How we worked it out
Updated as you change the numbers.
- Area = length × width = 40 ft × 10 ft = 400 sq ft.
- Volume = area × depth = 400 sq ft × 0.333 ft (4 in) = 133.33 cu ft.
- Add 10% for compaction: 133.33 × 1.1 = 146.67 cu ft.
- Cubic yards = 146.67 ÷ 27 = 5.432 yd³.
- Tons = 5.432 yd³ × 1.4 tons per yd³ = 7.6 tons.
Method and assumptions
The calculator multiplies the area by the depth to get the volume, adds the extra you chose for compaction, and converts to cubic yards (27 cubic feet each). The weight is the volume times the density of the material.
Density depends on the stone, its size and how wet it is. Typical figures are about 1.3 to 1.5 short tons per cubic yard for gravel and crushed stone and 1.2 to 1.4 for dry sand. The default of 1.4 is a middle value; if your supplier quotes a figure for their material, use theirs.
Tips
- For a driveway, a common build is 4 in of compacted crushed stone base under 2 in of surface gravel. Work out each layer separately.
- Lay landscape fabric under decorative gravel to keep weeds down and stop the stone sinking into soil.
- Suppliers who sell by the ton weigh the truck. Ask whether their price includes delivery.
Questions
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
Usually about 1.3 to 1.5 tons (2,600 to 3,000 lb). Larger, cleaner stone has more air between pieces and weighs less per yard; wet or mixed material weighs more.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.4 tons per cubic yard, one ton is about 19 cubic feet. That covers about 58 sq ft at 4 in deep, 77 sq ft at 3 in or 116 sq ft at 2 in.
Sources
- NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C: unit conversions
- USGS: Construction sand and gravel statistics and information
Method and figures checked on . Every worked answer on this page is covered by an automated test. Found a mistake? Tell us.