Gravel Calculator
— How Much Do You Need?

Gravel is a loose aggregate made up of rock fragments that range in size from small pebbles to larger stones. It forms naturally over time through weathering and erosion, though it can also be produced by mechanically crushing larger rock into specific sizes and shapes. The most common types you'll come across include pea gravel, which consists of small, smooth, rounded stones well suited for walkways and landscaping. Crushed stone features angular, mechanically broken rock that locks together well under compaction, making it a reliable choice for driveways and base layers. River rock offers smooth, rounded stones that work well for decorative applications and drainage beds. Base gravels, sometimes sold as #57 stone or #411 processed gravel, are workhouse materials commonly used for road base, driveway sub-base, and compacted foundation work. Hello Gravel carries a range of gravel types to match what your project actually needs. If you're unsure which type is the right fit for your job, the Hello Gravel team is happy to walk you through your options before you place your order.

Gravel is one of the most versatile materials available for home and commercial projects. Homeowners reach for it most often when building or resurfacing a driveway, creating a parking pad, or laying a stable base under a shed, patio, or paved surface. It's also a go-to material for drainage solutions like French drains and dry creek beds, where its permeability allows water to move through freely rather than pooling on the surface. On the decorative side, gravel is widely used for garden pathways, landscaping borders, ground cover around trees and planting beds, and as a low-maintenance lawn alternative in dry climates. Smooth, rounded varieties like pea gravel and river rock are particularly popular for these applications because they're comfortable underfoot and easy on the eyes. Contractors rely on gravel for utility trench backfill, construction site access roads, erosion control, and as a compacted base layer beneath asphalt or concrete surfaces. Regardless of the scope of your project, there's a gravel type designed for the job. Use the Hello Gravel calculator to estimate what you'll need, or reach out to the team if you want a second opinion on which material fits your specific application.

The basic formula is straightforward: multiply the length of your area (in feet) by the width (in feet), then multiply that by the depth (in feet), and divide the result by 27 to get cubic yards. Since depth is usually easier to think about in inches, just convert it first. Four inches equals 0.33 feet, three inches equals 0.25 feet, and two inches equals 0.17 feet. As a practical rule of thumb, one cubic yard of gravel covers roughly 80 square feet at 4 inches deep, or about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. For compactable base materials like crusher run, one ton typically covers around 60 to 80 square feet at 2 inches of compacted depth. Keep in mind that a cubic yard of gravel generally weighs between 1.3 and 1.5 tons depending on the material type. Gravel delivery through Hello Gravel is by the truckload, so getting your quantity estimate right before you order matters. The Hello Gravel calculator is the fastest and most accurate way to do that. Just plug in your project dimensions and depth, and it will give you a precise quantity estimate tailored to your job.

A standard 10x12 shed pad covers 120 square feet. Most contractors recommend laying 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel beneath a shed to provide a stable, level, and well-draining foundation. At 4 inches of compacted depth, you're looking at roughly 1.5 to 2 cubic yards, or about 2 tons of material. If you go deeper at 6 inches, that increases to approximately 2.5 to 3 cubic yards, or closer to 3 to 4 tons. One thing worth planning for: it's good practice to extend your gravel pad at least 12 inches beyond the shed's footprint on all sides. That buffer helps manage rain runoff and keeps the base stable at the edges. For a 12x14 pad using that approach, expect roughly 2 to 2.5 cubic yards at 4 inches deep. Since Hello Gravel delivers by the truckload, a single delivery will handle a shed pad and leave you with material to spare for a nearby pathway, a driveway apron, or any other project on your list. Use the Hello Gravel calculator to get the exact tonnage for your dimensions, then pick a delivery date that works for you.

Yes, in most cases you can lay gravel directly on soil, though a small amount of preparation makes a real difference in how long it lasts. For lighter applications like garden pathways or decorative ground cover, the process is simple: clear the area, remove any grass or vegetation, and spread your gravel on top. Adding a layer of landscape fabric before you pour the gravel will help keep weeds from pushing through over time. For heavier-use areas like driveways, parking pads, or shed bases, a bit more groundwork pays off. Stripping the topsoil, grading the area to promote drainage, and compacting the subgrade before laying gravel gives you a much more stable and durable result. Without that prep, gravel in high-traffic areas can shift, sink, or migrate over time. The type of soil you're working with also matters. Sandy or loamy soils drain well and tend to work as a solid base for gravel. Clay-heavy soils hold water and can cause gravel to sink or become uneven, so additional base preparation may be needed. If you have questions about what prep your specific project calls for, the Hello Gravel team can help you think through it before you order.