Gravel Calculator
How much gravel you need for a driveway, path, or base — in tons and cubic yards.
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Gravel is the workhorse of the yard — driveways, paths, drainage, and the base under every patio and slab. A good gravel job is mostly about a clean excavation, landscape fabric, and compacting in layers so it locks together instead of sinking into mud.
DifficultyIntermediate
TimeA weekend for a path or small drive
SkillsLots of moving and raking; rent a compactor for anything you'll drive on
PermitsNew or widened driveways sometimes need a permit or a culvert where they meet the road — check locally.
Tools you'll need
- Shovel and a hard rake
- Wheelbarrow
- Plate compactor (rent)
- Landscape fabric
- Tamper for edges
Step by step
- Excavate to depth Dig out sod and soft soil — about 4" for a path, 8–12" for a driveway — and rough-grade the bottom.
- Lay landscape fabric Roll fabric over the subgrade so gravel can't mix down into the soil and disappear (the #1 reason driveways turn to potholes).
- Add gravel in lifts Place gravel in ~2–3" layers and compact each lift. A coarse base under a finer top layer makes the firmest surface.
- Crown and grade for drainage Shape the surface so water runs off — crown a driveway slightly in the middle and pitch paths to one side.
Common mistakes
No landscape fabric
Without fabric, gravel works down into the soil and you're refilling ruts forever. Lay fabric on the subgrade.
Dumping it all and not compacting
Compact in 2–3" lifts so the gravel interlocks; one deep, loose layer stays soft and rutted.
Too shallow for the load
Paths can be thin, but driveways need 8–12" of base or they pothole under vehicles.
Safety
- Plate compactors are heavy and loud — wear boots and hearing protection.
- Pace the shoveling; gravel is deceptively heavy.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need?
Enter your area and depth above — the calculator returns tons and cubic yards.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
8–12" of compacted base in lifts for vehicles; 3–4" is fine for a footpath.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
Yes for most jobs — it keeps gravel and soil from mixing, so the surface stays firm and level.
Next steps for this project
Pool Base & Backfill
Planning quantities for above-ground base, vinyl floor/collar, fiberglass stone, or concrete shell.
Paver
Pavers (any size), gravel base and sand for a patio or walkway.
Concrete Slab
How much concrete you need for a slab, driveway, or patio — in cubic yards and bags.
Excavation
Cubic yards of dirt to dig and haul, plus truckloads.
Retaining Wall
Blocks (real sizes or custom), poured concrete, timber, or stone — with caps and base.