Gravel Cost Calculator: What Will My Gravel Project Cost?
Calculate gravel volume and tons, then add your local price-per-ton and delivery fee to estimate total project cost. Prices vary widely — always get local supplier quotes.
Once you know how many tons of gravel you need, the total cost is straightforward: multiply tons by the price per ton, then add the delivery fee. The challenge is that gravel prices vary by material, region, and supplier — sometimes doubling between one quarry and the next 10 miles away.
Use the standard gravel calculator below to find your tonnage, then use our quick cost estimator for a budget total.
Project Dimensions
How the math works
Step 1 — volume in cubic yards
cu yd = (length_ft × width_ft × depth_in) ÷ 324 324 = 27 cu ft/yd × 12 in/ft. A canonical landscaping shortcut: multiply area by depth (in inches) and divide by 324.
Step 2 — apply waste / compaction allowance
cu yd (with waste) = cu yd × (1 + waste % ÷ 100) The waste allowance inflates both tonnage and bag count — you buy the waste-inclusive amount.
Step 3 — tons
tons = cu yd × density (ton/yd³) Material densities (US short tons per cubic yard): pea gravel 1.35, #57 stone 1.40, paver base 1.40, river rock 1.30, crusher run 1.40. Confirm exact weight with your supplier — density varies with moisture and stone source.
Step 4 — retail bags
bags = ⌈ cu yd × 54 ⌉ A standard 50 lb bag holds 0.5 cu ft. One cubic yard = 27 cu ft ÷ 0.5 = 54 bags.
Cost Estimator
Typical bulk: $15–$75/ton. Decorative river rock $50–$100/ton.
Typical local delivery: $50–$150 per load.
Typical gravel prices by material (bulk, 2024–2025)
| Material | Typical $/ton | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crusher run | $15–$35 | Lowest cost; quarry waste product |
| Crushed stone #57 | $20–$45 | Common drainage aggregate |
| Pea gravel | $25–$55 | Higher for washed, rounded grades |
| Paver base | $20–$45 | Dense-grade crushed concrete |
| River rock | $50–$100 | Naturally sourced, decorative premium |
Prices are national averages and vary significantly by region, quarry distance, and order size. Get multiple quotes from local suppliers before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bulk gravel typically costs $15–$75 per ton depending on material type and your region. Pea gravel and paver base are mid-range at $25–$50/ton. Crusher run and #57 stone average $20–$45/ton. Decorative river rock can run $50–$100/ton. These are material costs; delivery is charged separately.
Local delivery within 10–20 miles typically costs $50–$150 per load. Most delivery trucks carry 10–20 tons per load. For long hauls or small loads, delivery can exceed the material cost — factor this into your budget, especially for projects under 2 tons.
Total cost = (tons needed × price per ton) + delivery fee. Calculate tons using our main gravel calculator, then enter your local price-per-ton below. Add 10–15% for compaction waste and always get multiple supplier quotes.
Pea gravel and #57 crushed stone are typically similar in price ($25–$50/ton). River rock is usually more expensive because it is naturally sourced, not crushed; paver base and crusher run are often the least expensive because they are produced in large volumes from quarry waste.
Order bulk rather than bagged (5–10× cheaper above 0.5 cu yd). Get at least three supplier quotes — prices vary widely by region. Order slightly more than you need (add 10–15% waste) rather than paying for a second delivery. Consider crusher run for driveway bases — it is the most cost-effective structural gravel.