Creating a beautiful gravel patio can transform your outdoor space, but knowing how much gravel you need is crucial for a successful project. This guide will walk you through the process of calculating the right amount of gravel for your patio.
Step 1: Measure Your Patio Area
Start by measuring the length and width of your patio area in feet. For irregular shapes, break the area into rectangles and measure each section separately.
Step 2: Determine the Depth
Decide on the depth of your gravel layer. For patios, a depth between 2 and 4 inches is typical. Convert your chosen depth to feet by dividing the number of inches by 12.
“Consider using a paver base calculator for more precise measurements”
Step 3: Calculate the Volume
Use this formula to calculate the volume of gravel needed:
Volume (cubic feet) = Length × Width × Depth
For example, if your patio is 20 feet long, 15 feet wide, and you want a 3-inch deep gravel layer:
20 × 15 × (3/12) = 75 cubic feet
Step 4: Convert to Cubic Yards
Gravel is typically sold in cubic yards. To convert cubic feet to cubic yards, divide by 27:
75 ÷ 27 ≈ 2.78 cubic yards
Step 5: Account for Compaction
Add 5-10% extra to your calculated amount to account for compaction and potential measurement errors.
Step 6: Convert to Weight (Optional)
If you need to know the weight, multiply your cubic yards by the density of the gravel. For typical gravel:
Weight (tons) = Cubic Yards × 1.4
In our example: 2.78 × 1.4 ≈ 3.89 tons
Quick Reference Table
For your convenience, here’s a quick reference table for common patio sizes
| Patio Size | Gravel Needed (4″ base) |
| 50 sq. ft. | 0.75 cu. yds. |
| 100 sq. ft. | 1.48 cu. yds. |
| 150 sq. ft. | 2.22 cu. yds. |
| 200 sq. ft. | 2.96 cu. yds. |