20×10 ft path at 3 in
Input
20 ft × 10 ft × 3 inOutput
50 cu ft · 1.85 cu yd20 × 10 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.85 cu yd.
Gravel volume is **area × depth**. For paths, pads, and driveway bases, measure footprint in feet and layer depth in inches.
**Imperial formula (rectangle):**
Cubic yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ **324**
**Example — 20×10 ft path, 3 in crushed stone:**
20 × 10 × 3 ÷ 324 = **1.85 cubic yards** (50 cu ft)
**Depth guide:**
**Coverage shortcut:** At 3 in depth, **1 cubic yard covers ~108 sq ft**.
**Metric formula:**
Volume (m³) = Area (m²) × Depth (cm) ÷ 100
Add **10–15% extra** for compaction and edge loss on driveways.
The calculator treats the gravel zone as a flat rectangular prism or cylinder. An optional buffer increases order quantity for compaction and edge loss.
Formula
cu yd = L(ft) × W(ft) × D(in) ÷ 324 | circle: π × r² × D(ft) ÷ 27 | m³ = area(m²) × D(cm) ÷ 100Tap Walkway (2 in), Foot path (3 in), Driveway (4 in), or Heavy base (6 in) — each sets recommended depth.
Enter length × width for rectangular paths, total square footage, or diameter for round pads.
Tap depth presets: 2 in topping, 3 in path, 4 in driveway, 6 in paver base under sand.
Bulk suppliers quote by the cubic yard. Enter bag size for retail bag count.
Enable the order buffer for driveways and tamped bases — angular stone compacts 5–15%.
Input
20 ft × 10 ft × 3 inOutput
50 cu ft · 1.85 cu yd20 × 10 × 3 ÷ 324 = 1.85 cu yd.
Input
400 sq ft × 3 inOutput
100 cu ft · 3.70 cu ydLong side-yard path — bulk delivery recommended.
Input
240 sq ft × 4 inOutput
80 cu ft · 2.96 cu ydCompact in 2 in lifts.
Input
30 m² × 7 cmOutput
2.1 m³ · 2,100 L30 × 0.07 m depth = 2.1 cubic meters.
Common real-world scenarios where this tool saves time.
20×10 ft path at 3 in: 200 × 3 ÷ 12 = 50 cu ft → ~1.85 cu yd. Compact angular #57 stone in 2 in lifts.
12×20 ft pad at 4 in base: compact in two 2 in lifts with plate compactor before vehicle traffic.
10×10 ft patio at 6 in crushed base under 1 in sand screed — calculate sand separately.
30 m² path at 7 cm: 30 × 0.07 = 2.1 m³. Useful for EU bulk bag orders.
Step-by-step chains that connect related tools for common tasks.
Base depth, fabric, and decorative rock.
Gravel base then sand screed.
| Use | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Topping | 2 in | Over existing compacted base |
| Foot path | 3 in | Standard walk depth |
| Driveway pad | 4 in | Compact in lifts |
| Paver base | 6 in | Under 1 in sand screed |
Deeper structural layers need plate compaction between lifts.
| Depth | Sq ft per cu yd |
|---|---|
| 2 in | 162 |
| 3 in | 108 |
| 4 in | 81 |
| 6 in | 54 |
Formula: 324 ÷ depth (inches) = sq ft per cubic yard.
Use **angular crushed stone** (#57 or similar) for paths and driveways — rounded pea gravel does not lock together.
Compact gravel in **2–3 in lifts**. Dumping 6 in at once leaves soft spots.
This tool guides **structural gravel layers**. Decorative river rock beds use the Landscape Rock Calculator.
Driveway pads compact 10–15% — enable the order buffer or short-order on delivery day.
Advertisement
3 inches of angular crushed stone over compacted subgrade is standard for foot traffic. Use 2 in only as a thin topping over an existing base.
About 1.85 cubic yards (50 cu ft). Add 10% buffer for compaction → ~2 yards to order.
4 inches compacted angular stone for light residential pads. Heavier traffic may need 6–8 in — consult a contractor for load requirements.
3–4 in compacted crushed base under pavers, then 1 in screeded sand. Use the Sand Calculator for the bedding layer.
Crushed angular stone locks together and compacts. Pea gravel shifts underfoot — better for decorative beds than structural paths.
One cubic yard = 27 cu ft. At 0.5 cu ft bags: 54 bags. Bulk delivery is cheaper above ~2 cu yd.
Path dimensions and depth values are processed only in your browser — EverydayTools does not collect or store your measurements.
Depth guides only — not civil engineering or driveway structural design. Confirm order quantities with your supplier.
Part of Calculator Tools
More free tools for the same workflow.
Free landscape rock calculator: bed size or tree ring and depth → cubic yards, ton estimates, bags, and bulk vs bag guidance. River rock presets, round bed mode, order buffer. Runs locally in your browser.
Free gravel calculator: path, patio, or driveway footprint and depth → cubic yards, ton estimates, cubic feet, liters, and bag counts. Use-case depth guide, round pad mode, compaction buffer. Runs locally in your browser.
Advertisement
Reviewed on 2026-06-28.
Recommended depth
Standard crushed stone walk depth.
Gravel depth presets
2 in topping · 3 in path · 4 in driveway base · 6 in heavy base under pavers.
Bagged gravel — often 0.5 cu ft. Leave blank to skip bag count.
1 cubic yard covers
| Depth | Sq ft |
|---|---|
| 1 in | 324 |
| 2 in | 162 |
| 3 in | 108 |
| 4 in | 81 |
Bag coverage at 3 in depth
| Bag | Covers | Per cu yd |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cu ft bag | 4 sq ft | 27 bags |
| 1.5 cu ft (40 L) | 6 sq ft | 18 bags |
| 2 cu ft bag | 8 sq ft | 14 bags |
| 3 cu ft bag | 12 sq ft | 9 bags |