Measuring rectangular areas
Multiply length by width by depth, then by quantity. Enter each dimension in its own unit if needed; the calculator converts them before multiplying.
Material calculator
Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel volume, weight, bag counts, and material cost for rectangular or circular areas using US, metric, or mixed units.
How much gravel do you need to order?
Volume, tons, bags, and cost
Project inputs
Enter dimensions
Estimate
Gravel to order
Recommended order
2.1yd³
1.606 m³ equivalent
Volume breakdown
Volume before waste1.85 yd³
Waste allowance0.19 yd³
Total gravel needed2.04 yd³
Recommended order2.1 yd³
Cubic feet55 ft³
Cubic meters1.557 m³
Estimated material cost
Enter a price to estimate material cost.
Estimated weight
Short tons2.85 ton
Pounds5,704 lb
Kilograms2,587 kg
Bags
Number of bags110
Bag volumes vary by manufacturer. Check the package volume before purchasing.
How it's calculated
Rectangle volume
Length × width × depth × quantity
Then add 10% waste, estimate weight with the entered density, and round the cubic-yard order upward to the next 0.1 yd³.
Method
How to calculate how much gravel you need
Measure each dimension, convert them to compatible units, apply the shape formula, add a realistic waste allowance, and then estimate weight and bags from the total volume.
Measuring circular areas
Divide diameter by two to find the radius, then use π × radius² × depth × quantity for a circular bed, pit, or pad.
Choosing gravel depth
Depth drives volume more than many expect. Paths and decorative beds often use a few inches; structural bases need more. Match depth to the application and supplier guidance.
Adding a waste allowance
Waste covers uneven subgrade, compaction, spillage, and irregular edges. Apply a percentage to the measured volume before ordering or bag estimates.
Estimating gravel weight
Weight uses total volume including waste and your entered density in short tons per cubic yard. Density varies with material and moisture, so treat the result as a planning estimate.
Ordering by cubic yard or ton
Bulk gravel is often sold by the cubic yard or short ton. The calculator rounds recommended cubic yards upward to the next 0.1 yd³ for planning; confirm supplier increments and minimums.
Estimating bags
Bag counts divide total cubic feet including waste by bag volume and round up. Package volumes differ by brand, so verify the label or enter a custom volume.
Compaction and supplier differences
Compaction, grading, and product mix change how much gravel you need and how heavy it is. Use supplier data for density, bag yield, and delivery rules before purchasing.
Common questions
Gravel calculator FAQ
How do I calculate how much gravel I need?
Measure the area length and width (or diameter for a circle) and the gravel depth, convert every dimension to the same unit, multiply to find volume, multiply by quantity, and then add a waste allowance. This calculator converts dimensions before applying those formulas and reports cubic yards, weight, bags, and optional cost.
How deep should gravel be?
Depth depends on the project: paths and landscaping beds are often a few inches, while driveways usually need a deeper base. Confirm the depth for your material and use with your supplier; the calculator default of 3 inches is only a planning starting point.
How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
One cubic yard contains exactly 27 cubic feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 to convert volume to cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
Weight depends on material type, particle size, moisture, and compaction. This calculator uses an editable planning density in short tons per cubic yard (default 1.4). Always verify density with your supplier before ordering by the ton.
How much extra gravel should I order?
A 10% waste factor is a common planning starting point for uneven ground, compaction, and handling. The calculator allows 0% to 30%, then rounds the recommended bulk order upward to the next 0.1 cubic yard. Confirm minimums and increments with your supplier.
How many bags of gravel do I need?
Divide total cubic feet including waste by the volume of one bag and round up to a whole bag. Presets of 0.5 ft³ and 0.4 ft³ are planning options; bag yields vary, so check the volume printed on the package or enter a custom bag volume.
Does the estimated cost include delivery and labor?
No. The estimate only multiplies your selected price basis (per cubic yard, per short ton, or per bag) by the matching calculated quantity. It does not include delivery, taxes, spreading, grading, compaction, equipment rental, or labor.
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