A gravel calculator is a tool designed to estimate the quantity of gravel required for a specific construction or landscaping project. To use this calculator effectively, you need to input details such as the dimensions (length, width, and depth) of the area where gravel is needed, as well as the type and density of the gravel. Some calculators may also request information on the intended use of the gravel, like whether it is for driveway paving, garden bed topping, or other purposes, to provide a more precise estimate. Based on these inputs, the gravel calculator will determine the amount of gravel necessary for your project, helping you avoid over-purchasing or under-purchasing and ensuring efficient use of materials.
To determine how much gravel you need for a shed foundation, you'll need to consider three main factors:
Calculation Steps
1. Calculate the Area: Multiply the length and width of the foundation area to get the total square footage.
Area = Length × Width
2. Convert to Cubic Feet: Multiply the area by the depth (convert inches to feet by dividing by 12).
Cubic Feet = Area × (Gravel Depth (in inches) / 12)
3. Convert Cubic Feet to Cubic Yards: There are 27 cubic feet in 1 cubic yard.
Cubic Yards = Cubic Feet / 27
4. Gravel Coverage: Most gravel is sold by cubic yards. Knowing the number of cubic yards you need will help you purchase the right amount.
Example
For a 10x12 foot shed foundation with a gravel depth of 4 inches:
Area = 10 × 12 = 120 sq ft
Cubic Feet = 120 × (4 / 12) = 40 cubic feet
Cubic Yards = 40 / 27 ≈ 1.48 cubic yards
So, you'd need approximately 1.5 cubic yards of gravel for a 10x12 shed with a 4-inch deep foundation.
| Gravel Size (inches) | Weight (tons per cubic yard) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 1.40 |
| 1.75 | 1.45 |
| 1.5 | 1.50 |
| 1.25 | 1.55 |
| 1 | 1.60 |
| 3/4 | 1.65 |
| 1/2 | 1.68 |
| 1/4 | 1.70 |
One ton of gravel equals 0.714 cubic yards. To convert tons of gravel to cubic yards, simply multiply the number of tons by 0.714. For example, 2 tons of gravel equals 2 × 0.714 = 1.428 cubic yards, 3 tons equals 3 × 0.714 = 2.142, and so on.
The weight of one cubic yard of gravel ranges from 2,400 pounds (1,089 kilograms) to 2,900 pounds (1,315 kilograms). Alternatively, you can approximate it to be one and a half tons. The weight of one cubic yard of gravel depends on its shape and size. The smaller and smoother the aggregate, the more stones, and the heavier one cubic yard will be. Examples include weathered granite, lava rock, and quartzite.
Assuming you have a driveway that is 10 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 2 inches high, the amount of gravel will be 0.617 cubic yards or 0.794 tons.
One ton of gravel can cover an area of approximately 100 square feet at a depth of 2 inches. However, please note that the final area will depend on the size of the stones, the thickness of the layer, and how you level the surface to be covered.
Tips: Clearing your browsing data will remove bookmarks and usage history.
