Gravel & Crushed Stone Calculator
Calculate exact tons, cubic yards, and 50lb bag counts for driveways, walkways, french drains, and paver base with compaction allowance.
Instant Gravel & Stone Estimator
Calculate exact US tons, cubic yards, and 50lb bag counts with compaction allowance.
73.3 cu ft (+10% compaction)
~54 bags per cubic yard
Disclaimer: Calculations provided are estimates for preliminary material planning only. Actual yields vary based on subgrade compaction, site grading, waste, and local trade practices. QuickRenoTools assumes no liability for material shortages, structural failures, code non-compliance, vehicle overloads, or jobsite injuries. Verify all structural spans, retaining wall heights, and concrete mix designs with a licensed engineer, certified contractor, or local building authority prior to purchase and construction. Legal Disclaimer→
"Tons to Yards" & "Yards to Tons" Reverse Conversion Card
Aggregate is excavated and spread by cubic volume (yards or meters), but sold and hauled by weight (tons or tonnes). Use these verified conversion benchmarks to verify your quarry scale ticket or bulk delivery order:
2,565 to 2,700 lbs (#57 washed gravel). For dense road base with rock dust (crusher run / DGA), 1 yd³ reaches 1.42 tons (2,835 lbs). Equals ~54 retail bags (50 lb).
Equals 20 to 21 cubic feet or 40 retail bags (50 lb). Standard coverage rules of thumb per 1 US ton:
- • 120 sq ft @ 2" depth (Walkways & Mulch Beds)
- • 80 sq ft @ 3" depth (Patio Underlayment)
- • 60 sq ft @ 4" depth (Standard Shed & Patio Base)
- • 40 sq ft @ 6" depth (Vehicular Driveway Base)
Reverse Conversion Table: US Tons to Cubic Yards & Coverage
Quickly convert quarry scale weight into bulk cubic yardage, retail 50lb bag equivalents, and estimated hauling trips.
| Aggregate Weight | Loose Volume (Cu Yds / m³) | Retail Bag Count | Coverage (4" vs 2" Depth) | Hauling Logistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 US Ton (2,000 lbs / 907 kg) | 0.78 cu yd (0.57 m³) | 40 bags (50lb) / 45 (20kg) | 60 sq ft @ 4" / 120 sq ft @ 2" | 1 Pickup Trip (Max Half-Ton Bed) |
| 2 US Tons (4,000 lbs / 1,814 kg) | 1.56 cu yd (1.14 m³) | 80 bags (50lb) / 91 (20kg) | 120 sq ft @ 4" / 240 sq ft @ 2" | 2 Pickup Trips |
| 3 US Tons (6,000 lbs / 2,722 kg) | 2.34 cu yd (1.71 m³) | 120 bags (50lb) / 136 (20kg) | 180 sq ft @ 4" / 360 sq ft @ 2" | 2 to 3 Pickup Trips |
| 5 US Tons (10,000 lbs / 4,536 kg) | 3.90 cu yd (2.85 m³) | 200 bags (50lb) / 227 (20kg) | 300 sq ft @ 4" / 600 sq ft @ 2" | Single Axle Dump Truck |
| 10 US Tons (20,000 lbs / 9,072 kg) | 7.80 cu yd (5.71 m³) | 400 bags (50lb) / 454 (20kg) | 600 sq ft @ 4" / 1,200 sq ft @ 2" | 1 Tandem Dump Truck |
| 15 US Tons (30,000 lbs / 13,608 kg) | 11.70 cu yd (8.56 m³) | 600 bags (50lb) / 680 (20kg) | 900 sq ft @ 4" / 1,800 sq ft @ 2" | 1 Tri-Axle Quarry Truck |
Gravel Coverage Cheat Sheet (#57 Crushed Stone)
Quick reference of standard project dimensions assuming 2,565 lbs/cu yd (1,520 kg/m³) bulk density with 10% compaction.
