Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel needed for driveways and paths in tonnes, cubic yards and bags. Rectangle, circle or area input with waste allowance and cost.
10–15 cm for a driveway, 5 cm for a path.
Compaction and spillage.
Gravel required
4.23 tonnes
4,234 kg of material
Volume
2.52 m³
3.3 yd³ · 89 ft³
Bags needed
85
50 kg bags
Estimated cost
₹8,883
Weight uses the selected material density with 5% waste. Order 5–10% extra for compaction and uneven ground.
Last updated: May 2026
How this calculator is verified
Checked by True Calculator automated test suite on
- Formula verified against a published worked example in the automated test suite
- Edge cases (zero, negative, boundary and unit-mismatch inputs) covered by unit tests
The full verification method is on our how we verify page. Found an error? Tell us and we will re-check it.
When to Use This Calculator
Use this calculator for any loose-material job: gravel driveways, paver base layers, courtyard fill, plant pot drainage, septic soak pits, or the crushed-stone bed under a water tank stand. Suppliers in India sell aggregates by the tonne or by the tractor-trolley load, so converting volume to weight before calling is essential to avoid over-ordering or a second delivery. The density selector also helps when you swap material — wet sand weighs noticeably more than dry sand for the same volume. Contractors use the same figures to price material in their quotations, so knowing the numbers helps you check bills and negotiate. Enter the area once and adjust depth to compare options before any material reaches your site.
How to Use This Calculator
- Step 1: Measure the area to be covered — length and width of the driveway, path or courtyard in metres.
- Step 2: Choose the depth, around 10–15 cm for a car driveway and 5 cm for a walking path.
- Step 3: Pick the material type so the density is right — loose gravel, dry sand, crushed stone or wet sand.
- Step 4: Read the volume and weight, then decide between bags (50 kg) and bulk delivery by the tonne.
Worked Example
A 10 m × 6 m driveway at 10 cm depth needs 6 m³ of material. At 1,680 kg/m³ that is 10,080 kg, or about 10.08 tonnes of loose gravel. In 50 kg bags that would be 202 bags; in bulk at ₹2,100 per tonne the material costs about ₹21,168. Ordering bulk is usually far cheaper than bags for anything over a tonne, but adds a delivery charge you should factor in.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- •Tip 1: Compact the base layer before adding the top layer — gravel settles by up to 10% after rain.
- •Tip 2: Ask for washed gravel for paths to avoid a dusty surface that stains shoes and driveways.
- •Tip 3: For driveways, add a border or edging so the stones do not wash into the drain during monsoon.
- ✗Mistake 1: Do not order exactly the calculated weight — uneven spreading and compaction will leave you short by one trip.
- ✗Mistake 2: Do not mix sand under gravel for heavy vehicle areas unless it is compacted properly, or wheels will rut it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
For a 6 m × 4 m driveway at 10 cm depth you need 2.4 m³, which weighs about 4 tonnes of loose gravel. For a 10 cm layer, plan roughly 0.1 m³ (about 168 kg) of gravel per square metre.
How is gravel weight calculated?
Volume (m³) × density (kg/m³) = weight (kg). Loose gravel is around 1,680 kg/m³, dry sand about 1,600 kg/m³, wet sand up to 1,920 kg/m³. Divide kg by 1,000 for tonnes.
What depth should a gravel layer be?
5 cm for decorative paths, 10–15 cm for driveways that carry cars, and up to 20 cm for heavy vehicles. Deeper layers compact less and resist rutting during monsoon rains.
Should I order more than the calculation?
Yes — add 5–10% extra because gravel compacts by about 10% and spreaders always leave uneven patches. Dealers in India typically sell by the tonne or tractor trolley, so rounding up avoids a second delivery charge.
What is the difference between gravel and crushed stone?
Gravel is naturally rounded and weighs about 1,680 kg/m³; crushed stone is angular with sharp edges, around 1,800 kg/m³, and locks together better for firm surfaces. Both are calculated the same way.
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