How much gravel do I need?
Multiply the area by the depth to get the volume, convert it to cubic yards, then use the material's weight to get tons. Suppliers sell bulk material by the cubic yard or by the ton, so it helps to know both.
Cubic yards = length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27
Tons = cubic yards × weight per cubic yard (lb) ÷ 2,000
Example: a 20 × 10 ft path, 3 inches deep
20 × 10 × 3 ÷ 12 = 50 cubic feet. With 5% extra that's 52.5 cubic feet, or 1.94 cubic yards. Crushed stone weighs about 2,700 lb per cubic yard, so you'd order about 2.63 tons. At $50 a yard the material costs about $97 before delivery.
Typical weights
Weights are typical dry values. Wet material weighs more, and every quarry's product is a little different, so ask your supplier for their figure when ordering by the ton.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
About 1.3 to 1.4 tons for most gravel and crushed stone, which weigh 2,500 to 2,800 lb per cubic yard.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
Typically 4 to 6 inches of top gravel over a compacted base of larger crushed stone. Paths and patios often use 2 to 3 inches over landscape fabric.
How many bags of mulch make a cubic yard?
Mulch is usually sold in 2 cubic foot bags, so it takes 13.5 bags to make one cubic yard.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-31