How Much Gravel for 1,000 Square Feet?

How much gravel for 1,000 square feet depends on depth. At 4 inches you need about 12.35 cubic yards, roughly 17.3 tons at 1.4 tons per yard. Going to 6 inches raises it to 25.9 tons.

Volume and tonnage calculator →

Gravel for 1,000 sq ft by depth

Depth	Cubic yards	Tons	Tons +10%
2 in	6.17	8.6	9.5
3 in	9.26	13.0	14.3
4 in	12.35	17.3	19.0
6 in	18.52	25.9	28.5

Working it out

1,000 sq ft × (4 ÷ 12) ft = 333.3 cubic feet.
÷ 27 = 12.35 cubic yards.
× 1.4 tons per yard = 17.3 tons.

About gravel

Plain gravel is a loose term. Yards use it for rounded bank or river stone as well as for crushed rock, so ask whether the load is washed, crushed or a mix before you lock in a tonnage. Expect the weight to fall in the range of 1.3 to 1.5 tons per yard.

Getting the order right

Measure odd shapes in pieces. Split curves and L-shapes into rectangles and add them.
Add a margin. About 10 percent covers compaction and low spots.
Bulk or bags. Bulk delivery is the practical choice here.
Prep first. Remove sod, compact the subgrade and set edging before the stone arrives.

Use the volume and tonnage calculator for any other size.

Where gravel fits

Best suited to:

Rural driveways and lanes where low upfront cost matters
Drainage areas and around downspouts
Temporary access while a site is under construction

Poor fit for:

Steep slopes, where loose stone washes downhill
Spots plowed often, since plows push gravel into the lawn
Areas next to doors, because stone tracks inside

Quick reference numbers

Per inch over 100 sq ft: about 0.43 tons of gravel (0.31 cubic yards).
Per inch over 1,000 sq ft: about 4.3 tons.
Another size for comparison: a 8x16 area at 3 inches takes about 1.7 tons.
Weight used here: about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.

Common estimating mistakes

Measuring only the main rectangle. Aprons, turnouts and curved edges add real square footage.
Mixing up cubic yards and tons. Yards are volume, tons are weight; convert with the product’s weight per yard.
Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
Ignoring the base. A thin surface layer over soft soil fails early no matter how much material is on top.

Questions people ask

How many tons of gravel for 1,000 square feet?

About 17.3 tons at 4 inches deep.

How many cubic yards of gravel for 1,000 square feet?

About 12.35 yards at 4 inches.

How much gravel for 1,000 square feet at 2 inches?

About 8.6 tons, or 6.17 cubic yards.

How much does a yard of gravel weigh?

About 1.3 to 1.5 tons.

Should I add extra?

Yes, about 10 percent is a common allowance.

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