How Much Gravel for 5,000 Square Feet?
How much gravel for 5,000 square feet depends on depth. At 4 inches you need about 61.73 cubic yards, roughly 86.4 tons at 1.4 tons per yard. At 2 inches the order drops to 43.2 tons.
Volume and tonnage calculator →Gravel for 5,000 sq ft by depth
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Tons +10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 30.86 | 43.2 | 47.5 |
| 3 in | 46.30 | 64.8 | 71.3 |
| 4 in | 61.73 | 86.4 | 95.1 |
| 6 in | 92.59 | 129.6 | 142.6 |
Working it out
- 5,000 sq ft × (4 ÷ 12) ft = 1,666.7 cubic feet.
- ÷ 27 = 61.73 cubic yards.
- × 1.4 tons per yard = 86.4 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. Most suppliers will quote 1.3 to 1.5 tons per yard for this material.
Ordering checklist
- 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.
When to choose gravel
Good uses:
- Rural driveways and lanes where low upfront cost matters
- Drainage areas and around downspouts
- Temporary access while a site is under construction
Think twice 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 10x20 area at 2 inches takes about 1.7 tons.
- Weight used here: about 1.4 tons per cubic yard.
Common estimating mistakes
- Assuming every supplier uses the same weight. Two yards selling the same product name can quote different tons per yard.
- Ordering exactly the math. Uneven ground and spillage nearly always need a little more than the flat calculation.
- Skipping drainage. Water sitting under any surface softens the base and leads to ruts and potholes.
- Forgetting that compaction shrinks loose material. A loose 4-inch spread of a dense-graded stone may finish closer to 3 inches after rolling.
Questions people ask
How many tons of gravel for 5,000 square feet?
About 86.4 tons at 4 inches deep.
How many cubic yards of gravel for 5,000 square feet?
About 61.73 yards at 4 inches.
How much gravel for 5,000 square feet at 2 inches?
About 43.2 tons, or 30.86 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.
Related guides
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- Tons to Cubic Yards for Gravel: Conversion Chart
- How Much Does a Ton of Gravel Cover? Depth Chart
- How Much Gravel for 3,000 Square Feet?
- How Much Gravel for 4,000 Square Feet?
As an Amazon Associate, AsphaltTons.com earns from qualifying purchases. Product links below are sponsored.