Gravel cubic yards by area and depth
| Area | 2 in deep | 3 in deep | 4 in deep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft² | 0.31 yd³ | 0.46 yd³ | 0.62 yd³ |
| 100 ft² | 0.62 yd³ | 0.93 yd³ | 1.23 yd³ |
| 150 ft² | 0.93 yd³ | 1.39 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ |
| 200 ft² | 1.23 yd³ | 1.85 yd³ | 2.47 yd³ |
| 250 ft² | 1.54 yd³ | 2.31 yd³ | 3.09 yd³ |
| 300 ft² | 1.85 yd³ | 2.78 yd³ | 3.70 yd³ |
| 400 ft² | 2.47 yd³ | 3.70 yd³ | 4.94 yd³ |
| 500 ft² | 3.09 yd³ | 4.63 yd³ | 6.17 yd³ |
| 750 ft² | 4.63 yd³ | 6.94 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ |
| 1000 ft² | 6.17 yd³ | 9.26 yd³ | 12.35 yd³ |
Gravel yards to tons
Weight varies by aggregate, gradation and moisture. For a rough planning comparison only, the table below uses 1.4 tons per cubic yard. If you already know your cubic yards or tons and need a weight conversion, use the Cubic Yards to Tons Gravel Calculator, where you can enter the density for your material.
| Project | Cubic yards | Approx. tons |
|---|---|---|
| 200 ft² at 2 in | 1.23 | 1.73 |
| 500 ft² at 3 in | 4.63 | 6.48 |
| 750 ft² at 4 in | 9.26 | 12.96 |
| 1000 ft² at 3 in | 9.26 | 12.96 |
Gravel formula
Cubic yards = area (ft²) × depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27. For rectangular projects, area is length × width. For irregular areas, split the project into simple shapes and add their areas before applying depth.
Example: 500 ft² at 3 inches
At 3 inches deep, 500 ft² requires about 4.63 cubic yards of net gravel. At the rough 1.4-ton-per-yard planning conversion, that is approximately 6.48 tons before extra material.
Choose the right gravel calculator
Use the Gravel Calculator when you need volume from project dimensions. Use the Cubic Yards to Tons Gravel Calculator when you already have a volume or weight and need to convert between yards and tons. For material-specific project estimates, use the Paver Base Calculator, Pea Gravel Calculator, or River Rock Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many yards of gravel do I need?
Multiply area in square feet by depth in feet, then divide cubic feet by 27. Add an allowance for compaction, uneven grade and waste before ordering.
How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?
There is no single exact conversion because aggregate type, particle size and moisture change density. For planning, this guide shows 1.4 tons per cubic yard as a rough example only; use your supplier’s stated density for ordering.
How much area does one cubic yard of gravel cover?
One cubic yard covers about 162 square feet at 2 inches deep, 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, or 81 square feet at 4 inches deep before compaction and waste.