How to Order Gravel by the Ton
Turn a driveway or path measurement into a confident gravel order: depth choices, density, compaction overage and delivery minimums explained.
From square feet to a load you can order
Ordering gravel starts with an honest measurement of the area and a realistic depth. Multiply length by width to get square feet, then decide how thick the layer should be in inches. This calculator converts that depth from inches to feet, multiplies by the area to get cubic feet, and divides by 27 to give cubic yards. Weight comes from multiplying cubic feet by density, and tons are simply pounds divided by 2000. Knowing all four numbers lets you match whatever unit your supplier quotes.
Choosing the right depth
Depth is the single biggest lever on cost, because doubling it doubles the tons. A decorative path holds up fine at 2 to 3 inches over landscape fabric. A parking pad or driveway that carries cars usually wants 4 inches of top course, and heavier traffic benefits from a 4 inch crushed base beneath it. Spreading too thin invites ruts and weed growth, while going far deeper than needed buries money in the ground, so pick the shallowest depth that will stay put under real use.
Why density and compaction matter
The default 100 pounds per cubic foot suits typical crushed stone and pea gravel, but materials vary. Dense graded aggregate packs heavier, and washed decorative stone can run lighter, so use the figure on your supplier's product sheet when you have it. Loose gravel also settles once traffic and rain compact it, which means the volume you spread shrinks. Adding 5 to 10 percent to the estimate covers that settling plus the gravel that vanishes into an uneven subgrade.
Delivery minimums and rounding up
Bulk yards usually deliver in full or half loads and set a minimum order, so a tiny project can still require a set tonnage. It is almost always cheaper to round a single order up than to pay a second delivery fee for a few missing tons. Before you call, have your tons, cubic yards and area ready. That way the yard can confirm the material weight, suggest a suitable stone, and load the truck to match the number you calculated.