Find the exact amount of gravel in cubic yards and tons for driveways, paths, and drainage projects.
Cubic yards, tons & cost
Add 10% waste for gravel projects — spreading losses and compaction can reduce effective coverage.
Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard. To find the right amount, calculate your project area in square feet, then multiply by the depth in feet to get cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards, then convert to tons using your gravel's density.
| Use Case | Depth |
|---|---|
| Driveway base layer | 4–6 inches |
| Walkway / path | 2–3 inches |
| Drainage / French drain | 6–12 inches |
| Garden / decorative | 1–2 inches |
For a 200 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep, you need approximately 29 cubic yards or about 40–44 tons of gravel. Always add 10% for compaction and spreading losses.
Crushed stone (also called crush and run or road base) is the most popular driveway gravel because it compacts well and stays in place. Pea gravel is commonly used for decorative paths and drainage. Avoid rounded river rock for driveways — it shifts too easily under vehicle weight.
One cubic yard of crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs). Pea gravel is slightly lighter at about 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Exact weight depends on the gravel type and moisture content.
For driveways, lay 4–6 inches of base gravel and 2–3 inches of top gravel. For decorative landscaping, 2 inches is usually enough to cover the ground and suppress weeds. Drainage trenches often need 6–12 inches of coarse gravel.