Gravel Cost Calculator
Budget delivered and spread gravel by the cubic yard, and convert a per-ton supplier quote into a per-cubic-yard price.
How this calculator works
This combines material cost (cubic yards of gravel, from the standard volume formula, times your price per cubic yard) with labor to spread and rough-grade it (your area times a per-square-foot rate). Both price fields are editable placeholders.
Formula: Cubic yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27. Total cost = (Cubic yards × Price/yd³) + (Area sq ft × Labor rate/sq ft).
Worked example
A 20 ft × 10 ft (200 sq ft) area at 4 inches, $40/yd³ material, $1/sq ft labor:
- Depth in feet: 4 ÷ 12 = 0.3333 ft
- Cubic yards: (20 × 10 × 0.3333) ÷ 27 ≈ 2.4691 → 2.47 yd³
- Material cost: 2.4691 × $40 ≈ $98.77
- Labor cost: 200 × $1 = $200.00
- Total estimated cost: $298.77
Cost reference (at default rates)
| Area size | Estimated total cost |
|---|---|
| 10 ft × 5 ft | ~$75 |
| 20 ft × 10 ft | ~$299 |
| 40 ft × 20 ft | ~$1,195 |
How to measure your area
Measure the full length and width of the area to be covered in feet, and use the finished (compacted, if applicable) depth you’re targeting. For a driveway or path, measure the full run rather than just a representative section, since gravel quotes are usually all-or-nothing per delivery load.
Frequently asked questions
My supplier quoted a price per ton — how do I convert that to price per cubic yard?
Multiply the per-ton price by roughly 1.4, since gravel weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. For example, a $28/ton quote works out to about $39/yd³ — close to this calculator's $40/yd³ default. Enter the converted number in the price field.
What does the labor rate cover here?
The $1/sq ft default covers spreading and rough grading gravel after delivery. It does not include compacting with a plate compactor, which many driveway and base applications need as a separate step or piece of equipment rental.
What depth of gravel should I budget for?
A decorative or walkway layer often runs 2 inches. A driveway or base layer typically needs 4 inches, sometimes with a second compacted lift for load-bearing applications. This calculator defaults to 4 inches as a general-purpose middle ground.
Does this include delivery fees?
No — bulk gravel suppliers commonly charge a separate delivery fee based on distance and truck minimums, on top of the per-yard material price. Ask your supplier whether delivery is bundled into their quote before comparing it to this estimate.
Is this the same math as the Gravel Calculator?
The volume formula is identical, but the Gravel Calculator gives you a materials quantity only. This page adds a labor line for spreading, so you get a rough installed-cost budget instead of just a tonnage or yardage number.
Estimates only. Verify quantities with your supplier before purchasing.