Gravel & aggregate calculator
Free gravel calculator: estimate gravel, road base, RAP, natural rock, and concrete rock in yards, tons, and truckloads. Results update as you type.
Project size
Default buffer is a HowManyLoads planning starting point (roughly in the common 8–12% range), not a supplier specification or lab measurement. Adjust for your material, moisture, and yard advice.
Rectangle area for v1. Densities, buffer %, and truck box volumes are planning defaults — not measured specs. Verify with your supplier or hauler.
Estimate
Enter dimensions to see yards, tons, and loads.
- Volume
- 0cu ft
- Raw yards
- 0yd³
- Order yards
- 0yd³
- Est. weight
- 0tons
- Bags
- 0
- Truckloads
- 0
How to use this calculator
- Confirm the material (or switch in the dropdown).
- Enter length (ft), width (ft), and depth (in). Adjust the buffer if your yard recommends a different cushion.
- Select a truck type to translate order yards into approximate loads.
Example: 20×30 ft driveway section at 6 in deep
Raw volume ≈ 11.11 yd³. With a 10% buffer ≈ 12.22 yd³ (~17.11 tons at our planning density) — about 0.87 tandem loads (14 yd³ box). Run your own numbers in the calculator above.
FAQ
How do I calculate how much Gravel I need?
Enter length and width in feet and depth in inches. The calculator converts to cubic feet and cubic yards, then applies your compaction/waste buffer so you can order with a planning cushion.
Why add a compaction or waste buffer?
Material settles, spills, and uneven grade eat volume. A typical planning starting point is roughly 8–12%. Adjust for moisture, compaction requirements, and supplier advice. See our compaction buffer guide.
Are tons exact?
No. Tons use a planning density (tons per cubic yard). Real weight varies with moisture and mix. Confirm with your quarry or landscape yard.
How many truckloads do I need?
Pick a truck type with a typical box volume (tandem, tri-axle, or semi). Dense materials are often weight-limited before the box is full — ask your hauler what they actually put on that truck.
Bags or bulk delivery?
Small beds often pencil out in bags. Larger pads and drives usually cost less as bulk yards delivered by dump or semi. Compare bag count and loads in the estimate panel.