Cubic yards and tons from area and depth
Enter the area you're covering (length × width, or any shape's square footage) and the depth you want, and this calculator returns the volume in cubic feet and cubic yards plus an estimated tonnage. Gravel is sold by the ton at quarries and by the bag at home centers; suppliers' weights vary, so the tonnage here is a planning estimate using typical densities.
A 20 ft × 10 ft driveway base at 3 inches deep: volume = 20 × 10 × 0.25 = 50 ft³ = 1.85 yd³. At 1.4 tons/yd³, that's about 2.6 tons of #57 gravel. At $45/ton delivered, budget roughly $117 in material.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel weigh? Typically 2,400–2,900 lb (1.2–1.45 tons) depending on stone type and moisture. Crushed limestone runs heavier.
How much gravel do I need per 50lb bag? A 50lb bag of pea gravel covers about 0.5 ft³ — you'd need 54 bags to equal one yard, so bulk is far cheaper for anything over a few square feet.
Gravel or crushed stone for a driveway? Crushed stone (e.g., #57 with fines like crusher run for the base) locks together better; rounded pea gravel shifts and ruts under tires.
Should I add extra? Add 5–10% for settling and uneven excavation — gravel compacts.