Gravel Calculator: Cubic Yards, Tons & Bags
A 20 × 10 ft area 4 in deep takes 2.47 cu yd of gravel: about 3.17–3.51 tons, using published weights of 1.2825–1.42 tons per cu yd, or 134 bags of 0.5 cu ft. Ask your supplier for their tons per yard.
Set up for: gravel for a driveway, path or base · Different project?
How much does gravel weigh?
| Published as | Tons per cu yd | As published | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel ¼" – 2" | 1.42 | 1.42 t | New Mexico EMNRD (Mining and Minerals Division) |
| Crushed Stone | 1.35 | 2,700 lb | Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (Vermont) |
| Gravel (dry) 3/4 | 1.2825 | 2,565 lb | Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (Vermont) |
| Pebbles (3/8 pea) | 1.35 | 2,700 lb | Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (Vermont) |
| Chip seal aggregate | 1.4 | 1.4 t | Nebraska DOT |
| Armor coat aggregate | 1.3 | 1.3 t | Nebraska DOT |
FAQ
How many tons of gravel do I need?
Work out cubic yards (length × width × depth in inches ÷ 12 ÷ 27), then multiply by the supplier's tons per yard. Public tables put gravel and crushed stone at 1.2825–1.42 tons per yard, so we show a range.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
We don't set depths for driveways or structural bases; follow your plans, your supplier's guidance or your local building department. Type the depth you plan and the calculator does the volume, tons and bags.
How many bags of gravel make a yard?
A cubic yard is 27 cu ft, so 54 bags of 0.5 cu ft (the size printed on Quikrete's 50 lb All-Purpose Gravel).
Sources
- New Mexico EMNRD (Mining and Minerals Division): Conversion factors for construction materials and common minerals · fetched and reviewed 2026-11-10
- Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission (Vermont): Material weight, pounds per cubic yard (from EPA & NTEA) · fetched and reviewed 2026-11-10
- Nebraska DOT: Estimating material quantities · fetched and reviewed 2026-11-10
- True Value: Quikrete All-Purpose Gravel 50 lb listing (retailer) · fetched and reviewed 2026-11-10