SqftKit
SqftKit · Gravel

Gravel calculator

Volume of the bed, then weight at your density

Gravel is ordered by volume or by the ton, and the two are connected by how heavy a cubic yard of that rock is. This page computes cubic feet and cubic yards from the length, width, and depth of a rectangular bed, then multiplies by the tons per cubic yard you type. A common planning range for loose gravel is about 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard. The box starts empty so you use the figure from your supplier.

Inputs

Use the supplier's number. Loose gravel is often planned around 1.4.

Result

Fill in the fields and press Calculate.

Disclaimer: A volume and a weight from the density you enter. The delivery ticket is the amount you bought.

How to use

  1. Measure the bed in feet for length and width.
  2. Enter the depth in inches. Three inches is 0.25 feet inside the formula.
  3. Enter tons per cubic yard from the quote or the product sheet.
  4. Press Calculate. Order a little extra if the bed is not a clean rectangle. This page does not add waste on its own.

How it's calculated

Cubic feet = length × width × depth in feet. Depth in feet is the inch depth divided by 12. Cubic yards = cubic feet ÷ 27.

Tons = cubic yards × tons per cubic yard. Changing the density does not change the volume. It only changes the weight.

Worked example

A 10 by 20 foot bed at 3 inches deep holds 10 × 20 × 0.25 = 50 cubic feet, which is 50 ÷ 27 = about 1.85 cubic yards. At 1.4 tons per cubic yard that is about 2.59 tons. At 1.3 tons per yard the same hole is about 2.41 tons.

Assumptions

A rectangular prism. Compaction, the slope of a pile, and a tapered edge are not included. The density is yours. Mulch volume, without a tonnage, is the mulch calculator on ClearQuip.

FAQ

Why do I have to type the tons per yard?

Rock weight depends on the stone. A hidden default would pretend one number fits every quarry.

Should I order cubic yards or tons?

Ask what the yard sells. The page shows both so you can match the quote.

Does depth include the base layer?

Only if you included that thickness in the depth. Add layers as separate runs if they use different material.

How is this different from mulch?

The volume math is the same shape. Mulch is usually bought in bags or yards without a ton figure. Gravel quotes often switch to weight.

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