Landscaping
Gravel Calculator
Enter the length, width and compacted depth to find out how much gravel to order.
Results update as you type. Nothing to sign up for.
Measurements
Measure the compacted depth you need, not the loose pile depth.
You need approximately
2.64t
Gravel to order
Order volume
1.65m³
Bulk density used
1.6t/m³
For a driveway, foundation or drainage layer, confirm the required aggregate grade, depth and compaction with the project specification.
Quantity
- Measured volume
- 1.5 m³
- With 10% waste
- 1.65 m³
- Gravel to order
- 2.64 t
Your measurements
- Length
- 5 m
- Width
- 3 m
- Depth
- 10 cm
What to buy
Crushed gravel
2.64 t
Confirm the aggregate type and delivered bulk density with your supplier.
Want a cost too?
Add your prices in the cost section of the form. We never guess prices — a made-up figure is worse than none.
How to measure for gravel
- Measure the finished length and width of the area.
- Measure the compacted depth you need, not the height of a loose pile.
- For irregular shapes, split the area into simple rectangles and add their quantities.
Metric: Use metres for length and width, with millimetres or centimetres for depth.
Imperial: Use feet for length and width and inches for depth; the calculator converts them safely.
How to work out how much gravel you need
- Measure the length, width and required compacted depth.
- Multiply them to get the volume.
- Add an allowance for uneven ground, settling and material left in the pile.
- Convert the order volume to tonnes using your supplier’s bulk-density figure.
- Order the aggregate grade specified for the job, not just the calculated quantity.
Assumptions
These are the defaults behind a new calculation. You can change the relevant values in the calculator; the result always shows the assumptions it used.
Loose bulk density: 1.6 t/m³
Industry rule of thumb — General-purpose crushed gravel is often sold by weight, but its density varies with aggregate type and moisture.
The gravel formula
Volume = length × width × depth
Order volume = volume × (1 + waste %)
Tonnes = order volume × loose bulk density
Example: a 5 × 3 m path, 100 mm deep
The measured volume is 1.5 m³. With a 10% allowance, order 1.65 m³. At a loose bulk density of 1.6 tonnes per cubic metre, that is about 2.64 tonnes of gravel.
Frequently asked questions
How many tonnes of gravel are in a cubic metre?
General-purpose crushed gravel is commonly around 1.6 tonnes per cubic metre when loose. The exact figure changes with stone size, moisture and how it is loaded, so use your supplier’s stated density for a final order.
How deep should a gravel path be?
A decorative garden path often has about 50 mm of gravel over a prepared base. A path that gets regular foot traffic commonly needs 75–100 mm. Driveways and structural bases need a specified aggregate and a deeper compacted layer.
Should I add extra gravel for compaction?
Yes. The allowance accounts for uneven excavation, settling and material that remains in the delivery pile. The calculator starts at 10%, but difficult ground or a compacted base may need a supplier- or contractor-approved adjustment.
What size gravel should I use?
Choose the aggregate grade for the job. Fine decorative gravel, drainage stone and compactable road base behave differently even when they occupy the same volume. A quantity calculator cannot choose the right grade for structural work.
Can I use this for a driveway?
It gives the quantity, but a driveway also needs the right sub-base, aggregate grade, drainage and compaction. Confirm the design for vehicle weight and ground conditions before ordering material.