Free-Calculator.com

Gravel Calculator

Calculate gravel requirements for construction and landscaping projects with material estimates, weight calculations, and cost analysis.

Project Information

Versatile application

Area Dimensions

Gravel Specifications

Crushed Stone

¾" angular crushed rock, excellent compaction

Best for: Driveways, Roads, Base material, Drainage

Recommended depth: 2-6" (typical: 4")

1.10

Accounts for settling and compaction (1.0 = no extra, 1.3 = 30% extra)

Pricing & Delivery

Gravel Calculation Results

240.0
Area ft²
2.44
Cubic Yards
3.30
Total Tons
3"
Depth Applied

Material Requirements

6600
Total Weight (lbs)
1
Truck Loads
60
Cubic Feet
1.1
Compaction Factor

Cost Analysis

Material Cost (2.44 yards × $32):$78.22
Total Cost:$78.22
Cost per ft²:$0.33

Pricing method: By volume (more economical)

Delivery & Logistics

Estimated truck loads: 1

Total weight: 6600 lbs (3.3 tons)

Volume: 2.44 cubic yards

Compaction included: 10% extra

Project Recommendations

Project type: General Purpose

Recommended materials: Crushed Stone, Pea Gravel

Suggested depth: 3" for this application



What is Gravel Calculator?

Understanding Gravel Calculations

Types of Gravel and Applications

Structural Applications

Load-bearing and foundation uses

  • Crushed stone: Driveways, roads, base material
  • Base course: Heavy-duty foundations
  • Sand: Leveling, paver base, concrete mix

Decorative Applications

Aesthetic and landscaping uses

  • Pea gravel: Walkways, playgrounds, drainage
  • River rock: Landscaping, water features
  • Decomposed granite: Natural pathways

Depth Guidelines by Application

Driveways: 4-6 inches

Heavy-duty base with good compaction for vehicle traffic

Walkways: 2-3 inches

Comfortable walking surface with adequate drainage

Drainage: 4-8 inches

Deep layer for maximum water flow and filtration

Landscaping: 2-3 inches

Decorative coverage with weed suppression

Material Properties

Density and Weight

Different materials have varying weights per cubic yard:

  • Sand: ~2,600 lbs/cubic yard
  • Pea gravel: ~2,800 lbs/cubic yard
  • Crushed stone: ~2,700 lbs/cubic yard
  • River rock: ~2,600 lbs/cubic yard

Compaction Factor

Accounts for settling and compaction after installation:

  • 1.0: No additional material (pre-compacted)
  • 1.1: 10% extra (standard loose material)
  • 1.2: 20% extra (very loose or organic soil)
  • 1.3: 30% extra (maximum recommended)

Installation Best Practices

Site Preparation

  • Remove vegetation and organic matter
  • Grade for proper drainage (2% slope minimum)
  • Compact subgrade with plate compactor
  • Install landscape fabric if needed

Installation Process

  • Spread material evenly with rake or screed
  • Compact in 2-3 inch lifts for structural applications
  • Use plate compactor or hand tamper
  • Add final surface layer and lightly compact

Cost Factors

Pricing Methods

  • By ton: Usually more economical for dense materials
  • By cubic yard: Better for lighter materials
  • Bulk pricing: Significant savings for large quantities
  • Local sourcing: Transportation costs affect pricing

Additional Costs

  • Delivery fees: $50-150 depending on distance
  • Equipment rental: Compactor, spreader
  • Site preparation: Excavation, grading
  • Labor: Professional installation rates


FAQ - Gravel Calculator

Calculate your area (length × width for rectangles) and multiply by the desired depth in feet. Divide by 27 to get cubic yards. Add 10-20% for compaction. The calculator handles all conversions and compaction factors automatically.