Gravel Cost Calculator

Enter Project Details

Example Data Table

These examples illustrate typical residential applications and approximate tonnage.

Formula Used

The calculation converts all inputs to consistent base units, then applies volume, density, and pricing.

• Volume: V = A × d
• Adjusted volume: V_adj = V × (1 + waste%) × (1 + compaction%)
• Weight: W = V_adj × rho
• Short tons: tons = W_lb / 2000
• Metric tonnes: tonnes = W_lb × 0.45359237 / 1000
• Material cost: depends on billing unit (per ton, per yd3, per m3).
• Total: Total = (Subtotal − Discount) + Tax

How to Use This Calculator

1. Measure the project area and choose the correct area unit.
2. Enter the target gravel thickness and select the depth unit.
3. Use your supplier’s density, or keep the typical default value.
4. Add a waste factor for spillage and uneven base conditions.
5. Add compaction allowance if you will compact the gravel layer.
6. Choose the same pricing basis shown on the supplier quote.
7. Include delivery, tax, and discount to match your invoice.
8. Press Calculate, then export CSV or PDF if needed.

Professional Guide to Gravel Cost Estimating

1) Why quantity accuracy matters

Gravel is ordered by tons, cubic yards, or cubic meters, but you install it by area and thickness. Small measurement mistakes can trigger an extra delivery or leave the base thin. Most residential bases fall around 2 to 6 inches, depending on traffic and subgrade strength.

2) Convert area and depth into volume

The tool converts your inputs to a common set of units, then multiplies area by depth to get volume. As a quick check, 1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet, and 1 cubic meter is about 35.3147 cubic feet. Consistent units prevent costly ordering errors.

3) Apply waste and grading allowance

Job sites have edge losses, uneven grades, and spillage during spreading. A waste factor helps cover those realities. Use 5% to 10% for simple rectangles with good access, and 10% to 15% for irregular areas or hand work.

4) Allow for compaction to reach finished thickness

Compaction reduces loose thickness as particles interlock. If you need a 4-inch compacted layer, you typically place more loose material. Many projects use a 5% to 15% allowance based on gradation, moisture, and compaction method. Plate compactors and rollers achieve different results, so field checks with a ruler after compaction are recommended for consistent thickness.

5) Use density to convert volume to weight

Density varies with rock type and moisture. Many gravels fall near 95 to 110 lb per cubic foot (about 1520 to 1760 kg per cubic meter). The calculator converts density when needed and turns adjusted volume into weight for short tons and metric tonnes.

6) Match your supplier billing basis

If you are billed per ton, weight drives cost. If you are billed per cubic yard or cubic meter, volume drives cost. Switching the price basis helps compare quotes across suppliers and reduces surprises at invoicing time.

7) Build a complete delivered cost

Add delivery when it appears as a separate line item. Apply discounts before tax to mirror typical invoices. Separating material, delivery, discount, and tax creates a clean breakdown that is easier to justify to clients.

8) Plan truckloads and confirm site constraints

Smaller dump trucks often carry roughly 8 to 12 tons, but access limits can reduce payload. Enter truck capacity to estimate loads and staging needs. Before ordering, confirm thickness, drainage slope, and containment edges so the delivered quantity matches performance requirements.

FAQs

1) What depth is typical for a driveway base?

Light residential driveways often use 4 to 6 inches of base, while paths may use 2 to 4 inches. Soil strength, drainage, and expected loads determine the best thickness.

2) Should I price gravel by tons or by cubic yards?

Use the unit your supplier invoices. Tons depend on density and moisture; cubic yards depend on volume. This calculator shows both so you can compare quotes consistently.

3) How much waste should I include?

For clean, rectangular areas, 5% to 10% is common. For irregular shapes, soft subgrade, or hand spreading, 10% to 15% may be safer to avoid shortages.

4) What does the compaction allowance do?

Compaction allowance adds extra loose material to achieve your target compacted thickness. If your gravel settles during compaction, the tool increases the required volume accordingly.

5) What density value should I enter?

If available, use the supplier’s stated bulk density. Otherwise, 95 to 110 lb/ft3 is a practical range for many gravels, with heavier rock types trending higher.

6) Why does my total change when I switch price basis?

Per-ton pricing follows weight, while per-yard pricing follows volume. Because density affects weight, switching the price basis can change the computed material cost even with the same project dimensions.

7) Can I export results for client approval?

Yes. After calculation, use the CSV export for spreadsheets or the PDF export for a simple shareable report. Both include key inputs, quantities, and the cost breakdown.