Gravel Type & Size Calculator

Estimate any gravel grade, 2B, 411, Class 5, ABC and others, from your area and depth. The volume math is the same; only density varies slightly by type.

tons

cubic yards

bags (0.5 ft³)

est. cost

Gravel Type & Size Calculator

Enter values to see your estimate.

How to Calculate Gravel by Type

Change the calculator above and watch every figure and the diagram below update live.

Top-down view (area × depth)

Step 1 · Area

20 ft × 10 ft = 200 ft²

Step 2 · Volume (× depth, ÷ 27)

200 ft² × 0.33 ft ÷ 27 = 2.47 yd³

3.46

tons (× 1.4)

134

bags (÷ 0.5 ft³)

These figures update automatically as you change the calculator above.

Gravel coverage by depth

Approximate coverage of one cubic yard of gravel at common depths.

Approximate coverage of one cubic yard of gravel at common depths.
Depth	Coverage per yd³	Relative coverage
1"	324 sq ft	100%
2"	162 sq ft	50%
3"	108 sq ft	33%
4"	81 sq ft	25%
6"	54 sq ft	17%

Drag to explore coverage at a given depth 3 in

At 3 inches deep, one cubic yard of gravel covers 108 sq ft.

Why gravel type changes the tonnage

Every gravel type fills the same volume. A 20 × 10 ft area at 4 inches deep is always about 2.47 cubic yards. What changes from one stone to another is the weight per cubic yard, because the stones differ in three ways:

Rock density: granite, limestone and trap rock all weigh different amounts.
Packing: stone with fines packs tighter than clean stone.
Moisture: wet stone is heavier.

Engineering ToolBox lists dry gravel at about 105 lb/ft³ (≈1.42 tons per yd³) and wet gravel at 125 lb/ft³ (≈1.69 tons per yd³) (Engineering ToolBox).

That is why the calculator asks for the type. If you order by the ton, the density you choose sets how much stone actually arrives.

Common gravel types and sizes

Numbered sizes come from ASTM D448, which classifies aggregate by sieve size. A higher number means a smaller stone (ASTM D448, Table 1).

Type / size	Nominal size	Typical use
#3 stone	2 in – 1 in	Bottom layer on soft ground
#57 stone	1 in – No. 4 (≈3/16 in)	Driveway surface, drainage, concrete
#67 stone	3/4 in – No. 4	Drainage, pipe bedding
#8 stone	3/8 in – No. 8	Fine surface, paths
Crusher run / #411 / dense grade	Crushed stone with fines	Compacted base for driveways and pavers
Pea gravel	1/8 – 3/8 in, rounded	Patios, paths, play areas
River rock	Larger rounded stone	Borders, dry creek beds, drainage

Regional names such as 2B, 411, Class 5 and ABC are local specifications. Ask your supplier for the gradation or the closest ASTM size. For more detail, see types of gravel and #57 stone explained.

Which gravel type should I choose?

Project	Best type	Avoid
Driveway base	Crusher run; #3 on soft ground	Pea gravel
Driveway surface	#57 or 3/4–1 in crushed stone	Round stone, stone over 2 in
French drain	Washed #57 or #67	Crusher run, pea gravel
Paver base	3/4 in crusher run or clear stone	Stone dust
Patio or path	Pea gravel or 3/4 in crushed stone	Large river rock

HomeGuide recommends at least 5–6 inches total depth for a car driveway: 3–4 inches of crusher run under 2–3 inches of 3/4–1 inch crushed stone (HomeGuide). See the best gravel for a driveway and the best gravel for a French drain.

Gravel prices by type

Type	Per ton (delivered)
Sand & gravel (Class 5)	$11 – $19
Road base gravel	$18 – $30
Crusher run	$24 – $34
Crushed limestone	$30 – $38
Crushed granite	$25 – $50
Pea gravel	$28 – $45
River rock	$33 – $49
White gravel	$52 – $184

Source: HomeGuide, 2026. Prices vary by region, so always confirm locally. For delivery and truckload costs, see the gravel cost guide.

Gravel Type FAQs

How do I calculate a specific gravel grade?

Volume is the same for every grade: area × depth ÷ 27 for cubic yards. Just confirm the supplier's tons-per-yard for that specific stone.

What is 2B gravel?

2B is clean crushed stone about 3/4–1 inch with no fines, good for drainage and driveways where you don't need compaction.

What is 411 or Class 5 gravel?

These are crushed stone blended with fines that compact into a firm base, commonly used under driveways, pavers and roads.

Does gravel size change how much I need?

Not the volume, but larger, cleaner stone weighs slightly less per yard, and compacting grades need an extra 10–15%.

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