Plan your garden pathway with confident gravel measurements. Compare layers, costs, and delivery in minutes. Download tidy reports and order the right amount today.
| Scenario | Segments | Path size | Base thickness | Top thickness | Typical total order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straight garden path | 1 rectangle | 10 m × 1.2 m | 10 cm | 5 cm | ~1.8 m³ combined |
| Two sections with turn | 2 rectangles | 6 m × 1.0 m + 5 m × 1.0 m | 8 cm | 4 cm | ~1.2 m³ combined |
| Small seating pad | 1 circle | Radius 1.25 m | 12 cm | 0 cm (base only) | ~0.75 m³ base |
Examples are indicative. Your supplier’s grading and moisture can change weight per cubic meter.
Area = Length × WidthArea = π × Radius²Volume = Total Area × ThicknessOrder = Volume × (1 + Compaction%) × (1 + Waste%)Weight (kg) = Order Volume × DensityCost = Weight (tonnes) × Price per tonneTotal = Materials + Delivery + TaxGarden paths rarely run as one perfect strip. Breaking the route into up to five rectangles or circles reduces rounding errors and matches how gravel is installed. The calculator converts each segment to square meters, then totals area for consistent layer math, even when you mix straight runs with small turning pads. For irregular curves, measure chord lengths and treat them as short rectangles.
Base layers typically use angular aggregates that lock together, such as crushed stone or limestone, often around 1,680–1,700 kg/m³ in loose bulk density. Surface layers can be pea gravel or river rock, commonly 1,550–1,600 kg/m³. If your supplier lists a different density, enter it to align weight, transport, and pricing. Decomposed granite packs tightly and drains exceptionally well.
Installed thickness shrinks during raking and plate compaction. A 10–12% compaction allowance is common for sub-base, while decorative top layers may need 5–10%. Waste covers edge feathering, small grade dips, and spillage; 5–10% is typical. The order volume multiplies both factors so you still reach the target depth after settling. Soft soil may justify higher allowances overall.
Volume is the core requirement: total area times thickness gives in-place cubic meters. The calculator then estimates weight using density, so you can compare ordering by volume or by tonnes. Bulk bag counts divide the total order volume by your bag size (often 0.7–1.0 m³). Small bags convert total kilograms into practical carry units. This helps compare delivery.
Material cost is calculated per layer using tonnes times price per tonne, then combined with optional delivery and tax for a quick budget figure. Prices vary by grading, wash, and color, so enter quotes for each layer. Use the CSV or PDF export as a purchasing checklist, and consider ordering a little extra for seasonal top-ups. Split orders for access.
Many garden paths use a 7–15 cm compacted base plus a 3–6 cm surface layer. Increase depth for soft ground, heavy traffic, or poor drainage, and consider a geotextile fabric to separate soil from aggregate.
Order volume works best for coverage planning, while tonnes are common for pricing. Use the calculator’s density-based weight estimate to translate between the two and match your supplier’s sales unit.
For straight paths with firm edges, 5% is often enough. Use 8–10% for curved edges, uneven subgrades, or when you expect raking loss. If you are unsure, round up and keep leftovers for top-ups.
Loose aggregate settles and packs during installation, reducing the final thickness. Adding a compaction allowance means you order enough material to hit the compacted depth after watering, raking, and plate compaction.
Yes. Select the imperial unit system and enter segment dimensions in feet and layer thickness in inches. The calculator converts internally and still reports final area and volume in metric units for consistency.
They are practical planning figures. Bag fill, moisture, and supplier packaging vary, so treat counts as minimums and round up. If access is difficult, consider mixing bulk bags for volume with small bags for touch-ups.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.