| Project & Dimensions | Volume (Yards / m³) | Bulk Weight (Tons / t) | Retail Bags Equiv | Total Weight (lbs / kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft / 3×3 m Shed Pad (4" / 100mm) | 1.36 cu yd (0.99 m³) | 1.74 Tons (1.50 t) | 70 bags (50lb) / 76 (20kg) | 3,488 lbs (1,505 kg) |
| 10×20 ft / 3×6 m Single Car (4" / 100mm) | 2.72 cu yd (1.98 m³) | 3.48 Tons (3.01 t) | 140 bags (50lb) / 151 (20kg) | 6,977 lbs (3,010 kg) |
| 10×50 ft / 3×15 m Driveway (3" / 75mm) | 5.09 cu yd (3.71 m³) | 6.53 Tons (5.64 t) | 262 bags (50lb) / 283 (20kg) | 13,056 lbs (5,639 kg) |
| 20×40 ft / 6×12 m Double Car (4" / 100mm) | 10.86 cu yd (7.92 m³) | 13.93 Tons (12.04 t) | 558 bags (50lb) / 602 (20kg) | 27,908 lbs (12,038 kg) |
| 50 ft / 15 m French Drain (12×18" / 30×45cm w/ pipe) | 2.88 cu yd (2.10 m³) | 3.69 Tons (3.19 t) | 148 bags (50lb) / 160 (20kg) | 7,387 lbs (3,192 kg) |
| 100 ft / 30 m French Drain (12×18" / 30×45cm w/ pipe) | 5.76 cu yd (4.20 m³) | 7.38 Tons (6.38 t) | 296 bags (50lb) / 319 (20kg) | 14,774 lbs (6,384 kg) |
Base Depth Comparison: 4" Shed/Patio vs. 6" Heavy Vehicle Base
Compare aggregate requirements between 4-inch standard pedestrian/shed depth and 6-inch vehicular load depth (+10% compaction).
| Project Area | 4" (100mm) Compacted Depth | 6" (150mm) Heavy Base Depth | Quarry Delivery Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft (100 sq ft / 9.3 m²) | 1.36 yd³ (1.74 tons / 1.50 t) | 2.04 yd³ (2.61 tons / 2.25 t) | Bagged or Small Pickup |
| 10×20 ft (200 sq ft / 18.6 m²) | 2.72 yd³ (3.48 tons / 3.01 t) | 4.07 yd³ (5.22 tons / 4.51 t) | Tandem Quarry Truck |
| 12×24 ft (288 sq ft / 26.8 m²) | 3.91 yd³ (5.00 tons / 4.33 t) | 5.87 yd³ (7.51 tons / 6.50 t) | Tandem Quarry Truck |
| 20×20 ft (400 sq ft / 37.2 m²) | 5.43 yd³ (6.95 tons / 6.02 t) | 8.15 yd³ (10.43 tons / 9.03 t) | Full Quarry Truck (Tri-Axle) |
Disclaimer: Calculations provided are estimates for preliminary material planning only. Actual yields vary based on subgrade compaction, site grading, waste, and local trade practices. QuickRenoTools assumes no liability for material shortages, structural failures, code non-compliance, vehicle overloads, or jobsite injuries. Verify all structural spans, retaining wall heights, and concrete mix designs with a licensed engineer, certified contractor, or local building authority prior to purchase and construction.
Related Tools for This Project
Building this project? Don't forget your sub-base gravel, reinforcement steel, or finishing supplies:
Step 1: Paver Patio Base — Building a paver patio over a crushed stone base? Calculate paver stones and bedding sand.
Step 2: Concrete Sub-Base — Pouring concrete on top of this gravel base? Calculate your concrete yardage.
Step 3: Drainage Chimney — Calculate gravel backfill behind segmental retaining walls to stop hydrostatic pressure.
