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Gravel Calculator - Tons, Cubic Yards, Depth & Concrete Base

Enter the area dimensions. Use Imperial or Metric mode, then adjust individual units if needed.

Last updated: August 2026

Unit system Switch between U.S. customary and metric units. Your choice is remembered on other calculators.

Measurements to fill out

Fill in the area and depth. The unit switch sets sensible defaults, and each field can be adjusted individually.

Visual guide

Which measurement goes where?

Measure the surface area first, then enter the average depth of the gravel layer.

ft
ft
in
Common starting points: 2 in for a light refresh, 3–4 in for paths, 4–6+ in for base material.
Advanced settings
tons/cu yd
Use supplier numbers when available. Gravel/stone often lands around 1.3–1.6 tons per cubic yard.
%

Buying and sizing notes

Gravel base questions this calculator answers

Gravel estimates are usually about area, depth, cubic yards, tons, and base thickness. For concrete slabs, the gravel base should be planned separately from the concrete volume.

Gravel under concrete slab

Enter the slab footprint and the planned gravel depth. Common base depths vary by use, soil, drainage, and local conditions, so treat the result as planning only.

Read the gravel-under-slab guide

Depth drives tonnage

A 4 inch base uses twice the material of a 2 inch base over the same area. Depth errors are expensive.

Cubic yards vs tons

Volume and weight are not the same. Tons depend on material density, moisture, gradation, and compaction.

Use with concrete bags

For a small slab, estimate gravel base first, then estimate concrete bags from finished slab dimensions and thickness.

How to use this estimate

What this includes

  • Area from length and width
  • Depth
  • Volume
  • Density-based tonnage estimate

What it does not include

  • Compaction testing
  • Drainage design
  • Soil correction
  • Delivery truck limitations

Common mistakes

  • Mixing inches and feet on depth
  • Forgetting compaction/settlement
  • Assuming every gravel product has the same density

Next steps for this project

Use these related paths when the calculator result turns into a real buying decision, budget, or quote comparison.

Related guide

Use the guide with this calculator when you need more context before buying materials or comparing options.

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