Outdoor & gardenFree calculator
Find out how much gravel, stone or bark mulch you need to cover a garden bed, path or driveway. The calculator gives the volume, the approximate weight of gravel and the number of bags.
Your shopping list
How to measure
- Measure the length and width of the bed, path or driveway.
- Choose a depth: 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) for mulch and paths, 4 in (10 cm) for driveways.
The formula
Volume = length × width × depth Gravel weight ≈ 1.4 tons per cu yd (1.5 tonnes per m³)
Worked example
A 20 × 10 ft bed at 3 in deep is 50 cu ft, or 1.85 cu yd. In gravel that weighs about 2.6 tons.
Tips before you buy
- Lay a weed membrane under gravel to keep weeds down.
- Bulk bags or loose loads are much cheaper than small bags for big areas.
- Keep mulch a few centimetres away from tree trunks and plant stems.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should mulch be?
2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) suppresses weeds without smothering plant roots.
Is gravel sold by volume or weight?
Both. US and Canadian yards often sell by the cubic yard or ton; UK suppliers usually sell by the tonne or in bulk bags.
How much area does a ton of gravel cover?
About 100 sq ft at 2 in deep. In metric, a tonne covers roughly 13 m² at 5 cm deep.
Results are estimates for planning only. Always check quantities with your supplier before you buy.