Gravel Calculator
Instantly estimate cubic yards, cubic feet, bags, or tons of gravel, mulch, rubber mulch, or compost for any driveway, garden bed, or landscaping project.
Choose Material Type
Select Area Shape
Set Depth
Recommended depths: Mulch — 2–4 in for beds, 4–6 in near tree rings. Gravel — 2–3 in for decorative, 4–6 in for driveways. Compost — 2–3 in mixed in.
Preferred Output Unit
Four steps to your estimate
No complicated math. Fill in what you know and the calculator handles the rest.
Choose your material
Select from wood mulch, gravel or stone, rubber mulch, or compost. Each material has different density and typical use cases.
Select your area shape
Pick rectangle for beds and driveways, circle for tree rings and round features, or enter a custom area total.
Set your desired depth
Enter depth in inches or centimeters. Recommended depths vary based on the material and application.
Get your result
See the answer instantly in cubic yards, cubic feet, number of bags, or tons.
Which material is right for your project?
Each material serves a different purpose. Use this guide to choose the right one before you calculate.
Wood Mulch
Most popularShredded or chipped wood that breaks down over time and enriches the soil beneath.
- Garden beds and borders
- Tree rings and bases
- Pathways and trails
- Slope erosion control
Gravel / Stone
DrivewaysCrushed stone, pea gravel, or river rock that provides drainage and is often sold by weight.
- Driveways and parking
- French drains
- Decorative landscaping
- Walkways and patios
Rubber Mulch
Long-lastingA recycled material that does not decompose and works well in low-maintenance areas.
- Playgrounds
- Eco-focused gardens
- High-traffic areas
- All-weather paths
Compost / Soil
GrowingNutrient-rich organic matter used to improve soil structure and support planting.
- Vegetable gardens
- Lawn top-dressing
- Planting bed prep
- Raised beds
How deep should you lay your material?
Depth dramatically affects your estimate. Use these guidelines for common project types.
| Material | Light use | Standard | Heavy use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Mulch (garden beds) | 2 in | 3 in | 4 in |
| Wood Mulch (tree rings) | 3 in | 4 in | 6 in |
| Gravel (decorative) | 2 in | 3 in | 4 in |
| Gravel (driveway) | 3 in | 4 in | 6 in |
| Rubber Mulch (playground) | 3 in | 4 in | 6 in |
| Compost (mixed in) | 1 in | 2 in | 3 in |
| Compost (top-dress lawn) | 0.5 in | 1 in | 2 in |
Depths are general guidelines. Confirm final application details with your supplier when needed.
How to calculate gravel manually
Understanding the formula makes it easier to sanity-check an estimate or plan on-site.
Rectangular areas
Volume (yd^3) = Volume (ft^3) / 27
Example: a driveway that is 30 ft x 10 ft at 4 inches deep needs about 3.7 cubic yards.
Circular areas
Volume (ft^3) = Area x Depth (ft)
Volume (yd^3) = Volume (ft^3) / 27
Example: a circular bed with an 8 ft diameter at 3 inches deep needs about 0.47 cubic yards.
Converting cubic yards to tons
Common material weights per cubic yard:
- Pea gravel: about 1.4 tons/yd^3
- Crushed stone (3/4 in): about 1.5 tons/yd^3
- River rock: about 1.35 tons/yd^3
- Wood mulch: about 0.35 tons/yd^3
- Topsoil or compost: about 1.0 tons/yd^3
How far does one cubic yard go?
One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. Here is how far it covers at common depths.
Coverage per cubic yard of material. Add 10-15% for waste and settling.
Gravel estimates by project type
Real-world examples to help you plan before you even measure.
Standard residential driveway
50 ft x 12 ft, 4 in deep
About 7.4 cubic yards / about 11 tons
Use crusher run or crushed limestone for a stable, compacted base.
Raised garden bed (4 x 8 ft)
4 ft x 8 ft, 12 in deep
About 1.19 cubic yards of compost or soil
A blend of topsoil, compost, and coarse sand works well for many beds.
Backyard patio gravel base
15 ft x 15 ft, 4 in deep
About 2.78 cubic yards of crushed stone
Compact in 2-inch lifts for better long-term stability.
Tree ring mulch
10 ft diameter, 4 in deep
About 0.97 cubic yards of wood mulch
Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Playground rubber mulch
20 ft x 20 ft, 6 in deep
About 7.41 cubic yards of rubber mulch
Fall-height requirements can change the depth target quickly.
French drain trench
50 ft x 1.5 ft x 1.5 ft
About 4.17 cubic yards of drainage gravel
Use clean washed gravel to reduce clogging risk.
Before you order your materials
A few things experienced landscapers always keep in mind.
Always add a 10-15% buffer
Material compacts, settles, and gets wasted during installation. Order slightly more than the exact calculation.
Ask your supplier how they sell
Some suppliers quote cubic yards, others quote tons or bags. Match your calculator output to the actual sales unit.
Check for delivery minimums
Many bulk suppliers have minimum delivery quantities. For very small jobs, bagged material can be cheaper overall.
Compact gravel in layers
For structural applications, place and compact gravel in smaller lifts instead of dumping the full depth all at once.
Measure twice
A small measurement error turns directly into a material-order error. For irregular shapes, break the area into simpler sections.
Use landscape fabric where it makes sense
Under decorative stone, fabric can reduce weeds while still allowing water to drain.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about calculating gravel, mulch, and related landscape materials.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?+
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?+
How deep should I lay gravel for a driveway?+
What is the difference between cubic yards and tons for gravel?+
How much does a yard of gravel cover?+
How do I calculate gravel for an irregular shape?+
Is mulch measured the same way as gravel?+
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