Gravel Calculator
Estimate how much gravel, chippings or aggregate you need by area and depth.
–
approximate gravel needed
| Area to cover | – |
|---|---|
| Volume | – |
| Weight (tonnes) | – |
| Bulk bags (~850 kg each) | – |
Gravel calculator
This gravel calculator estimates how much gravel, chippings, or decorative aggregate you need to cover an area to a given depth. Enter the length, width, and depth, and it returns the area, the volume in cubic metres, the weight in tonnes, and roughly how many bulk bags to order. It is ideal for driveways, paths, borders, and ground cover.
How much gravel do I need?
The volume is area × depth, and gravel weighs roughly 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre (this varies a little with stone type and moisture). A common depth for a decorative gravel surface is 5 cm, while a gravel driveway usually needs 5–8 cm over a firm sub-base. Our calculation gives a practical estimate; order a little extra to allow for settling and topping up.
Don’t forget the sub-base
For driveways and heavily used paths, gravel should sit on a compacted sub-base of MOT Type 1 to stop it sinking and rutting. Work out that layer with our MOT Type 1 calculator, and see our full guide on how to lay a gravel driveway.
Frequently asked questions
How many bulk bags of gravel per square metre?
At 5 cm deep, one 850 kg bulk bag covers roughly 10–11 m². The calculator works out the exact number for your area and depth.
Disclaimer: Estimates only. Densities vary by material — confirm quantities with your supplier.