Gravel calculator
Enter the area length and width in metres, the layer depth in centimetres, and the gravel's bulk density. The calculator shows the weight in tonnes, the volume in cubic metres, and the cubic-yard equivalent.
Use it to estimate the gravel for a driveway, path, or base — in both weight and volume.
Gravel weight
1.13 t
- Volume
- 0.75 m³
- Cubic yards
- 0.981 yd³
The result updates as you type. The headline is the weight to order; the volume figures help when a supplier quotes by the cubic metre or yard.
How does it work?
Depth is divided by 100 to convert centimetres to metres. Loose gravel is usually 1.4–1.7 t/m³; 1.5 is a common default. Supplier figures vary, so confirm before ordering.
Gravel volume and weight formula
- V
- Gravel volume in cubic metres.
- l, w
- Area length and width in metres.
- d
- Layer depth in centimetres.
- \rho
- Bulk density in tonnes per cubic metre.
- m
- Gravel weight in tonnes.
A 5 m × 3 m area at 5 cm deep is 0.75 m³; at 1.5 t/m³ that is about 1.13 tonnes.
Method & sources
Length and width are in metres; depth is in centimetres. Weight uses the bulk density you supply in tonnes per cubic metre. Loose gravel is usually 1.4–1.7 t/m³; 1.5 is the default.
Sources
Where this method comes from — use these references to understand the formula, assumptions, and limits.
- Aggregate materials — volume and weight — National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, verified 2026-06-10
How we calculate
- Length and width are in metres; depth is in centimetres.
- Weight uses the bulk density you supply in tonnes per cubic metre.
- Loose gravel is usually 1.4–1.7 t/m³; 1.5 is the default.
- The area is treated as a flat rectangle of even depth.
Rounding
Weight is shown to two decimals and volumes to three. The calculation uses full precision.
What this calculator does
Gravel is sold by weight or by volume. This calculator multiplies an area's length, width, and depth to get the volume in cubic metres, converts it to cubic yards, and multiplies by the bulk density to give the weight in tonnes.
How to use it
- Enter the area length and width in metres.
- Enter the layer depth in centimetres (a path is often 5 cm).
- Adjust the density if your supplier quotes a different figure.
- Read the weight in tonnes and the volume to order.
A worked example
A 5 m × 3 m area at 5 cm deep is 0.75 m³. At a bulk density of 1.5 t/m³ that weighs about 1.13 tonnes, or roughly 0.98 cubic yards.
Picking a density
Most loose gravel is 1.4–1.7 tonnes per cubic metre; 1.5 is a safe default. Pea gravel sits at the lower end, crushed stone at the higher end. If your supplier gives a figure, use theirs.
Common mistakes
- Entering depth in metres instead of centimetres.
- Using a density that doesn't match the gravel type.
- Forgetting that a deeper layer is needed under load-bearing surfaces.
When it's useful
Estimating gravel for a driveway, garden path, shed base, or drainage layer — anywhere you need both the weight to order and the volume to spread.
FAQ
- How is the weight calculated?
- Volume is length × width × depth, with depth converted from centimetres to metres. Weight is that volume multiplied by the bulk density.
- What density should I use?
- Loose gravel is usually 1.4–1.7 t/m³. The default 1.5 suits most jobs; use your supplier's figure when you have it.
- How deep should a gravel layer be?
- Paths are often 5 cm; driveways and bases need more, sometimes 10 cm or built up in layers. Follow local guidance for load-bearing surfaces.
- Tonnes or cubic metres — which do I order in?
- It depends on the supplier. The calculator gives both, plus cubic yards, so you can match whatever they quote.
- Does it handle irregular areas?
- It calculates a rectangle. For irregular shapes, split them into rectangles, calculate each, and add the results.
- Can I share a calculation?
- Yes. Use Share to copy a link that reopens the calculator with the same dimensions and density.
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