Gravel Calculator for a Paver Patio Base
Estimate crushed stone base for a paver, brick or flagstone patio.
This free gravel calculator estimates the gravel needed for a project from its length, width, and depth. It calculates the area and volume in cubic feet and cubic yards, then converts the result to tons using an average weight of ~1.4 tons per yd³.
Cubic yards
1.85
50 ft³
Tons
2.59
~1.4 tons per yd³
Area
200
square feet
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Recommended tools & materials
Handy picks for this project on Amazon.
Landscape Fabric
Stops weeds under gravel and mulch
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Steel Garden Rake
Spread gravel, soil and mulch evenly
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Heavy-Duty Wheelbarrow
Move bulk material fast
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Hand Tamper
Compact base layers before paving
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How does the gravel calculator work?
Gravel is estimated by volume, then converted to tons. Multiply the area by the depth (converted to feet) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, and multiply by ~1.4 for tons.
Formula: tons = (L × W × D/12 ÷ 27) × 1.4
What else do people ask about this calculator?
How thick should the gravel base under a patio be?
4 inches of compacted crushed stone (¾ in minus or crusher run) is standard for a paver patio. Increase to 6 in in freeze/thaw climates or if the patio will support heavy loads.
What kind of gravel goes under pavers?
Use a dense-grade angular crushed stone like ¾ in minus, crusher run or road base. Round pea gravel or river stone will not compact properly and will let pavers shift.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
A typical residential driveway uses 4–6 in of gravel. For a 20×10 ft driveway at 4 in, you need about 2.5 yd³ (3.5 tons).
How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?
About 1.4 tons per cubic yard for average crushed stone. Denser stone (river rock) can be 1.5+ tons/yd³.
How deep should gravel be for drainage?
3–4 in for a top layer; 6+ in for a base beneath pavers or concrete.
Which related calculators should I use next?
Where can I learn more about these materials?
Weights, coverage, types and buying tips for the materials this calculator estimates.
Gravel guide
How much gravel you need, what a cubic yard weighs, and which type fits your project.
Asphalt guide
Weight
Crushed Stone guide
Crushed stone sizes suit different applications: #57 stone is commonly used for drainage, concrete, and paver bases; #8 stone works for fine paver bedding, chip seal, and decorative applications; and ¾″ minus, also called crusher run, compacts into a hard driveway base.
Pea Gravel guide
Pea gravel is smooth, rounded ⅜″ stone commonly used for patios, paths, play areas, dog runs, and drainage. One cubic yard weighs about 2,700–2,800 lb and covers approximately 100 sq ft at a 3″ depth. For walkable surfaces, use a 2–3″ layer and edging to keep the gravel contained.
Limestone guide
Crushed limestone for base, drainage, and agricultural use.
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