How it’s calculated
Find the volume, add an allowance for compaction, then convert to weight with the stone’s loose bulk density.
Example: a 20 ft × 10 ft area, 4 in deep = 200 × (4/12) = 66.67 ft³ = 2.47 yd³. With 10% extra: 2.72 yd³. At 1.35 tons/yd³ that is 3.67 tons; at $45/ton about $165.
Density varies with rock type, size and moisture (roughly 1.2–1.5 tons/yd³ loose), so it is editable.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel do I need?
Multiply length × width × depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.35 tons per cubic yard (crushed gravel, loose). A 20 × 10 ft area 4 in deep needs about 3.3 tons before waste.
How many cubic yards are in a ton of gravel?
About 0.74 yd³ per ton at 1.35 tons/yd³. Heavier, wetter or finer material gives less volume per ton.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
At 1.35 tons/yd³ one ton is 20 ft³, which covers about 60 ft² at 4 in deep, 80 ft² at 3 in or 120 ft² at 2 in.
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Sources
- Maintenance Manual Vol. 1, Appendix: Useful Information (weights of broken stone, sand and soil) — California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
- NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C: Units of Measurement — U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.
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