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Gravel Calculator

Gravel coverage per ton

How much area does a ton of gravel cover?

One US short ton of pea gravel at 105 lb/ft³ covers about 114 ft² at 2 inches, 76 ft² at 3 inches, or 57 ft² at 4 inches.

A US short ton weighs 2,000 lb. These areas assume an even layer at the listed density. No extra gravel for waste or compaction is included.

Calculate gravel for your project

Gravel coverage per ton at 2, 3, and 4 inches

The table uses the same density estimates as the gravel calculator. Areas are rounded to the nearest square foot and assume an even layer. No extra gravel for waste or compaction is included. For an order, use the density your supplier gives you.

Scroll sideways to see all depths.

Approximate coverage of one US short ton. A US short ton weighs 2,000 lb.
MaterialAssumed density, lb/ft³2 inches deep, ft²3 inches deep, ft²4 inches deep, ft²
Pea gravel1051147657
Crushed stone1101097355
Driveway gravel1151047052
Gravel fill1151047052
Limestone951268463
River rock1001208060
Decomposed granite1051147657
Lava rock50240160120
Marble chips951268463

How to calculate square feet per ton

Divide the weight in pounds by bulk density in lb/ft³ to get cubic feet. Then divide by the layer depth in feet to get square feet:

  • Cubic feet = US short tons × 2,000 ÷ density in lb/ft³.
  • Depth in feet = depth in inches ÷ 12.
  • Coverage in square feet = cubic feet ÷ depth in feet.

Doubling depth halves coverage. Doubling bulk density also halves coverage at the same weight and depth. One square foot is an area 1 foot long and 1 foot wide. Cubic feet measure volume.

Two tons of pea gravel at 3 inches

You order 2 US short tons of pea gravel at 105 lb/ft³ and spread it 3 inches deep:

  1. 2 US short tons × 2,000 lb/US short ton = 4,000 lb.
  2. 4,000 lb ÷ 105 lb/ft³ ≈ 38.10 ft³.
  3. 3 inches ÷ 12 = 0.25 feet.
  4. Unrounded cubic feet ÷ 0.25 feet ≈ 152 ft².

The delivery covers about 152 square feet at 3 inches, before waste or compaction. For other load sizes, multiply the per-ton coverage before rounding.

Why actual coverage can differ

Bulk density includes the gaps between stones. Water adds weight, so a ton of wet gravel can contain less stone than a ton of dry gravel. Packing reduces the gaps between stones. The same weight then occupies less volume. Ask whether your supplier's density describes wet or dry gravel, and loose or packed gravel.

Uneven ground and spillage can increase the amount you need. Add your chosen waste allowance once when calculating an order. If the calculator already includes waste, do not add it again. This table uses no compaction factor. Ask your supplier how much the material's volume changes when packed.

For suitable materials and recommended depths, see the gravel calculator guide or the pea gravel project guide. Follow your project's specifications when choosing a depth.

Calculate gravel for your project

Enter your dimensions, depth, and material in the gravel calculator. The pea gravel calculator also compares bag and bulk costs and lets you choose a waste allowance. For orders priced by volume, use the tons to cubic yards guide. A cubic yard covers a fixed area at each depth whatever the material, so the coverage per cubic yard guide answers that question without a density.

FAQ

At 105 lb/ft³, one US short ton of pea gravel covers about 76 ft² at 3 inches. This assumes an even layer with no extra gravel for waste or compaction. Denser gravel covers less area at the same depth.