Example 1 — 10×3 m path
- 10 × 3 × 0.1 m
- 1600 kg/m³
- +5% waste
3.15 m³ · 5.04 t
100 mm layer + 5% waste — a typical garden path.
Gravel requirement
Estimate gravel volume and mass for driveways, paths or base layers — with waste %, tonnes and optional bulk bags.
Results are indicative. Loose and compacted gravel differ in density; suppliers may sell by the tonne or bulk bag. Also see concrete volume and sand.
Results
Enter data and click Calculate.
How results are calculated
V = length × width × depth × (1 + waste/100). Mass = V × density (kg/m³, SI). Bulk bags = ceil(V ÷ bag volume). Small bags = ceil(mass ÷ bag size).
Density stays in kg/m³ even with US length units — common for bulk deliveries. Mass is an estimate: moisture and compaction can change it.
How to use this calculator
- Enter length, width and layer depth in the units from the header.
- Set waste % (often 5–10% for spill and compaction).
- Pick a density preset or enter custom kg/m³ (SI).
- Optionally add bulk bag, small bag and price — get volume, tonnes and cost.
Practical tips
- Path: often about 50–100 mm of gravel over geotextile and a compacted base.
- Driveway: typically thicker (about 100–150 mm) plus a proper sub-base for vehicles.
- Buying: compare price per m³, per tonne and per bulk bag — density changes the maths.
Usage examples
Example 2 — Driveway strip
- 8 × 4 × 0.15 m
- 1600 kg/m³
- +10% waste
5.28 m³ · 8.45 t
Thicker layer and more waste for vehicle traffic.
Example 3 — Small pad
- 5 × 2 × 0.08 m
- 1500 kg/m³
- +5% waste
0.84 m³ · 1.26 t
Fine gravel with 25 kg bags — handy for a small job.
Frequently asked questions
How is gravel volume calculated?
Volume = length × width × depth × (1 + waste/100). Example 10×3×0.1 m +5% → 3.15 m³.
How do I convert m³ to tonnes?
Tonnes ≈ volume × density (kg/m³) / 1000. Density is an estimate — loose and compacted gravel differ.
What depth should I use?
Paths often use about 50–100 mm; driveways often 100–150 mm plus a proper sub-base. Check local practice.
Should I add waste / contingency?
Yes — typically 5–10% for spill, uneven ground and compaction settlement.
Loose vs compacted gravel?
The same ordered volume can cover less area after compaction. Prefer a slightly higher density preset or waste % if you will compact heavily.
Bulk bags or tonnes?
Suppliers may sell by tonne or by bulk bag (~0.5 m³ is a common bag size — confirm with the seller).
Does geotextile change the quantity?
It does not change the gravel volume formula, but it can reduce mixing with soil so less material is lost into the subgrade.
How is cost estimated?
Optional: price per m³, per tonne, per small bag or per bulk bag (currency from header). Delivery is not included.