Calculate each layer separately because density can vary.

  • • 4" crushed stone base: 146.7 ft³ with overage
  • • Base layer weight: 7.33 tons
  • • 2" pea gravel top: 73.3 ft³ with overage
  • • Total material: about 8.15 yd³ and 10.85 tons
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French Drain Installation

French drain gravel is calculated from trench length, width, and depth. Clean #57 crushed stone is the default because it drains well and resists clogging.

  • • 50 ft x 12 in x 18 in = 75 ft³ base
  • • 82.5 ft³ with overage
  • • 3.06 yd³ or 4.13 tons
  • • Wrap the trench in filter fabric before backfilling
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Garden Path Network

A vegetable garden path network with 150 ft² of paths at 4 inches deep needs 50 ft³ before overage and 55 ft³ after overage.

  • • 2.04 yd³ after overage
  • • 2.64 tons of pea gravel
  • • Bulk at $55/yd³ is about $112 before delivery
  • • Bagged gravel can cost several times more
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Concrete Slab Sub-base

A compacted gravel sub-base improves drainage and stability before concrete pours. Use compactable base gravel or #411 instead of decorative gravel.

  • • 20 x 20 ft at 4" = 146.7 ft³ with overage
  • • Base gravel at 95 lb/ft³ = 6.97 tons
  • • Compact in 2 inch lifts
  • • A proper base can reduce slab cracking risk
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Decorative Dry Creek Bed

Dry creek beds combine drainage and aesthetics. River rock is common on the surface, but a crushed stone layer below can improve drainage.

  • • 30 x 4 ft at 6" = 66 ft³ with overage
  • • River rock at 105 lb/ft³ = 3.47 tons
  • • Use larger stones on steeper slopes
  • • Expect higher material cost than crushed stone
🏠

Landscape Bed Rock Mulch

Rock mulch costs more upfront than organic mulch but lasts much longer. It is best for low-maintenance landscape beds and xeriscape areas.

  • • 300 ft² at 3" = 82.5 ft³ with overage
  • • Pea gravel at 96 lb/ft³ = 3.96 tons
  • • 3.06 yd³ bulk
  • • Break-even can be 3-4 years versus annual mulch replacement

Common Gravel Volumes at a Glance

Click any card to pre-fill the gravel calculator above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about calculating gravel in cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons.

How do I calculate cubic feet of gravel?
Use this formula: ft³ = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (in) ÷ 12 Examples: 10x20 ft at 4 in = 66.67 ft³ 20x20 ft at 6 in = 200.00 ft³ 12x50 ft at 4 in = 200.00 ft³ Always add 10% for overage: 66.67 x 1.10 = 73.33 ft³ to order. Quick shortcuts: At 4 in: ft³ = Area x 0.333 At 6 in: ft³ = Area x 0.5 At 3 in: ft³ = Area x 0.25
How many cubic feet of gravel are in a ton?
It depends on gravel type: Crushed stone: 100 lb/ft³, so 1 ton = 20 ft³ Pea gravel: 96 lb/ft³, so 1 ton = 20.8 ft³ River rock: 105 lb/ft³, so 1 ton = 19.0 ft³ Lava rock: 50 lb/ft³, so 1 ton = 40 ft³ Formula: ft³ per ton = 2,000 ÷ density(lb/ft³) For crushed stone: 1 ton = 20 ft³ = 0.74 yd³ 5 tons = 100 ft³ = 3.70 yd³ Always confirm density with your supplier.
How many cubic feet of gravel for a driveway?
For a standard 2-car driveway (20x20 ft): At 4 inches: 20 x 20 x (4 ÷ 12) = 133.3 ft³ With 10% overage = 146.7 ft³ = 5.43 yd³ = 7.33 tons of crushed stone At 6 inches: 20 x 20 x (6 ÷ 12) = 200 ft³ With 10% overage = 220 ft³ = 8.15 yd³ = 11.0 tons Use 4 inches minimum for passenger cars and 6 inches for heavier vehicles.
How many cubic yards is a ton of gravel?
For crushed stone at about 100 lb/ft³: 1 ton = 2,000 lbs ÷ 100 lb/ft³ = 20 ft³ 20 ft³ ÷ 27 = 0.74 cubic yards per ton So 1 yd³ of crushed stone is about 1.35 tons. Common conversions: 1 ton = 0.74 yd³ 2 tons = 1.48 yd³ 5 tons = 3.70 yd³ 10 tons = 7.41 yd³ Pea gravel is lighter, so 1 ton is about 0.77 yd³.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Minimum driveway depths: Passenger cars: 4 inches minimum Light trucks and SUVs: 4-6 inches Heavy trucks or RVs: 6-8 inches Commercial vehicles: 8-12 inches Best practice: Base layer: 4 inches of #57 crushed stone Top layer: 2 inches of pea gravel or #9 stone Total: 6 inches For clay or wet soil, add geotextile fabric and increase the base layer.
How do I convert cubic feet of gravel to tons?
Multiply cubic feet by density, then divide by 2,000: tons = ft³ x density(lb/ft³) ÷ 2,000 Densities: Crushed stone: 100 lb/ft³ Pea gravel: 96 lb/ft³ River rock: 105 lb/ft³ Lava rock: 50 lb/ft³ Examples using crushed stone: 20 ft³ x 100 ÷ 2,000 = 1 ton 50 ft³ x 100 ÷ 2,000 = 2.5 tons 100 ft³ x 100 ÷ 2,000 = 5 tons Shortcut for crushed stone: tons = ft³ ÷ 20.
Should I buy bagged gravel or bulk delivery?
Use bagged gravel when: You need less than 0.5 yd³ The area is small or decorative There is no truck access You need precise small quantities Use bulk delivery when: You need more than 0.5-1 yd³ You are building driveways, paths, or drainage Cost savings matter You have a place to dump and spread it Bagged gravel can cost $300+ per yd³. Bulk delivery is often $60-$80 per yd³ equivalent. For anything beyond a few bags, bulk usually wins.

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