Gravel Calculators by Project
Each project page lists the published depth for that job and works out the material for your size. Or use the general calculator here.
Enter your numbers and press Calculate.
Published depths at a glance
| Project | Depth | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Paver patio base | 4 to 6 in | unilock.com |
| Paver driveway base | 6 in | cmha.org |
| Gravel under a slab | 4 in | datcp.wi.gov |
| Shed base | 4 to 6 in | siteprep.com |
| Hot tub pad | 4 to 6 in | premierpools.com |
| Gravel path | 2 to 3 in | hellogravel.com |
| Decomposed granite path | 2 to 3 in | earthstonerock.com |
| Artificial turf base | 3 to 4 in | starnursery.com |
| Fence post gravel | 6 in | quikrete.com |
| Retaining wall gravel | 6 in minimum | allanblock.com |
| Playground surfacing | protects to a 5 ft fall | ndsu.edu |
| Mulch around trees | 2 to 3 in, 3 in maximum | publications.ca.uky.edu |
| Landscape rock bed | 2 to 4 in | earthstonerock.com |
| Raised bed soil | the full height of the bed | – |
All project calculators
- Paver Patio Base Calculator4 to 6 in
- Paver Driveway Base Calculator6 in
- Gravel Under Concrete Slab Calculator4 in
- Gravel Shed Base Calculator4 to 6 in
- Hot Tub Gravel Pad Calculator4 to 6 in
- Gravel Path and Walkway Calculator2 to 3 in
- Decomposed Granite Path Calculator2 to 3 in
- Artificial Turf Base Calculator3 to 4 in
- Fence Post Gravel Calculator6 in
- Retaining Wall Gravel Calculator6 in minimum
- Playground Pea Gravel and Mulch Calculatorprotects to a 5 ft fall
- Mulch Ring Around Trees Calculator2 to 3 in, 3 in maximum
- Landscape Rock Bed Calculator2 to 4 in
- Raised Bed Soil Calculatorthe full height of the bed
Sources
- https://www.allanblock.com/retaining-walls/garden-wall-plan.aspx
- https://allanblock.com/docs/Best_Practices/2-typical-wall-construction.html
- https://www.thecalculatorsite.com/articles/units/how-much-cubic-yard-weigh.php
- https://www.cmha.org/news-and-insights/proper-concrete-paver-base-and-depth-what-to-know-and-why-it-matters/
- https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/blk_media_325.pdf
- https://www.earthstonerock.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions
- https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dirt-mud-densities-d_1727.html
- https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/bridge/15034/003.cfm
- https://hellogravel.com/guides/how-much-aggregate-do-i-need-for-a-garden-path/
- https://hellogravel.com/guides/2025-gravel-prices-per-ton-delivered-cost-calculator-and-regional-rates/
- https://homeguide.com/costs/gravel-prices
- https://homeguide.com/costs/fill-dirt-sand-topsoil-cost
- https://megagrass.com/blogs/guide/installing-the-base-for-artificial-grass
- https://extension.msstate.edu/publications/mulches-for-the-landscape
- https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/sites/default/files/2023-01/fn1374.pdf
- https://foundationhandbook.ornl.gov/handbook/section4-4.shtml
- https://premierpools.com/blogs/hot-tub-info-customer-guides/spa-site-preparation
- https://www.doitbest.com/product/276837/
- https://www.quikrete.com/athome/SettingPostsInstructions.asp
- https://www.quikrete.com/AtHome/Video-Setting-Posts.asp
- https://rochestercp.com/resources/installation-manuals/installation-manual-vintage-6.pdf
- https://selectsg.com/how-much-does-a-yard-of-crushed-stone-weigh/
- https://new.siteprep.com/?p=553
- https://www.siteprep.com/how-much-gravel-for-a-shed-foundation/
- https://www.siteprep.com/gravel-bases-for-hot-tubs/
- https://www.siteprep.com/gravel-shed-foundation-12-wider-shed/
- https://www.starnursery.com/syntheticTurf/turfInstallationGuide.pdf
- https://publications.ca.uky.edu/sites/publications.ca.uky.edu/files/ho106.pdf
- https://unilock.com/diy/dos-and-donts-of-paver-installation-base-preparation-23/
- https://extension.usu.edu/cwel/research/water-wise-landscaping-mulch.php
- https://datcp.wi.gov/Documents/CDSChapter4.pdf