Gravel Calculator – Volume & Weight
Calculate gravel volume and weight for construction projects
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the length and width of the area to be covered
- Enter the depth of gravel required
- Select your preferred units (metric or imperial)
- Adjust density if using different material types
- Click calculate to see volume and weight requirements
What is Gravel?
Gravel is a loose aggregation of rock fragments. Gravel is classified by particle size range and includes size classes from granule- to boulder-sized fragments.
It's commonly used in construction and landscaping for driveways, pathways, drainage systems, and as a base material for concrete and asphalt.
Material Density Guide
Different types of gravel and aggregates have varying densities. Use these common values as reference:
- Standard gravel: 1,680 kg/m³ (105 lbs/ft³)
- Crushed stone: 1,600 kg/m³ (100 lbs/ft³)
- Sand: 1,500 kg/m³ (94 lbs/ft³)
- Pea gravel: 1,780 kg/m³ (111 lbs/ft³)
- River rock: 1,700 kg/m³ (106 lbs/ft³)
Usage Tips
When planning your gravel project, consider these important factors:
- Add 10-15% extra material for compaction and settling
- Deeper layers (4-6 inches) provide better stability for driveways
- Consider drainage requirements for your application
- Use landscape fabric underneath to prevent weed growth
- Plan for edging to contain the gravel and maintain clean lines
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
- For a standard residential driveway, you'll typically need 4-6 inches of compacted gravel base. Calculate the volume using our calculator and add 10-15% extra for compaction.
- Should I use metric or imperial units?
- Use whichever units are standard for your location and suppliers. In the US, imperial units (feet, inches) are common, while most other countries use metric (meters, centimeters).
- What depth should I use for different applications?
- Pathways need 2-3 inches, driveways require 4-6 inches, and drainage applications may need 6-12 inches depending on the expected water flow.
- How do I account for compaction?
- Gravel compacts by about 10-15%. Order 10-15% more than your calculated volume to ensure you have enough material after compaction.
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