Gravel Calculator
Estimate the volume, weight and cost of gravel for a driveway, path or base layer.
Last updated: June 20, 2026 · Reviewed by TG we-Calculate Editorial TeamUnits
m
m
cm
/ tonne
Based on a typical gravel density of 1.5 t/m³.
1.5 m³
Volume of gravel- 1
Volume
5 × 3 × 0.1 = 1.5 m³ - 2
Weight (tonnes)
1.5 × 1.5 = 2.25Assumes a typical gravel density of 1.5 t/m³.
How much gravel do I need?
Multiply the area's length by its width by the gravel depth (all in metres) to get the volume in cubic metres. Multiply that volume by about 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre — the typical density of loose gravel — to get the weight you need to order in tonnes.
Formula
How this is calculated
The calculator treats your area as a flat rectangular box of gravel. It converts every dimension to metres — imperial feet are multiplied by 0.3048 and inches by 0.0254, while metric depth in centimetres is multiplied by 0.01 — so that length, width and depth share one unit. Multiplying the three gives the volume in cubic metres, which is also shown in cubic yards (1 m³ ≈ 1.308 yd³).
To turn volume into the weight you actually order, the volume is multiplied by an assumed density of 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre, a typical figure for loose gravel and crushed aggregate. Real densities range from about 1.4 to 1.7 t/m³ depending on stone type, particle size and moisture, so the tonnage is an estimate. Tonnes are converted to US short tons (1 tonne ≈ 1.102 tons). If you enter a price per tonne, the cost is simply weight × price.
The model assumes uniform depth and full compaction is not accounted for, so ordering 5–10% extra is wise to allow for settling, spillage and uneven ground.
Examples
| Input | Result |
|---|---|
| 5 m × 3 m area, 10 cm deep | 1.5 m³ ≈ 2.25 tonnes (~2.48 US tons) |
| 16 ft × 10 ft area, 4 in deep | ≈ 1.51 m³ ≈ 2.26 tonnes |
About this calculator
To estimate gravel, multiply the length, width and depth of the area to get the volume, then multiply the volume by the density of the gravel to get its weight. This calculator converts every dimension to metres, so the volume comes out in cubic metres (and also cubic yards). Loose gravel and crushed aggregate weigh roughly 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre, though this varies from about 1.4 to 1.7 t/m³ depending on the stone type, size and moisture.
For a driveway or path, a depth of 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) is common for the top layer. Gravel is usually sold by weight (tonne or ton), so the weight figure is what you order, while the volume helps you picture the finished depth. If you enter a price per tonne, the calculator also estimates the material cost.
Frequently asked questions
Loose gravel and crushed aggregate weigh roughly 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre, ranging from about 1.4 to 1.7 t/m³ depending on the stone and moisture.
For a path or driveway top layer, 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) is typical. Deeper sub-bases are used under driveways that carry vehicles.
Most suppliers sell gravel by weight, in tonnes or US tons, so order using the weight figure. The volume helps you visualise the coverage and depth.
Also known as
Sources & references
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. (2026). Gravel Calculator [Online calculator]. TG we-Calculate. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/gravel-calculator
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. "Gravel Calculator." TG we-Calculate. 2026. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/gravel-calculator.
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team, "Gravel Calculator," TG we-Calculate, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://we-calculate.com/calculator/gravel-calculator
@misc{wecalculate_gravel_calculator, title = {Gravel Calculator}, author = {{TG we-Calculate Editorial Team}}, howpublished = {\url{https://we-calculate.com/calculator/gravel-calculator}}, year = {2026}, note = {TG we-Calculate} }
Did this calculator help you?