One ton of gravel or crushed stone covers approximately 100 square feet at 2 inches deep. Our stone calculator, also known as a gravel calculator, simplifies the process by helping you calculate the exact weight of stone, gravel, crushed stone or rock needed for your construction project. Whether you’re laying a gravel driveway, pouring a concrete slab with sand and stone aggregate, backfilling a drainage trench with crushed rock, or armoring a shoreline with riprap boulders, this tool ensures you order exactly the right amount.
To calculate the amount of stone, gravel, crushed rock, or sand your project requires, follow this two-step approach.
The density to use in the formula will depend on what material you use. Here's a table displaying the Mass per Cubic Yard of different materials.
| Material |
kg / yd³ |
lb / yd³ |
short tons / yd³ |
metric tons / yd³ |
| Crushed Stone (¼"–2") | 1 270 – 1 542 | 2 800 – 3 400 | 1.40 – 1.70 | 1.27 – 1.54 |
| Gravel (¾"–2") | 1 270 – 1 451 | 2 800 – 3 200 | 1.40 – 1.60 | 1.27 – 1.45 |
| Gravel with Sand | 1 315 – 1 542 | 2 900 – 3 400 | 1.45 – 1.70 | 1.32 – 1.54 |
| Rock & Stone (2"–6") | 1 361 – 1 542 | 3 000 – 3 400 | 1.50 – 1.70 | 1.36 – 1.54 |
| Dry Sand | 1 225 | 2 700 | 1.35 | 1.22 |
| Wet Sand | 1 470 – 1 533 | 3 240 – 3 380 | 1.62 – 1.69 | 1.47 – 1.53 |
Here's a table displaying the Mass per Cubic meter of different materials.
| Material |
kg / m³ |
lb / m³ |
short tons / m³ |
metric tons / m³ |
| Crushed Stone (¼"–2") | 1 661 – 2 017 | 3 660 – 4 440 | 1.83 – 2.22 | 1.66 – 2.02 |
| Gravel (¾"–2") | 1 661 – 1 898 | 3 660 – 4 180 | 1.83 – 2.09 | 1.66 – 1.90 |
| Gravel with Sand | 1 721 – 2 017 | 3 800 – 4 440 | 1.90 – 2.22 | 1.72 – 2.02 |
| Rock & Stone (2"–6") | 1 780 – 2 017 | 3 920 – 4 440 | 1.96 – 2.22 | 1.78 – 2.02 |
| Dry Sand | 1 602 | 3 540 | 1.77 | 1.60 |
| Wet Sand | 1 920 – 2 005 | 4 240 – 4 400 | 2.12 – 2.20 | 1.92 – 2.01 |
Here's a table displaying the Mass per Cubic foot of different materials.
| Material |
kg / ft³ |
lb / ft³ |
short tons / ft³ |
metric tons / ft³ |
| Crushed Stone (¼"–2") | 47 – 57 | 104 – 126 | 0.052 – 0.063 | 0.047 – 0.057 |
| Gravel (¾"–2") | 47 – 54 | 104 – 118 | 0.052 – 0.059 | 0.047 – 0.054 |
| Gravel with Sand | 49 – 57 | 108 – 126 | 0.054 – 0.063 | 0.049 – 0.057 |
| Rock & Stone (2"–6") | 50 – 57 | 112 – 126 | 0.056 – 0.063 | 0.050 – 0.057 |
| Dry Sand | 45 | 100 | 0.050 | 0.045 |
| Wet Sand | 54 – 57 | 120 – 126 | 0.060 – 0.063 | 0.054 – 0.057 |
Worked Examples
The examples below use ¾-inch crushed limestone
(bulk density ≈ 1.35 short tons / cubic yard)
to demonstrate how the calculator converts a project’s measurements into
both volume (cubic yards) and weight (tons or pounds).
Example 1 — Rectangular Pad (Length × Width × Depth)
Scenario: Installing a gravel patio that is
20 ft long,
10 ft wide
and 6 in deep.
-
Volume = 20 ft × 10 ft × 6 in ÷ 324
= 3.70 cu yd
-
Weight = 3.70 cu yd × 1.35 tons / cu yd
≈ 5.0 short tons
(≈ 10,000 lb)
Example 2 — Irregular Surface (Area × Depth)
Scenario: Repairing a driveway with
250 ft² of surface area,
filled to 4 in depth.
-
Volume = 250 ft² × 4 in ÷ 324
= 3.09 cu yd
-
Weight = 3.09 cu yd × 1.35 tons / cu yd
≈ 4.17 short tons
(≈ 8,340 lb)
Density can vary by quarry and moisture content.
Confirm the exact bulk density with your supplier, then enter that value into the calculator for the most precise order size. You should also probably take into account a buffer for waste that may arise on the construction. Usually a buffer of 15% is reasonable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much stone do I need for a 10x10 patio?
A 10x10 patio is 100 square feet. At 2 inches deep you need approximately 0.62 cubic yards or just over half a ton of gravel or crushed stone. Add 10% for compaction and waste.
What is the difference between gravel and crushed stone?
Gravel is naturally rounded from weathering and water erosion. Crushed stone is mechanically broken from larger rocks and has angular edges. Crushed stone compacts better and is preferred for driveways and base layers.
How many tons of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A standard two car driveway of 20x20 feet at 4 inches deep requires approximately 5 tons of gravel. Always add 10% for compaction and settling.
How deep should I lay gravel?
For driveways use 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel. For walkways and patios use 2 to 3 inches. For drainage applications use 6 to 12 inches depending on soil conditions.
How do I calculate how much stone I need?
Multiply the length by the width by the depth in feet then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons depending on the stone type.
What is the best gravel for a driveway?
Crushed stone in 3/4 inch size is the most common choice for driveways. It compacts well, drains properly, and provides a stable surface. Road base or crusher run is also popular for its binding properties.