Regional Aggregate Synonyms: US, UK & Australian Trade Names
Quarries and builders merchants worldwide use distinct regional trade names for identical aggregate grades. Whether ordering in the US, UK, or Australia, here is how local aggregate specifications compare:
| Material Category | 🇺🇸 United States | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇦🇺 Australia | Best Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4" Clean Stone | #57 Stone / 3/4" Washed | 20mm Shingle / Clean Gravel | 20mm Blue Metal / Drainage Rock | French drains, concrete sub-base, clean driveway surface |
| Sub-Base with Fines | Crusher Run / DGA / ABC Stone | MOT Type 1 / Clause 803 / Scalpings | Road Base (Class 2/3) / Crushed Rock | Packs rock-hard for driveway foundations, shed pads, paver base |
| 3/8" Smooth Pebble | Pea Gravel (3/8") | 10mm Pea Shingle | 10mm River Pebble / Pea Gravel | Barefoot walkways, garden borders, dog runs, pipe bedding |
| Granite Fines | Decomposed Granite (DG) | Hoggin / Breedon Self-Binding | Crusher Dust / Deco Granite | Natural rustic walking paths, fire pit surrounds, bocce courts |
| 1"–3" Rounded River Stone | River Rock / Egg Rock | Scottish Cobbles / River Pebbles | Nepean River Stones / Round Pebbles | Dry creek beds, downspout splash basins, decorative garden accents |
Pickup Truck Bed Payload Safety Limits
DIYers frequently attempt to haul a full bucket of gravel (approx 1 cubic yard = 2,700 lbs) in a half-ton pickup (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, Ram 1500), risking snapped leaf springs, blown shocks, warped brake rotors, and voided insurance.
- • 1/2-Ton Pickups (F-150 / 1500): Safe bed payload is 1,500 to 2,000 lbs (0.5 to 0.75 cubic yards max). Requires 2+ trips for orders over 1.5 tons.
- • 3/4-Ton Pickups (F-250 / 2500): Safe bed payload is 3,000 to 3,500 lbs (approx 1.1 to 1.25 cubic yards).
- • 1-Ton Pickups (F-350 / 3500 Single/Dually): Safe bed payload is 4,000 to 6,000 lbs (1.5 to 2.2 cubic yards).
Wheelbarrow Haul Estimator & Labor Time
When ordering aggregate delivered to your driveway, getting the stone into the backyard requires manual wheelbarrow runs.
- • Standard Contractor Barrow: Holds 3 cubic feet (approx 85 Liters / ~280 lbs of stone).
- • Trips per Cubic Yard: Exactly 9 trips (27 cu ft ÷ 3 cu ft = 9).
- • Trips per US Ton: 7 to 8 trips (21 cu ft ÷ 3 cu ft ≈ 7).
- • Labor Budgeting: A 2-person crew (one shovel loader, one wheelbarrow runner) moves roughly 1 cubic yard every 25 to 35 minutes over a 50-foot run.
Gravel Density & Compaction Factors Explained
Gravel is measured by weight (tons) at quarries but excavated by volume (cubic yards). Angular materials like #57 stone compact by roughly 10%, while crusher run (dense grade aggregate with fines) compacts up to 20% under a plate compactor.
1 Ton of Gravel = ~0.74 Cubic Yards (covers ~60 sq ft at 4" depth)
Frequently Asked Questions: Gravel & Crushed Stone Calculator
Common questions about bag calculations, ordering bulk vs bags, and trade standards.
How much does 1 cubic yard of gravel weigh in tons?
Most standard gravel and crushed stone (#57 limestone or granite) weighs approximately 1.35 to 1.4 US tons (2,700 to 2,800 lbs) per cubic yard. Compacted dense road base (crusher run with fines) can reach 1.5 tons (3,000 lbs) per yard.
How thick should gravel be for a shed pad vs. a driveway?
A shed foundation pad or walkway requires 4 inches of compacted crushed stone over landscape fabric. A vehicle driveway requires 8 to 10 inches total, constructed in two lifts: a 4-to-6-inch coarse sub-base (#3 stone) topped with a 3-to-4-inch compacted layer of crusher run or #57 stone.
Why do I need to subtract pipe volume in a French drain?
A standard 4-inch (100mm) perforated pipe takes up roughly 0.087 cubic feet of space per linear foot (about 4.36 cu ft per 50-foot run). Subtracting this prevents over-ordering stone by nearly a quarter-ton on standard residential trenches.
Can I put gravel directly on dirt without fabric?
