What this calculator does
The Gravel Tons Calculator estimates how much gravel you need for a project, expressed in US (short) tons. You enter the area you want to cover and how deep the gravel layer should be, and the tool converts that volume into cubic yards and then into weight using the density of your gravel. It's ideal for driveways, paths, patios, drainage beds, and landscaping fill.
How to use it
Enter the length and width of the area in feet, and the depth in inches. Then enter the density of your gravel in pounds per cubic yard. If you don't know the exact density, dry crushed gravel averages about 2,835 lb/yd³ (roughly 1.42 tons per cubic yard); wet gravel and dense crushed stone can run heavier. The result shows the volume in cubic yards plus the total weight in pounds and tons.
The formula explained
First the area and depth are converted to cubic feet: \(\text{length} \times \text{width} \times (\text{depth} \div 12)\), because depth is entered in inches. Cubic feet are divided by 27 to get cubic yards, since one cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet. Finally, the formula is:
$$\text{Tons} = \frac{V \times \text{Density (lb/yd}^3\text{)}}{2000}$$where
$$V = \frac{\text{Length (ft)} \times \text{Width (ft)} \times \frac{\text{Depth (in)}}{12}}{27}$$because one US ton is 2,000 pounds.
Worked example
Suppose you have a 20 ft × 10 ft area filled 4 inches deep with gravel at 2,835 lb/yd³. Volume in cubic feet:
$$20 \times 10 \times \left(\frac{4}{12}\right) = 66.67 \text{ ft}^3$$Cubic yards:
$$\frac{66.67}{27} \approx 2.47 \text{ yd}^3$$Weight:
$$2.47 \times 2{,}835 \approx 7{,}000 \text{ lb}$$which is
$$\frac{7{,}000}{2{,}000} = 3.5 \text{ tons}$$So you'd order about 3.5 tons of gravel.
FAQ
What density should I use? Dry gravel is commonly 2,700–2,900 lb/yd³. Ask your supplier for the exact figure of the product you're buying.
Should I order extra? Yes — add 5–10% for compaction and uneven ground.
Are these US or metric tons? Results are US short tons (2,000 lb). Multiply tons by 0.907 to get metric tonnes.
