{
  "slug": "gravel-cubic-yards-calculator",
  "title": "Gravel Cubic Yards Calculator",
  "heading": "Gravel Cubic Yards Calculator",
  "category": "other",
  "url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/gravel-cubic-yards-calculator",
  "summary": "Volume-based gravel order for suppliers who sell by the cubic yard instead of the ton.",
  "description": "Some landscape suppliers and smaller stone yards sell and deliver gravel by the cubic yard rather than by weight, which is a simpler unit to reason about directly from your area and fill depth without needing a density conversion. This calculator takes length, width, and depth (or a direct area entry) and computes cubic feet, divides by 27 to get cubic yards, and applies a waste/compaction allowance, mirroring the concrete cubic-yard math but calibrated for the depths typical of gravel paths, drainage trenches, and base layers rather than structural slabs. Because gravel yards often sell by increments (half-yard, full-yard scoops from a loader), the tool rounds and shows the raw figure alongside a suggested order size so you're not stuck asking for 2.37 cubic yards from a supplier who only sells in half-yard steps.",
  "formula": "Cubic Yards = (Length × Width × Depth ft) ÷ 27 × (1 + Waste%).",
  "dateModified": "2026-09-06",
  "run_url": "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/api/public/calc?tool=gravel-cubic-yards-calculator",
  "inputs": [
    {
      "id": "length",
      "label": "Length",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 40,
      "unit": "ft",
      "min": 1,
      "max": null
    },
    {
      "id": "width",
      "label": "Width",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 3,
      "unit": "ft",
      "min": 0.5,
      "max": null
    },
    {
      "id": "depthIn",
      "label": "Depth",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 3,
      "unit": "in",
      "min": 1,
      "max": 24
    },
    {
      "id": "wastePct",
      "label": "Waste/compaction factor",
      "kind": "number",
      "hint": null,
      "default": 10,
      "unit": "%",
      "min": 0,
      "max": 25
    }
  ],
  "outputs": [
    {
      "id": "cubicYards",
      "label": "Gravel needed",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": "cu yd",
      "primary": true
    },
    {
      "id": "suggestedOrder",
      "label": "Suggested order (nearest half-yard)",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": "cu yd",
      "primary": false
    },
    {
      "id": "cubicFeet",
      "label": "Total cubic feet",
      "format": "decimal",
      "hint": null,
      "primary": false
    }
  ],
  "worked_example": {
    "inputs": [
      "Length: 40 ft",
      "Width: 3 ft",
      "Depth: 3 in",
      "Waste/compaction factor: 10 %"
    ],
    "outputs": [
      "Gravel needed: 1.22",
      "Suggested order (nearest half-yard): 1.5",
      "Total cubic feet: 30"
    ]
  },
  "how_to": {
    "title": "How to use this",
    "steps": [
      "Enter length (ft).",
      "Enter width (ft).",
      "Enter depth (in).",
      "Enter waste/compaction factor (%).",
      "Read your gravel needed on the right — it updates as you type.",
      "Hit Share to keep the scenario or send it to someone."
    ]
  },
  "scenarios": [
    {
      "name": "Conservative",
      "description": "Lower-end numbers — what if things land soft?",
      "values": {
        "length": 24,
        "width": 1.7999999999999998,
        "depthIn": 1.7999999999999998,
        "wastePct": 6
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Typical",
      "description": "Defaults — the most common real-world setup.",
      "values": {
        "length": 40,
        "width": 3,
        "depthIn": 3,
        "wastePct": 10
      }
    },
    {
      "name": "Ambitious",
      "description": "Higher-end numbers — what if things really pop?",
      "values": {
        "length": 64,
        "width": 4.800000000000001,
        "depthIn": 4.800000000000001,
        "wastePct": 16
      }
    }
  ],
  "limitations": [
    "Estimates assume standard, average conditions — local rules, pricing, and materials vary.",
    "Results are rounded for readability; add a buffer before ordering, booking, or committing.",
    "Double-check anything with a real cost attached against a local quote."
  ],
  "faq": [
    {
      "q": "Why do some suppliers sell gravel by volume instead of weight?",
      "a": "Smaller landscape yards using loader buckets often price and scoop by the cubic yard since that's how their loader bucket is calibrated, while larger quarries and construction suppliers weigh trucks on a scale and bill by the ton."
    },
    {
      "q": "How do I convert cubic yards to tons if I need both?",
      "a": "Multiply cubic yards by roughly 1.4 for standard gravel density, or use the dedicated gravel tons calculator if you know your specific material's density rating."
    },
    {
      "q": "Why round to the nearest half yard?",
      "a": "Most stone yards load with a bucket calibrated in half or full yard scoops, so ordering a rounded amount avoids confusion or a small shortfall from an odd fractional order."
    },
    {
      "q": "What depth should a gravel path use?",
      "a": "2-3 inches is typical for a decorative walking path over compacted base, while driveways need a thicker compacted base layer, often 4-6 inches."
    }
  ],
  "related": [
    "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/gravel-tons-calculator",
    "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/decomposed-granite-calculator",
    "https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/paver-base-calculator"
  ],
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "citation": "RevenueLab — Gravel Cubic Yards Calculator (https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/gravel-cubic-yards-calculator)"
}