Part of the Construction collection — 4 tools available
Gravel Calculator — Tons for Drainage & Fill
Calculate how many tons of gravel you need for drainage, fill, or base material. Converts cubic yards to tons based on gravel type and depth.
About This Calculator
Whether you're installing a French drain, building a gravel pad for a shed, or backfilling a retaining wall, getting the tonnage right avoids costly over-ordering or frustrating shortages that halt the project. Gravel is sold by the ton at landscape supply yards, but project dimensions are measured in feet and inches, making the conversion a common source of error. Different gravel types also have different densities — #57 stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard while pea gravel is closer to 1.3. Our gravel calculator handles the conversion from project dimensions to tons.
The Formula Behind This Calculator
Volume (cu yd) = Length * Width * (Depth / 12) / 27 Tons = Volume * Density factor 1 ton covers ~100 sq ft at 2' deep.
Understanding the math helps you verify results and make better decisions for your project.
Related Tools
How to Use
- 1Measure the length and width of the area to be filled with gravel.
- 2Enter the desired depth in inches.
- 3Set the gravel density — 2,800 lb/cu yd is typical for crushed stone.
- 4Review the calculated tons and cubic yards for ordering.
When to Use
- →Ordering gravel for a French drain or drainage project.
- →Calculating base material for a shed pad or driveway.
- →Estimating fill material for a retaining wall backfill zone.
Tips
- ✓Crushed limestone weighs about 2,800 lb/cu yd; pea gravel is lighter at about 2,400 lb/cu yd.
- ✓Order 5-10% extra for settling — gravel compacts over time, especially under load.
- ✓For drainage applications, use clean crushed stone (no fines) so water flows freely.
FAQ
How much gravel do I need for a French drain?
A typical French drain needs 6-8 inches of gravel around a 4-inch pipe in a 12-18 inch wide trench. Use this calculator with your trench length, width, and desired gravel depth.
What's the difference between bank run and processed gravel?
Bank run is unprocessed pit-run material with variable sizes. Processed (crushed) gravel is screened to consistent sizes and compacted better for structural applications.
Can I use gravel calculator for pea gravel paths?
Yes. Set density to about 2,400 lb/cu yd for pea gravel. A 3-inch depth on a path is usually sufficient for comfortable walking.
Related Calculators
Concrete Slab Calculator — How Much Concrete Do You Need?
Calculate how much concrete you need for your slab project. Estimate volume in cubic yards and total cost based on size, thickness, and price per yard.
Gravel Driveway Calculator — How Much Gravel Do You Need?
Estimate how many tons of gravel you need for a driveway. Enter length, width, depth, and price per ton to calculate coverage and total material cost.
Paint Calculator — How Much Paint Do You Need?
Figure out how many gallons of paint you need for any room. Accounts for walls, ceiling, doors, windows, and number of coats for an accurate estimate.