Gravel Calculator (Cubic Yards)
1.85 yd³ (50 ft³)
100 × 0.5 ft³ bags (whole-bag round-up).
≈ 2.22-2.96 tons (Gravel / crushed stone (#57 class) density band, confirm at the scale).
- Volume: yd³ = sq ft × depth(in) ÷ 324 (1 yd³ covers 324 sf at 1"). Definitional geometry (Texas AgriLife Extension).
- Bags: whole-bag round-up at 0.5 ft³/bag (27 one-ft³ or 13.5 two-ft³ bags per yd³).
- Tonnage is a band: Gravel / crushed stone (#57 class) ≈ 1.2-1.6 t/yd³ (SME Mining Engineering Handbook band via expert canon; ±15% moisture/gradation). Moisture alone moves this ±15%, so confirm with your supplier's scale.
Why This One Is Different
Before you call the quarry for a driveway, patio base, or drainage bed, you need two numbers: how many cubic yards to order, and roughly how many tons that turns into so the delivery ticket doesn't surprise you. This calculator gets you both from a simple length, width, and depth entry. Gravel is quoted in cubic yards but delivered and priced by weight, and that gap is where DIY orders go wrong: the volume math is exact (one cubic yard covers 324 square feet at one inch deep), but a yard of gravel can weigh anywhere from 1.2 to 1.6 tons depending on the stone and how wet it left the pit. Because of that swing, this calculator gives you the exact yardage plus an honest tonnage band, since the scale at the quarry, not a website, decides the final number.
Where the Numbers Come From
- How far a yard of gravel spreads depends entirely on how deep you go: one cubic yard covers 324 sq ft at 1" deep, 108 sq ft at 3", and 54 sq ft at 6", following the divisor-324 rule. Source: Texas AgriLife Extension, 'How Much Compost, Soil or Mulch Do I Need to Purchase?'
- The tonnage on your delivery ticket isn't fixed by the yardage alone: gravel density runs about 1.2-1.6 tons per cubic yard, and moisture alone can move delivered weight ±15%. Source: SME Mining Engineering Handbook density band (via construction-estimating canon)
- A compacted base needs about 10-20% more loose volume than the finished depth, so order loose and compact to grade. Source: trade convention, labeled as such (not codified in a standard)
More Questions
Should I order by the yard or by the ton?
Order the volume your project needs and let the supplier convert, since they know their material's density. If quoted per ton, expect the yardage delivered to vary with moisture.
Related Calculators
Formulas, waste factors, and cost models on this page follow the sourced conventions on our methodology page. Estimates only; verify with your supplier and local code.