Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much gravel you need for driveways, patios, paths, and landscaping projects.
2-4 inches typical for driveways and paths
price amount
price basis
Overage Recommendations
It is common to order 10-20% extra to account for waste, settling, and uneven ground.
| Scenario | Cubic Yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|
| Exact Amount | 0 | 0 |
| +10% (recommended) | 0 | 0 |
| +20% (uneven ground) | 0 | 0 |
Tip: For driveways, 2-3 inches of gravel is typical. For walkways, 2 inches usually suffices. For drainage applications, 4-6 inches is common. Compact each layer for best results.
A Complete Guide to Choosing and Using Gravel
Gravel is one of the most versatile landscaping and construction materials available, used for everything from driveways and walkways to drainage systems and decorative garden beds. Selecting the right type, calculating the correct amount, and installing it properly are essential steps for a successful project. Understanding the differences between gravel types, recommended depths for various applications, and drainage considerations will help you achieve professional results while keeping costs under control.
Common Gravel Types and Their Uses
Pea gravel consists of small, naturally rounded stones typically 3/8 inch in diameter. Its smooth texture makes it comfortable to walk on and visually appealing for garden paths, patios, and play areas. However, it shifts easily underfoot and is not ideal for driveways. Crushed stone, also called crusher run, features angular edges that lock together when compacted, making it the top choice for driveways, parking pads, and base layers beneath patios or pavers. It comes in various sizes from fine dust to 1.5-inch pieces. River rock ranges from 1 to 3 inches and is prized for its smooth, rounded appearance in landscaping and dry creek beds. It provides excellent drainage but is too large and loose for walking surfaces. Decomposed granite is finely crushed granite that compacts into a firm, natural-looking surface well suited for pathways, rustic patios, and xeriscaping. It creates a semi-permeable surface that drains reasonably well when installed with a slight grade.
Recommended Gravel Depths by Application
Driveways: 4 to 6 inches total, applied in two compacted layers. Use crushed stone or crusher run for stability.
Walkways and garden paths: 2 to 3 inches. Pea gravel or decomposed granite work well for foot traffic.
Patios: 4 inches of compacted base gravel beneath pavers or flagstone.
Drainage projects: 4 to 6 inches minimum. River rock or larger crushed stone provides the best water flow.
Decorative landscaping: 2 to 3 inches over weed barrier fabric for ground cover around plants and beds.
Drainage Considerations
One of the primary reasons gravel is used in construction and landscaping is its excellent drainage properties. Unlike solid surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, gravel allows rainwater to percolate through to the soil below, reducing runoff and helping to prevent erosion and standing water. For areas where drainage is a priority, choose angular or larger gravel types that create more air space between stones. Avoid using fine materials like decomposed granite in drainage applications, as they compact too tightly. When installing a gravel driveway or patio, ensure the surface has a slight slope of at least 1 to 2 percent grade away from buildings so water flows in the desired direction. For French drains and other subsurface drainage systems, wrap the gravel trench in landscape fabric to prevent soil from clogging the gaps between stones over time.
Buying Tips and Cost Savings
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. One cubic yard of gravel covers approximately 100 square feet at a 3-inch depth and weighs between 2,400 and 2,900 pounds depending on the type. For small projects, bagged gravel from a home improvement store is convenient but costs significantly more per unit than bulk delivery. For any project requiring more than half a cubic yard, ordering bulk delivery from a local quarry or landscape supply company is far more economical. Always order 10 to 20 percent more than your calculated amount to account for settling, uneven ground, spillage during delivery, and compaction loss. Before ordering, prepare the site by removing vegetation, grading the soil, and installing landscape fabric if appropriate. Compacting each layer of gravel with a plate compactor or hand tamper produces a firmer, longer-lasting surface that resists shifting and erosion. Getting multiple quotes from local suppliers and asking about delivery fees, which can vary widely, ensures you get the best overall price for your project.