How Much Gravel Do I Need? Easy Calculation Guide

One of the most common questions we get is “how much gravel do I need?” Over-ordering wastes money, and under-ordering means a second delivery charge. Here’s how to get it right the first time.

About Hello Gravel

Hello Gravel delivers bulk gravel, rock, dirt, and sand by the ton. Enter your ZIP code to see prices with delivery included. A local dump-truck driver places the load where access is safe; spreading is not included.

Hello Gravel's minimum order is 1 ton, or 1 cubic yard for mulch and soil products.

The Basic Formula

The calculation is straightforward:

Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

The ÷ 27 converts cubic feet to cubic yards, which is how gravel is sold.

Example: Standard Driveway

A driveway that is 40 feet long, 12 feet wide, with 3 inches of gravel:

• 40 × 12 × 0.25 = 120 cubic feet
• 120 ÷ 27 = 4.44 cubic yards
• Round up to 5 cubic yards

Always round up — it’s better to have a small amount left over than to come up short.

Common Project Calculations

Driveway (Single Car)

• Typical size: 30 ft × 10 ft × 4 in deep
• Calculation: 30 × 10 × 0.33 ÷ 27 = 3.7 yards (order 4)

Driveway (Double Car)

• Typical size: 40 ft × 18 ft × 4 in deep
• Calculation: 40 × 18 × 0.33 ÷ 27 = 8.8 yards (order 9–10)

Garden Pathway

• Typical size: 20 ft × 3 ft × 2 in deep
• Calculation: 20 × 3 × 0.17 ÷ 27 = 0.38 yards (order 0.5)

Patio Base

• Typical size: 12 ft × 12 ft × 4 in deep
• Calculation: 12 × 12 × 0.33 ÷ 27 = 1.8 yards (order 2)

French Drain

• Typical size: 30 ft × 1 ft × 1.5 ft deep
• Calculation: 30 × 1 × 1.5 ÷ 27 = 1.7 yards (order 2)

Converting Depth to Feet

Since depth is usually measured in inches, here are the conversions:

Inches	Feet
1 in	0.083 ft
2 in	0.167 ft
3 in	0.25 ft
4 in	0.33 ft
6 in	0.5 ft
12 in	1.0 ft

Weight Estimates

Gravel typically weighs 2,800–3,000 pounds per cubic yard (about 1.4–1.5 tons). This is important for:

• Ensuring your vehicle can handle the weight if you’re picking up
• Understanding delivery requirements
• Planning for equipment needs (a wheelbarrow holds about 0.06 cubic yards)

Pro Tips for Accurate Estimates

1. Add 10% extra for irregular shapes, compaction, and settling
2. Measure twice before ordering — delivery charges apply per trip
3. Consider depth carefully — driveways need 4+ inches, pathways need only 2–3 inches
4. Account for the base layer if you’re building from scratch — you’ll need larger stone underneath

Skip the Math

Don’t want to do the calculations yourself? Use our gravel calculator — just enter your dimensions and we’ll tell you exactly how much you need, with pricing included.

Ready to order? Browse our products to find the right material for your project.