How to Calculate Cubic Yards of Gravel
Key Takeaways:
- The importance of accurate gravel measurements.
- A step-by-step guide to calculating how much gravel you need.
- Tips for ensuring you get the right amount for your project.
Taking on a gravel project, be it a garden path, a driveway, or a patio, requires a bit of planning. One of the most crucial aspects? Determining how much gravel you need. Today, we’re delving into the art of calculating cubic yards of gravel.
Click to read “The Secret That Keeps Your Gravel in Place“
Why Cubic Yards?
In the aggregate industry, cubic yards are the standard measurement. It gives a three-dimensional perspective of the amount, ensuring you get the depth, width, and length just right.
Breaking It Down: The Calculation
To calculate how much gravel you need, follow these steps:
- Measure the Length and Width: Start by measuring the length and width of the area you want to cover in gravel. This gives you the surface area.
- Determine the Depth: Decide on how deep you want the gravel. For driveways, you might opt for a depth of 2 inches, while for decorative paths, 1 inch might suffice.
- The Formula: Multiply the length by the width by the depth. This gives you the volume in cubic feet. Since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard, divide the volume by 27. The result is the amount of gravel you need in cubic yards.
A Simple Example
Say you have a pathway that’s 10 feet long and 3 feet wide. You decide on a depth of 1.5 inches (or 0.125 feet). Here’s the calculation:
10 (length) x 3 (width) x 0.125 (depth) = 3.75 cubic feet.
3.75 ÷ 27 = 0.1388 cubic yards.
Get Your Gravel Right
Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to embark on your gravel project with confidence. And when it comes to sourcing the best quality gravel, we’ve got you covered. Contact us for all your aggregate supply needs and ensure your project not only looks great but stands the test of time!