Measure length and width in feet. Multiply those by depth in feet (divide inches by 12). That gives cubic feet. Divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply by the material's density to get tons. Our calculator does this automatically with a 10% buffer.
Why does the calculator add 10%?
A 10% safety buffer accounts for compaction, uneven subgrade, spillage during delivery, and measurement error. It's standard practice in the industry and prevents you from running short halfway through a project.
What's the difference between tons and cubic yards?
Cubic yards is a volume measurement. Tons is a weight measurement. Aggregate materials are denser — 1.3 to 1.5 tons per cubic yard — while organic materials like mulch are much lighter at around 0.5 tons per cubic yard. Pricing varies: dry aggregates are priced per ton, organics per yard.
How deep should I lay driveway gravel?
For a new driveway base, use 6–8 inches of compacted baserock. For a gravel topping layer, 2–3 inches of crush rock or drain rock works well. Pathways and garden areas typically need 2–4 inches of decorative gravel.
How much DG do I need for a pathway?
Decomposed granite (DG) pathways typically need 3–4 inches of compacted DG. A 100 sq ft pathway at 3" depth requires about 0.93 cubic yards or roughly 0.46 tons (DG is lighter than gravel). Use our calculator above for your exact dimensions.
Is the price estimate from the calculator guaranteed?
No — the calculator gives you a general price estimate based on our standard pricing. Actual quotes depend on material availability, exact quantities, your delivery address, and any access challenges. Contact us for a confirmed quote before ordering.
Got Your Estimate?
Ready to order? Call, text, or fill out our quote form — we respond fast.