Gravel Calculator: How Much Gravel Do I Need?
The amount of gravel you need depends on your project.
Gravel type also affects how much you need.
Common uses for gravel include driveways and landscaping.
The average cost of gravel is $20 to $100 per cubic yard.
Gravel is often a cost-effective and attractive choice for landscape design and driveways. If you're asking yourself, “How much gravel do I need?” understand that it depends on multiple factors, including the type of gravel you want to use and the size of the area you're covering. Use this gravel calculator to figure out the appropriate amount of gravel to purchase and use.
How Much Gravel Is Needed For Driveways
If you plan on making a gravel driveway or creating a path or other area in a landscape design, refer to the table below to estimate how much gravel you'll need.
| Driveway Length | Driveway Width | Gravel Need for 2-Inch Depth (U.S. Tons) | Cost for 20-Foot Driveway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 ft. | 10 ft. (single car) | 2 | $200–$600 |
| 20 ft. | 20 ft. (2-car) | 3.5 | $400–$1,200 |
| 20 ft. | 30 ft. (3-car) | 5.25 | $600–$1,800 |
| 20 ft. | 20 ft. circular | 2.5 | $314–$942 |
How to Calculate Your Gravel Needs
To figure out how much gravel you’ll need for your project, determine three key measurements: the length and width of the area you’re working on, plus how deep you want the gravel to be. Once you have those numbers, multiply them together to get the volume:
Gravel needed (in cubic feet) = Length × Width × Depth
Keep in mind:
Measurements should be in feet for consistent results.
For most driveways or walkways, a depth of 2 to 4 inches is adequate (convert inches to feet by dividing by 12).
If you’re ordering in cubic yards (most suppliers sell gravel this way), divide your total cubic feet by 27.
How to Measure a Driveway or Landscaping Area
How to Measure a Driveway
How you measure a driveway depends on the shape. For a standard rectangular driveway, measure the length and the width. Multiply the two measurements to get the total square footage of your driveway. If your driveway is circular, you'll need to measure the diameter, then use the formula π x r to the power of two to find the area of the circle, where "r" is half of the diameter and π is 3.14.
How to Measure a Landscaping Area
Measuring for a landscaping area is similar to measuring for a driveway. For example, if you're measuring a circular area, you'll need to calculate the circle's area using π x r to the power of two. For a rectangular area, measure the length and width and multiply them together to get the total square footage of the area you’ll be working on.
With landscaping, you might have multiple areas to cover. If that's true for you, measure each area separately, then add the total square footage together at the end.
Who to Hire to Lay Gravel
While you may want to try to lay pea gravel yourself or DIY your driveway, it's often the case that the most cost-effective and convenient option is to hire a professional to do it for you. Gravel is heavy, for one thing, and you may not have the tools or equipment needed to move large amounts of it. Pros, on the other hand, most certainly will.
If you're planning on using gravel in your landscape, it may be worthwhile to work with a landscape designer to plan the area and make sure it matches your aesthetic preferences while working with your yard's needs. To install a gravel driveway, it's worth it to contact a gravel driveway contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pea gravel is a type of gravel that is generally smaller and rounder than regular gravel. It's usually made from river rock and is available in a wide range of colors. Thanks to its soft, round shape, pea gravel is more comfortable to walk on compared to standard gravel, which can have sharp edges. A drawback of pea gravel is that it can scatter more easily than other gravel types.
When laying gravel, it's often a good idea to apply a base layer, such as sand or crushed concrete. You may also want to layer a weed-blocking membrane on top of the base layer to prevent weeds and grass from sprouting up in your gravel driveway. Without the appropriate base layer, the gravel you lay may sink into the soil.
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