Gravel & Aggregate Coverage Calculator

Estimate gravel, stone, sand, or mulch by area and depth. Get cubic yards, tons, and a compaction allowance.

Project dimensions

Material estimate

Enter area and depth, then click Calculate.

How to use this coverage calculator

  1. Measure the area length and width. For irregular shapes, break into rectangles and run them separately.
  2. Enter desired depth in inches. Most driveways use 3–4"; pathways often use 2–3".
  3. Choose the closest material density. Suppliers can give exact tons per cubic yard—update the dropdown value if needed.
  4. Review cubic yards and tons. Round up to whole tons or add extra depth if you expect heavy compaction or future top-ups.

Pro tip: Install in two lifts and compact between passes for driveways; it reduces future rutting and migration.

Placement & material tips

Base prep

Remove organics, grade for drainage, and compact subgrade before placing aggregate.

Layering

Use larger stone for base (e.g., 3/4" minus) and a finer top layer to lock in. Compact each lift.

Edge restraint

Use edging or curbing on paths to reduce spread and keep a clean profile.

Drainage

Pitch surfaces to shed water. For French drains, avoid fines; use clean, washed stone.

Dust & fines

Crushed stone with fines compacts well for traffic; rounded pea gravel stays loose and can roll.

Ordering

Suppliers often sell by the ton. Ask about truck capacity and delivery minimums to avoid short loads.

Comprehensive guide: Aggregate types & compaction

Estimating gravel, sand, or stone seems simple—length × width × depth—but several factors can throw off your order. Whether you are building a driveway, a patio base, or a French drain, understanding density, compaction, and material behavior ensures you don't run short or overpay for wasted tonnage.

Volume vs. Weight: The ordering dilemma

Most projects are measured in cubic yards (volume) because you are filling a specific hole or covering a defined area. However, quarries and suppliers typically sell by the ton (weight). This conversion relies on material density:

  • Crushed Stone: Typically ~1.4 tons per cubic yard. It’s dense and heavy.
  • Sand: Lighter, around ~1.2–1.3 tons per cubic yard, depending on moisture.
  • Mulch/Topsoil: Much lighter, typically <1.0 ton per cubic yard, though regular soil can be heavy when wet (>1.2).

Our calculator bridges this gap by converting your volume needs into estimated delivery tonnage using standard industry averages.

The "Shrinkage" Factor: Compaction and Waste

Aggregate doesn't stay fluffy. When you spread gravel for a driveway or base, you must compact it to prevent settling later.

Compaction: Vibratory plates or rollers compress the material, reducing its volume by 10%–20%. A "loose" cubic yard might only fill 0.85 cubic yards of space after compaction. The "5% waste/compaction" factor in this tool is a minimum safety buffer; for critical structural bases (pavers, slabs), you may want to order 10-15% extra.

Choosing the right material for the job

Crushed Stone (Angular): The sharp edges lock together under compaction, creating a stable, load-bearing surface ideal for driveways and paver bases. "21A" or "Crusher Run" contains fines that create a near-solid surface.

River Rock (Rounded): Smooth stones do not compact well; they roll like marbles. Use them for drainage, decorative borders, or areas with low foot traffic. They are poor choices for driveways as tires will sink and rut.

Pea Gravel: Small, rounded stone. Comfortable to walk on but requires edging to contain it.

Typical project depths

  • Driveways: Minimum 4–6 inches of crushed stone, often applied in two lifts (layers) of 3 inches, compacted individually.
  • Walkways: 2–3 inches is usually sufficient for foot traffic.
  • French Drains: Use clean (washed) stone without fines to maximize water flow. 3/4" clean stone is a standard choice.

5 Fun Facts About Gravel

Most mined

Sand and gravel are the world’s most extracted materials by volume—more than any metal or fuel.

Scale

Crushed vs. river

Crushed stone interlocks and compacts; river rock stays round and can roll—great for drainage, not for traction.

Behavior

Permeable surface

Gravel lets rain infiltrate, reducing runoff versus asphalt or concrete.

Drainage

Pea gravel comfort

Pea gravel feels good underfoot but resists compaction—keep it for patios or play areas, not driveways.

Use case

Weight adds up

A single cubic yard of crushed stone can weigh ~2,800 lbs. Plan delivery routes and staging to avoid ruts.

Heavy

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