Gravel And Sand Calculator

Instantly calculate how many cubic yards, cubic feet, and tons of gravel or sand you need for any project—free and instant.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Instant results

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How to use it

  1. Enter length in feet
  2. Enter width in feet
  3. Enter depth in inches and hit Calculate

What it does – The Gravel and Sand Calculator turns the length, width, and depth of your fill area into three practical measures: cubic yards (the standard ordering unit), cubic feet (useful for on‑site checks), and tons (the weight you’ll pay for). Knowing the exact volume prevents over‑ordering, saves money, and avoids project delays. The tool automatically converts inches to feet, feet to cubic feet, and then to cubic yards, applying the industry‑standard weight of 1.3 US tons per cubic yard. How to read the results – Cubic yards tell you how many full‑size loads to request, cubic feet help you verify space, and tons give a quick cost estimate based on typical supplier rates. Use the numbers to order the right amount, plan delivery, and keep a buffer for compaction.

Pro tips

  • Add 5‑10% extra for compaction and spillage
  • Round up to the nearest whole cubic yard for ordering
  • Compare tons to supplier price tables to estimate cost
  • Double‑check depth conversion from inches to feet

Real-life examples

  • Landscaper estimating material for a new patio base
  • Homeowner filling a garden bed with sand for planting
  • DIYer ordering gravel for a driveway repair

Case study

Mike needed 2.4 tons of gravel for a 10 × 10 ft patio with a 6‑inch depth. Using the calculator he saw the exact 1.85 cubic yards and ordered 2.5 tons, avoiding a costly second delivery and finishing his project on schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert the calculator’s cubic yards to truckloads?
Most gravel trucks carry about 1 cubic yard per load; use the cubic‑yard result as a guide for the number of loads.
Why does the calculator show tons in addition to volume?
Suppliers price material by weight, so tons give a quick cost estimate using the 1.3 tons per cubic yard factor.
Do I need to include a waste factor?
Yes, add 5‑10% to the volume to cover compaction and spillage.
Can I use the calculator for sand as well as gravel?
The volume calculations are the same; the weight factor (1.3 tons per cubic yard) applies to both common sand and gravel mixes.
What units are required for the inputs?
Enter length and width in feet and depth in inches; the tool handles all conversions automatically.