Calculate the volume and weight of gravel needed for driveways, paths, and landscaping.
This gravel calculator works out how much gravel (also sold as chippings, pea gravel or shingle) you need to cover an area to a chosen depth, in cubic yards, cubic metres, tonnes/tons and bulk bags. Use it for driveways, paths, borders and decorative ground cover – metric or imperial.
| Use | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative borders | 2 in | 50 mm |
| Paths & walkways | 2–3 in | 50–75 mm |
| Driveways (top layer) | 4–6 in | 100–150 mm |
A path 10 m × 1 m at 50 mm = 10 m² × 0.05 m = 0.5 m³. Gravel is about 1.5 tonnes per m³ (1.4 US tons per cubic yard), so roughly 0.75 tonnes – one bulk bag (usually ~850 kg) is enough.
A gravel driveway typically needs 4-6 inches (100-150 mm) of compacted gravel, ideally in two layers.
Loose gravel weighs roughly 1.4 tons per cubic yard or 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre, depending on the type.
Break the area into rectangles, calculate each separately, and add the totals together.
At a 50 mm depth a tonne of gravel covers roughly 10–12 square metres. The calculator works out tonnage from your area and depth.
About 50 mm (2 in) is enough for a decorative covering; any deeper and it becomes hard to walk on.
