From measured space to purchasable material
Gravel is sold by volume or weight, and a useful estimate must show how those quantities are connected. This calculator starts from a rectangular area and finished depth, then applies a loose-volume ordering factor and a supplier-provided bulk density. It reports cubic feet, cubic yards and US short tons alongside a weight-based material cost. Bulk density is deliberately editable because rounded stone, crushed aggregate and moisture conditions can differ. Delivery fees, access charges and minimum loads are not included in the material price.
Measure, select yield and round the order
- Measure the area and intended finished depth.
- Confirm density and the loose-order factor with your supplier.
- Compare the weight and volume against the unit used in the quote.
Net requirement and purchase calculation
A worked example
A 20 × 10 ft area at 3 in contains 50 ft³. A 1.1 factor gives 55 ft³, or 2.04 yd³. At 100 lb/ft³ this is 2.75 US short tons.
Gravel: what changes the result?
Compare the layer or product assumptions behind the material order. The comparisons below are calculated from this page’s default example. Each row changes only the named input; all other inputs stay at their displayed example values. These are mathematical scenarios, not measurements from a completed project.
| Changed assumption | Default input | Comparison input | Result: default → comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel area length | 20 ft | 24 ft | Finished gravel volume: 50 → 60 cu ft Loose volume to order: 2.037 → 2.4444 yd³ |
| Gravel area width | 10 ft | 12 ft | Finished gravel volume: 50 → 60 cu ft Loose volume to order: 2.037 → 2.4444 yd³ |
| Finished gravel depth | 3 in | 3.6 in | Finished gravel volume: 50 → 60 cu ft Loose volume to order: 2.037 → 2.4444 yd³ |
| Loose-order volume factor | 1.1 | 1.32 | Loose volume to order: 2.037 → 2.4444 yd³ Estimated loose weight: 5,500 → 6,600 lb |
Displayed values are rounded. Whole-pack results change in steps; continuous quantities may change before a new pack is needed. To compare your actual project, enter your dimensions above, save a scenario, then change one assumption.
Coverage, allowance and purchasing limits
- A metric tonne and a US short ton are different units.
- A bag’s labeled volume is usually more useful than a rough stone-density estimate for bag orders.
- This estimate does not determine drainage performance or load capacity.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel cover 200 square feet?
Depth and density are needed. At 3 in depth, 1.1 loose factor and 100 lb/ft³, the example is 2.75 US short tons.
What gravel density should I enter?
Use a bulk density supplied for the exact loose aggregate. The initial value is an editable example assumption.
Does gravel volume change with compaction?
It can. The loose-order factor lets you reflect the supplier’s recommended conversion.
Read the project guides
- How to Calculate Gravel Driveway Layers and Tonnage
Plan a gravel driveway takeoff with separate base and surface layers, compacted depths, loose-order factors, density and supplier tonnage units.
- Paver Base, Bedding Sand and Joint Sand: Calculate Each Order
Build a patio material takeoff that separates field pavers, borders, aggregate base, bedding sand and polymeric joint sand with explicit ordering assumptions.
Calculation method: JICWH methodology. Examples are planning assumptions, not product recommendations.