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Gravel Tonnage Coverage Calculator

Whether you are building a gravel driveway, dressing a garden walkway, or packing a French drain, landscape aggregate is sold by the ton or cubic yard.

Length of the gravel path or driveway in feet.

Width of the gravel path or driveway in feet.

Recommended depths: 2" for decorative garden mulch, 3" for walkways, 4"–6" for vehicular driveways.

Different aggregate materials vary in bulk density.

Calculated Result
2.63 Tons (1.85 cu yds)

Gravel Needed

Gravel Tonnage Needed

2.63 Tons

Cubic Yards

1.85 cu yds

Surface Coverage Area

200 sq ft

Aggregate Material

CRUSHED STONE

Calculation Breakdown

  1. Volume in Cubic Yards20′ × 10′ at 3″ depth = 50 cu ft ÷ 27 = 1.85 cu yds.
  2. Density Weight Conversion50 cu ft × 105 lbs/cu ft = 5,250 lbs ÷ 2,000 = 2.63 US tons.

Aggregate Bulk Density Comparison (lbs per Cubic Yard)

Interactive visualization based on your current inputs

Pounds/cu yd
0.07501.5k2.3k3.0kRiver Rock (Smooth)Pea Gravel (Round)Crushed Stone (#57)Dense Grade Aggregate (Crusher Run)Aggregate MaterialDensity (lbs/cu yd)

What Is the Gravel Tonnage Coverage Calculator?

A gravel tonnage coverage calculator estimates the mass and volume of aggregate stone needed for landscaping and civil works.

How Does the Gravel Tonnage Coverage Calculator Work?

Calculates cubic feet of volume, converts to cubic yards, and applies material-specific bulk density.

Gravel Tonnage Coverage Calculator Formula & Variables

The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:

Tons = [Length × Width × (Depth ÷ 12) × Bulk Density (lb/cu ft)] ÷ 2,000

Computes cubic feet volume, multiplies by aggregate density in pounds per cubic foot, and divides by 2,000 lbs per US short ton.

How to Use the Gravel Tonnage Coverage Calculator

  1. Enter the length and width of the bed, depth in inches, and select your aggregate type.

Step-by-Step Example Calculation

20′ × 10′ Driveway Section at 3″ Depth with Crushed Stone

Input Values:

lengthFt:20
widthFt:10
depthInches:3
gravelType:crushed_stone

Understanding Your Result

Displays both cubic yards (for yard pick-up) and short tons (for quarry dump truck delivery).

Factors That Affect the Result

  • Subgrade compaction, gravel particle size distribution, moisture retention, and slope.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

  • Landscaping rock installation, driveway gravel resurfacing, French drain construction, and fire pit ground cover.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Calculations reflect loose bulk density prior to vibratory plate tamper compaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note

National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) aggregate bulk density tables.

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