Gravel Calculator
Free gravel calculator. Instant cubic yards plus tons at 2,835 lb/yd³, with 25% compaction for driveways, paths, and base under slabs. Free, mobile-friendly, no sign-up.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh?
One cubic yard of gravel weighs 2,835 lb (1.42 US tons). That's the compacted weight — gravel compacts by a factor of ×1.25 when ordered by the yard.
| Depth | Coverage |
|---|
One cubic yard of gravel is 0.8 half-ton pickup loads, or about 0.06 tandem-axle dump truck loads.
Gravel is the default crushed stone for driveways, paths, and base material under slabs. A cubic yard of crushed #57 gravel weighs about 2,835 lb (1.42 US tons) compacted. The 25% compaction factor is right for any gravel that will be mechanically compacted (plate compactor, roller, or just heavy traffic over time).
One yard of gravel covers about 81 ft² at 4 inches deep or 54 ft² at 6 inches — the typical depths for a residential driveway. The calculator defaults to 4 inches; bump to 6 for a driveway that will see heavy vehicles.
Crushed #57 gravel
The "default" gravel at most US quarries is crushed #57 stone, which is 1″-down with the fines screened out. The angular shape of crushed stone is what lets it compact — the pieces lock together under a plate compactor, unlike pea gravel or river rock which stay loose.
How much gravel for a 10×50 driveway?
A 10×50 ft (500 ft²) driveway at 4 inches:
- 500 × 4 ÷ 12 ÷ 27 = 6.17 yd³ = 8.75 tons
Order 7 yd³ / 10 tons with 10% waste. Most gravel is sold by the ton at quarries; 1 ton ≈ 0.71 yd³ for #57 stone. Small residential driveways often go with a single-axle dump (10 yd³ / 14 tons), which is cheaper per ton than hauling in two smaller loads.
Gravel for a slab base
A 4″ gravel base under a concrete slab is standard practice. The base provides:
- A stable, well-draining surface for the slab
- A capillary break (water doesn't wick up through the slab)
- A uniform surface for setting forms
Calculate the base volume the same way as the slab — 4 inches deep over the slab area. The gravel and the concrete are separate orders: gravel from a quarry, concrete from a ready-mix plant.
Crushed gravel vs pea gravel
Crushed gravel (angular, with fines) is the right choice for structural applications — driveways, base under slabs, French drains with structural loads. Pea gravel (rounded, no fines) is for decorative applications — dog runs, walkways, landscaping. They are not interchangeable.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of gravel weigh?
One cubic yard of gravel weighs about 2,835 lb (1.42 US tons) for crushed #57 stone.
How many square feet does a yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard of gravel covers about 81 ft² at 4 inches deep or 54 ft² at 6 inches deep.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
4–6 inches of compacted gravel over a sub-base is typical for a residential driveway.