The Gravel Weight Calculator is a useful tool in the construction calculator category. It helps you estimate the total weight of gravel needed for a project based on the dimensions of the area and the density of the material. This saves time, avoids mistakes, and ensures you order the correct amount of gravel. Contractors, homeowners, and landscapers can use this calculator to make accurate decisions when planning driveways, garden paths, or any other gravel-filled space.
Formula
The primary formula to calculate the weight of gravel is:
Total Weight = Volume of Gravel * Density of Gravel
To use this formula, you must first calculate the volume and then multiply it by the density of the gravel.
Step 1: Calculate the Volume of Gravel
Volume in Cubic Feet = Length (ft) * Width (ft) * Depth (ft)
Length (ft): The length of the area in feet
Width (ft): The width of the area in feet
Depth (ft): The thickness of the gravel layer in feet
If depth is measured in inches, convert it to feet:
Depth in Feet = Depth in Inches / 12
Step 2: Calculate the Total Weight
Total Weight in Pounds (lbs) = Volume in Cubic Feet * Density (lbs per cubic foot)
Density values vary depending on the type of gravel:
Standard Gravel: 95 – 105 lbs per cubic foot
Crushed Stone / Limestone: 100 – 110 lbs per cubic foot
Sand: 90 – 100 lbs per cubic foot
Step 3: Convert Pounds to Tons (if required)
Total Weight in Tons = Total Weight in Pounds / 2000
This is helpful because suppliers often provide prices in tons rather than pounds.
Helpful Reference Table
Here is a quick reference table that shows approximate weights of common gravel types per cubic yard. This will help you make faster decisions without doing all the calculations every time.
| Gravel Type | Weight per Cubic Foot (lbs) | Weight per Cubic Yard (lbs) | Weight per Cubic Yard (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Gravel | 100 | 2700 | 1.35 |
| Crushed Stone / Limestone | 105 | 2835 | 1.42 |
| Sand | 95 | 2565 | 1.28 |
Note: 1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet.
Example
Suppose you want to cover a driveway area that is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 4 inches deep with standard gravel.
Step 1: Convert depth from inches to feet
Depth in Feet = 4 / 12 = 0.33 ft
Step 2: Calculate the volume
Volume = 20 * 10 * 0.33 = 66 cubic feet
Step 3: Apply the density (using 100 lbs per cubic foot as an average for standard gravel)
Total Weight = 66 * 100 = 6600 lbs
Step 4: Convert to tons
Total Weight = 6600 / 2000 = 3.3 tons
So, you would need around 3.3 tons of gravel for this project.
Most Common FAQs
The calculator gives highly reliable results if you use correct dimensions and density values. For the best accuracy, ask your gravel supplier for the specific density of their material.
Different gravel types have different densities. For example, crushed stone is heavier than sand. Using the right density value ensures that you order the correct amount.
Yes, the same formula works for sand, limestone, or other aggregates. You just need to replace the density value with the correct one for that material.