Gravel Cost Calculator
Enter your area, depth and a price per ton or cubic yard to get a total estimated cost for your project.
Uses a default density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard (typical for pea gravel / decorative gravel). Get your exact price per ton or yard from your local supplier.
How This Is Calculated
The calculator finds your volume in cubic yards, converts to tons using an average gravel density, then multiplies by your price per ton (or per cubic yard) for a total.
tons = cubic yards × 1.4
total cost = tons × price per ton (or cubic yards × price per yard)
Gravel Prices by Material
Price varies more by material than almost anything else — decorative, screened gravel costs more than plain structural stone, and price climbs further in areas farther from a quarry. These ranges are typical for delivered bulk orders in the US:
| Material | Price per ton | Price per cubic yard |
|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone / road base | $25–$45 | $35–$60 |
| Pea gravel | $30–$65 | $40–$85 |
| River rock | $35–$70 | $45–$90 |
| Decorative / colored gravel | $40–$75 | $50–$100 |
Plain crushed stone and road base are the cheapest since they're used in the highest volume and need the least processing. Washed, screened, or colored decorative gravel costs more for the extra handling.
Cost Per Yard vs. Ton vs. Bag
Suppliers quote gravel three different ways, and it's easy to compare the wrong two numbers. Per ton is the standard unit for bulk dump-truck delivery — most quarries and landscape suppliers price this way because gravel is weighed on the way out. Per cubic yard is a volume measure, more common for smaller loads or when a supplier delivers by the yard rather than the ton; since gravel averages about 1.4–1.5 tons per cubic yard, you can convert between the two using that factor, or just switch the toggle above. Per bag is a retail unit — hardware stores sell 0.5 cubic foot bags, priced per bag rather than by weight, which is convenient for small jobs but the most expensive way to buy gravel per cubic foot (see the comparison below).
Delivery Costs by Distance
Most suppliers bundle a base delivery fee — commonly $50–$150 — that covers a set radius from the quarry or yard, often 10–15 miles. Beyond that radius, expect an added per-mile charge, typically $2–$5 a mile, on top of the base fee. Some suppliers also set a minimum order (often 2–5 tons) before they'll dispatch a truck at all, so a small job can end up paying for material you don't need just to clear the minimum. Always ask for an all-in delivered price rather than comparing material cost alone — a cheaper per-ton price from a farther supplier can lose to a nearby one once delivery is added.
Bulk vs. Bags Cost Comparison
Bagged gravel looks cheap per bag but is almost always the most expensive way to buy in volume. A typical 0.5 cubic foot bag runs $4–$6 at a hardware store — that works out to roughly $8–$12 per cubic foot, or $220–$320 per cubic yard once you scale it up (27 cubic feet in a yard). Compare that to $35–$100 per cubic yard delivered in bulk, and bags cost 2–4x more for the same material. Bags make sense for a small top-up or a project under a couple hundred pounds; anything larger than a garden bed is almost always cheaper ordered loose by the ton.
Frequently asked questions
How much does gravel cost per ton?
Gravel typically costs $25–$65 per ton delivered, or $35–$85 per cubic yard, depending on material and region. Decorative gravel like pea gravel or river rock usually costs more than crushed stone or road base.
Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the ton or by the yard?
Most suppliers price by the ton for bulk delivery. Buying by the cubic yard can be simpler for small loads. Use the toggle above to compare both.
Does gravel delivery cost extra?
Yes — most suppliers charge a separate delivery fee, often $50–$150 depending on distance and load size. Always ask for an all-in quote before ordering.
How much does a dump truck load of gravel cost?
A typical dump truck holds 10–15 tons. At $25–$65 per ton, a full load runs roughly $250–$975 for material alone, before delivery fees. Ask your supplier for their truck capacity and an all-in delivered price.
Is pea gravel more expensive than crushed stone?
Yes, usually. Pea gravel is washed and screened for a decorative finish, which costs more to process than plain crushed stone or road base — expect to pay $5–$20 more per ton for pea gravel than for structural crushed stone.