Getting a useful estimate
Use the finished fill depth, not the excavation depth. Gravel grading and moisture can change bulk weight.
Measure the space you need to fill. Rectangles use length and width; circles use diameter. For several sections, choose combined areas and add rectangles, then subtract exclusions. The final area must be greater than zero.
Ordering bulk gravel
Enter the area and loose fill depth to estimate volume before choosing an aggregate. Use that volume to compare supplier quotes. Once you have chosen a product, enter its density to estimate weight.
Check whether the quote is per cubic yard, US short ton or another type of ton. Ask for the product name and its loose bulk density. For a driveway with several layers, calculate each layer separately.
Volume formula
Allowance applies once to each volume layer. No density or compaction factor is assumed. If buying by weight, enter the density for your supplier’s product in the units shown.
A worked example
An example 20-foot by 10-foot rectangle filled 3 inches deep needs 50.000 cubic feet, or 1.851852 cubic yards, without allowance. A 10% allowance gives 55 cubic feet. These are arithmetic examples, not recommended depths.
Buying and checking quantities
Enter the volume printed on a bag, or its mass alongside supplier density. Counts round up to full bags. Costs use the purchasing unit and price you enter. Delivery is separate; labor and installation are outside this estimate. Copy or print your list to check with your supplier.
Sources & what they cover
- NIST SI conversion factorsNational Institute of Standards and Technology
Exact US customary and SI conversion factors; no material or installation recommendations.
Source checked - Hard Rock Mix (3/4 inch)Gravelshop
One supplier’s angular crushed-stone product. Supplier ton convention is not inferred.
Source checked
We check what each reference covers. A source check does not mean a specialist has reviewed this tool. You supply the depths, densities, prices and blend proportions.