This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
Results are estimates; always verify with a qualified professional before making decisions.
How Much Area Does a Ton of Gravel Cover?
Square footage per ton at common depths for each material type. Formula: 324 ÷ (density × depth in inches). Use the calculator to get a custom estimate.
Coverage formula
To find how many square feet one ton covers at a given depth:
sq ft per ton = 324 ÷ (density ton/yd³ × depth in)
This comes from: 1 ton ÷ density = cubic yards; × 27 = cubic feet; ÷ (depth_in ÷ 12) = sq ft.
Simplified: (27 × 12) ÷ (density × depth_in) = 324 ÷ (density × depth_in).
Coverage table: sq ft per ton by depth and material
Depth
Pea gravel (1.35)
#57 stone (1.40)
River rock (1.30)
Paver base (1.40)
Crusher run (1.40)
1 in
240 sq ft
231 sq ft
249 sq ft
231 sq ft
231 sq ft
2 in
120 sq ft
116 sq ft
125 sq ft
116 sq ft
116 sq ft
3 in
80 sq ft
77 sq ft
83 sq ft
77 sq ft
77 sq ft
4 in
60 sq ft
58 sq ft
62 sq ft
58 sq ft
58 sq ft
6 in
40 sq ft
39 sq ft
42 sq ft
39 sq ft
39 sq ft
Coverage figures rounded to nearest sq ft. Add 10% for waste/spillage when ordering.
Wet material may cover slightly less area per ton.
How to use this table
Find your material and desired depth, note the sq ft per ton, then divide your total
area by that number. Example: covering 500 sq ft with pea gravel at 3 in:
500 ÷ 80 = 6.25 tons needed. Add 10% waste = 6.88 tons; order 7 tons.
Or use the calculator below — enter dimensions and let it compute tons, cubic yards,
and bag count for you.
Project Dimensions
Tons needed
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Cubic yards
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Tons to order (rounded up)
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50 lb bags (retail)
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Total weight
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much area does a ton of pea gravel cover at 2 inches deep?
Coverage = 324 ÷ (1.35 × 2) ≈ 120 sq ft per ton at 2 in deep. At 3 in deep: 324 ÷ (1.35 × 3) = 80 sq ft. At 4 in deep: 60 sq ft. The thinner the layer, the more area one ton covers.
How much area does a ton of river rock cover?
River rock (1.30 ton/yd³) is slightly lighter, so one ton covers slightly more area: at 2 in = 324 ÷ (1.30 × 2) ≈ 125 sq ft; at 3 in ≈ 83 sq ft; at 4 in ≈ 62 sq ft.
How do I calculate coverage per ton of gravel?
Square feet per ton = 324 ÷ (density × depth_in). For example, crusher run at 1.40 ton/yd³ and 4 in deep: 324 ÷ (1.40 × 4) = 57.9 sq ft per ton. This formula derives from the 324 divisor (27 cu ft/yd × 12 in/ft) and the material density.
How many tons of gravel do I need for 500 sq ft?
At 3 in deep using pea gravel: tons = 500 ÷ 80 = 6.25 tons. Add 10% waste: 6.25 × 1.10 = 6.875 tons, rounded up to 7 tons. Use the calculator on this page to get an exact figure for your dimensions.
Does stone size affect coverage per ton?
Yes, indirectly — larger stones have more void space, so a cubic yard weighs less (lower density). River rock (1.30 ton/yd³) covers more square footage per ton than crusher run (1.40 ton/yd³) at the same depth, because one ton of lighter material occupies more cubic yards.