Whether you’re building a driveway, laying a garden path, or creating a landscaping feature, knowing exactly how much gravel you need is essential. Ordering too little can stall your project, while ordering too much can waste money and storage space. That’s where our 3/4 Gravel Calculator comes in—helping you estimate both cubic yards and tons of gravel accurately in seconds.
This free online tool is designed for homeowners, contractors, and landscapers who want a quick and reliable way to determine how much 3/4-inch gravel is required for any project area.
3/4 Gravel Calculator
Why Use a Gravel Calculator?
Gravel is sold by volume (cubic yards) or weight (tons), and calculating the right amount involves knowing your project’s dimensions and the gravel’s density. Manually doing the math can be tricky—especially when converting between inches, feet, cubic feet, cubic yards, and tons. Our calculator eliminates guesswork and delivers instant, accurate results.
How to Use the 3/4 Gravel Calculator – Step by Step
Using this tool is quick and straightforward:
- Measure the Length of your project area in feet and enter it in the Length field.
- Measure the Width in feet and enter it in the Width field.
- Decide the Depth of gravel you want, measured in inches, and enter it in the Depth field.
- Click Calculate to see the results:
- Cubic Yards – the total volume of gravel needed.
- Tons – the approximate weight of gravel (using an average density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard for 3/4" gravel).
- If you want to start over, click Reset to clear all fields.
Example Calculations
Example 1 – Driveway
- Length: 20 ft
- Width: 10 ft
- Depth: 4 inches
Calculation:
- Depth in feet = 4 ÷ 12 = 0.33 ft
- Volume in cubic feet = 20 × 10 × 0.33 = 66 cubic feet
- Volume in cubic yards = 66 ÷ 27 ≈ 2.44 cubic yards
- Weight in tons = 2.44 × 1.4 ≈ 3.42 tons
Result: You’ll need about 2.44 cubic yards or 3.42 tons of 3/4" gravel.
Example 2 – Garden Path
- Length: 15 ft
- Width: 3 ft
- Depth: 2 inches
Calculation:
- Depth in feet = 2 ÷ 12 = 0.167 ft
- Volume in cubic feet = 15 × 3 × 0.167 ≈ 7.51 cubic feet
- Volume in cubic yards = 7.51 ÷ 27 ≈ 0.28 cubic yards
- Weight in tons = 0.28 × 1.4 ≈ 0.39 tons
Result: You’ll need about 0.28 cubic yards or 0.39 tons of gravel.
Benefits of Using the 3/4 Gravel Calculator
- Saves Time – No need to do complex conversions.
- Prevents Waste – Order just the right amount of gravel.
- Avoids Shortages – Prevent project delays caused by running out of material.
- Universal Use – Works for driveways, walkways, patios, garden beds, and more.
Tips for Ordering and Using 3/4" Gravel
- Order a Little Extra: A good rule of thumb is to order 5–10% more than calculated to account for uneven surfaces and compaction.
- Check Gravel Density: While 1.4 tons per cubic yard is a good average for 3/4" gravel, actual density can vary slightly by supplier.
- Compact the Base: For driveways and paths, compact the base layer before spreading gravel for a longer-lasting surface.
- Consider Drainage Needs: 3/4" gravel is ideal for drainage and erosion control because of its size and shape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is 3/4" gravel?
It’s crushed stone or rock that passes through a 3/4-inch sieve, often used for driveways, drainage, and landscaping.
2. How many cubic feet are in a cubic yard?
There are 27 cubic feet in one cubic yard.
3. How heavy is a cubic yard of 3/4" gravel?
On average, a cubic yard weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lbs).
4. Can I use this calculator for other gravel sizes?
Yes, but the weight in tons will vary based on gravel density.
5. How do I measure my project area?
Measure the length and width in feet and the depth in inches, then input them into the calculator.
6. Why is depth entered in inches?
Most gravel projects are planned in inches for precision, especially for thin layers.
7. Is the calculated tonnage exact?
It’s an estimate based on average density; actual weight may vary slightly.
8. Should I round up or down my order?
It’s best to round up slightly to avoid shortages.
9. Does gravel settle over time?
Yes, especially with traffic or rain, so compacting is important.
10. How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
It depends on the driveway’s dimensions and desired depth—use the calculator for exact figures.
11. Can I use this calculator for mulch or sand?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the density value for accurate tonnage.
12. Is 3/4" gravel good for drainage?
Yes, its size and shape allow water to flow through easily.
13. How thick should a gravel driveway be?
A common recommendation is 4–6 inches for light vehicle traffic.
14. What’s the difference between crushed stone and gravel?
Crushed stone is mechanically broken rock, while gravel is naturally rounded.
15. Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
It’s often recommended to prevent weed growth and stabilize the gravel.
16. Can I use this calculator for metric measurements?
The tool works in feet and inches, but you can convert metric to imperial before inputting.
17. How many wheelbarrows are in a cubic yard?
It depends on wheelbarrow size, but typically about 14–15 loads.
18. Does gravel compact when driven on?
Yes, over time traffic will compact gravel, which may require topping up.
19. How do I convert cubic yards to tons manually?
Multiply cubic yards by the gravel’s density in tons per cubic yard.
20. Can gravel be reused?
Yes, it can be collected, cleaned, and reused for new projects.