Laying gravel directly onto bare dirt allows the stones to press into the subsoil under foot traffic or rain within 6 to 12 months. Always lay non-woven geotextile fabric first to prevent the stone from sinking and to stop mud from migrating up into your aggregate.
What is gravel compaction factor and why does it matter?
When loose aggregate or road base (crusher run) is rolled or tamped with a plate compactor, air voids collapse and the material settles 10% to 20% in volume. To achieve your target compacted thickness (e.g., 4 inches compacted), you must order 10%–20% additional loose material.
What is the best gravel size for a residential driveway?
A three-layer system is best: a 4" to 6" sub-base of #3 coarse stone (2–3"), a 4" middle layer of crusher run (#411 road base with stone dust that locks tight), and a 2" top surface layer of angular #57 crushed stone (3/4") for traction.
What is the difference between #57 crushed stone and crusher run?
#57 stone is washed 3/4" angular crushed limestone or granite with zero dust, making it ideal for free drainage and french drains. Crusher run (Dense Grade Aggregate / DGA) contains stone dust and fine particles that pack rock-hard for structural foundations.
What gravel should be used for a French drain?
Use washed 3/4-inch clean crushed stone (#57 stone) or smooth river rock. Never use crusher run, road base, or unwashed gravel, because fine silt particles will quickly clog the filter fabric and perforated drain pipe.
How many square feet does 1 ton of gravel cover?
One ton of crushed gravel covers approximately 120 square feet at 2 inches deep, 80 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 60 square feet at 4 inches deep.
Is pea gravel good for driveways?
No. Pea gravel consists of round, smooth pebbles that never lock together; under vehicle tires, it shifts like marbles. Use angular crushed stone (#57 or #411) for driveways and reserve pea gravel for decorative garden pathways and dog runs.
When is bulk delivery cheaper than buying 50 lb bags of gravel?
If your project requires more than 1 cubic yard (roughly 1.4 tons or 54 fifty-pound bags), bulk delivery from a local landscape quarry is typically 50% to 70% cheaper than bagged retail store prices.
Do I need landscape fabric under my gravel base?
Yes. Laying non-woven or woven geotextile fabric between the native soil and gravel prevents your gravel from sinking into the subsoil over time and prevents weeds from penetrating from below.
How much gravel can a half-ton pickup truck safely haul?
A standard half-ton pickup truck (such as a Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, or Ram 1500) has a maximum payload capacity between 1,500 and 2,000 lbs (0.75 to 1.0 US ton). Because crushed gravel weighs 2,565 to 2,800 lbs per cubic yard, a half-ton truck can safely carry only 0.5 to 0.75 cubic yards per trip. Overloading risks snapped leaf springs, blown tires, and voided insurance. For orders over 1.5 tons, split into multiple pickup trips or hire a quarry dump truck.
How many wheelbarrow loads are in a cubic yard or ton of gravel?
A standard contractor wheelbarrow holds 3 cubic feet (approx 85 Liters). One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, which equals exactly 9 full wheelbarrow loads. One US ton of #57 stone (approx 21 cubic feet) takes 7 to 8 wheelbarrow loads. When moving material from a driveway drop-point to a backyard, budget approximately 9 trips per cubic yard or 7 to 8 trips per ton.
How much geotextile fabric do I need and how many rolls should I buy?
Calculate your total project square footage and add a 10% allowance for 12-inch overlapping seams. Standard residential contractor rolls come in 3×100 ft (300 sq ft) or 4×50 ft (200 sq ft). For example, a 200 sq ft patio pad requires 220 sq ft of fabric with overlap, which is covered by one 3×100 ft roll or two 4×50 ft rolls.
How do I convert tons of gravel to cubic yards and vice versa?
For standard #57 crushed limestone or granite: 1 Cubic Yard ≈ 1.28 to 1.35 US Tons (2,565 to 2,700 lbs). Conversely, 1 US Ton (2,000 lbs) ≈ 0.74 to 0.78 Cubic Yards (approx 20 to 21 cubic feet). For dense road base with rock dust (crusher run / DGA), 1 cubic yard weighs closer to 1.42 to 1.50 tons (2,835 to 3,000 lbs).