Gravel Cost Calculator
Planning a gravel driveway, walkway, or drainage bed? Enter your project area dimensions and gravel price to estimate the exact cubic yards, tons, and bags needed, plus total material and delivery costs.
Results
The volume and weight conversion
Gravel suppliers sell material in different units depending on whether they are a retail garden center (which typically quotes by the cubic yard) or a commercial quarry (which quotes by the ton). Knowing how to convert between the two ensures you never overpay or order the wrong amount.
The conversion is determined by material density:
cubic yards = (length in feet × width in feet × (depth in inches ÷ 12) ÷ 27) × waste factor, and then tons = cubic yards × density.
| Area | Cubic yards | Tons (crushed gravel) | 50 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 1.02 | 1.38 | 55 |
| 20 × 20 ft | 4.07 | 5.50 | 220 |
| 50 × 12 ft (Driveway strip) | 6.11 | 8.25 | 330 |
| 100 × 10 ft (Walkway/Driveway) | 10.19 | 13.75 | 550 |
Bags vs. bulk: where is the financial crossover?
Gravel is heavy, and manual transport is labor-intensive. A single cubic yard of crushed gravel weighs approximately 2,700 pounds. Buying this volume in 50 lb bags requires hauling and handling 54 individual bags. Economically, bulk is almost always superior for medium-to-large projects, even when delivery fees are included.
| Material Choice | Price per unit | Delivery fee | Total project cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 bags (50 lb each) at Home Depot | $5.50 / bag | Self-hauling ($0) | $297.00 |
| Bulk Gravel (1.35 tons) from local yard | $45.00 / ton | Flat fee ($75) | $135.75 |
The bulk crossover occurs at about 0.5 cubic yards. Beyond this threshold, paying a flat delivery fee for bulk gravel is cheaper and saves days of intense physical lifting.
Selecting the proper depth
Matching the depth of your gravel layer to its structural function keeps the surface stable and prevents ruts from forming under foot or vehicle weight.
| Application | Recommended Depth | Type of Gravel |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian walkway or garden path | 2 to 3 inches | Pea gravel or crushed stone |
| Driveway or parking pad (base layer) | 4 to 6 inches | Crusher run or dense grade aggregate |
| Driveway or parking pad (surface layer) | 2 to 3 inches | 3/4" crushed gravel |
| Drainage trenches or French drains | 12 to 18 inches | Washed river rock or drainage stone |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of gravel cost on average?
Bulk gravel generally costs between $35 and $75 per cubic yard depending on the rock type and location. Delivery typically adds a flat charge of $50 to $150 per trip.
Is it cheaper to buy gravel in bags or bulk?
Bulk gravel is significantly cheaper for projects requiring more than half a cubic yard. Buying 1 yard of gravel in 50 lb bags costs about $300, whereas bulk delivered gravel often totals under $150.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
A standard cubic yard of dry crushed gravel weighs approximately 1.35 tons (2,700 lbs). Wet or densely graded base gravels are heavier, weighing up to 1.45 tons per yard.
Should I include a compaction allowance?
Yes, gravel settles and packs down under tamping or vehicular weight. Adding a 10% to 15% waste/compaction factor is recommended so you do not run short.