Why Use a Gravel Calculator?
Using a gravel calculator is extremely useful to avoid overestimating, which leads to unnecessary expenses and leftover materials. Furthermore, underestimating can cause project delays. Our Gravel Volume Calculator eliminates guesswork, providing accurate measurements to streamline your planning and budgeting.
Steps to take before ordering gravel:
Follow these easy-to-understand guidelines to calculate precisely how much gravel your project requires:
Step 1 – Calculate Your Project Area:
Begin by carefully measuring the width and length of the area where you intend to place gravel. For the most accurate results, use a reliable measuring tape or digital measuring tool. If your project involves complex or irregular shapes, simplify the process by dividing the area into smaller sections. Measure each segment individually, then sum these areas to obtain your total measurement.
Step 2 – Choose Your Gravel Depth:
Next, decide on how thick your gravel layer should be. This choice will depend primarily on your specific application. For example, pathways and driveways typically require gravel depths of about 50 to 100 mm, while deeper layers of 100 to 150 mm are often necessary for landscaping purposes, drainage projects, or areas with heavier foot traffic. Selecting the appropriate depth is essential to achieve an accurate calculation.
Step 3 – Determine the Total Gravel Volume:
With your area and depth measurements in hand, calculate the gravel volume needed by multiplying the total area by your chosen gravel depth. The result will give you the gravel volume measured in cubic meters (m³). An accurate gravel volume measurement helps you avoid costly purchasing errors, such as ordering too little or too much gravel.
Step 4 – Convert Gravel Volume into Weight:
Since gravel suppliers typically sell gravel by weight, you’ll need to convert your calculated volume into kilograms or tonnes. Gravel’s weight can vary slightly depending on its type and moisture levels, but generally, one cubic meter of gravel weighs around 1,680 kg. Multiply your gravel volume by this average figure to determine the estimated weight you’ll need to order.
For instance, suppose your project involves covering an area measuring 6 meters long by 4 meters wide, and your planned gravel depth is 0.05 meters (50 mm). Here’s how the calculation would look:
- Total Area: 6 m × 4 m = 24 m²
- Gravel Volume: 24 m² × 0.05 m = 1.2 m³
- Total Weight: 1.2 m³ × 1,680 kg/m³ = 2,016 kg
In this example, you’d require roughly 2,016 kg (2.016 tonnes) of gravel. Following this straightforward calculation process ensures precision, helping you minimize errors, manage costs effectively, and complete your project efficiently without delays.
Gravel Volume Calculator
Enter the Width, Length and Depth of the area you're covering, then click 'Calculate Volume'. Depending on your project, we recommend a depth of 50mm (2") coverage with all gravel, decorative aggregates, chippings, slates and pebbles.