Gravel Path Calculator
Find out how much gravel a garden path or walkway needs. It starts with a 30 × 3 ft path, 3 inches deep.
1. Measure your area
2. Choose your gravel
Gravel density varies by material, moisture and supplier. Use your supplier's stated density when available. This calculator provides an estimate, not a supplier quote.
How to measure a gravel path
For a straight path, measure the length and the width. For a curved path, measure along the middle of the path to get the length, and take an average width. If the width changes a lot, split the path into sections and add the results. Garden paths are often about 3 to 4 feet wide, which is comfortable for one person or two walking side by side.
How deep should a gravel path be?
A depth of 2 to 3 inches is common for garden and walking paths. Less than 2 inches tends to let the soil show through. Paths that will carry wheelbarrows or other heavy loads may need a firmer base layer under the top layer. Many people lay landscape fabric first to hold back weeds, and install edging along the sides so the stone stays in the path.
Which gravel for a path?
Pea gravel is smooth and comfortable to walk on, but it shifts and can scatter. Fine crushed stone knits together and gives a firmer surface that holds up better to wheels and slopes. This calculator is set to crushed stone; switch the gravel type if you prefer another material.
Worked example: a 30 × 3 ft path at 3 inches
Area: 30 ft × 3 ft = 90 sq ft
Volume at 3 inches deep: 90 × (3 ÷ 12) = 22.50 cubic feet
Add 10% for waste: = 24.75 cubic feet = 0.92 cubic yards
Weight at 110 lb per cubic foot: 2,723 lb = 1.36 tons
Path quantities at 3 inches deep
Crushed stone at 110 lb per cubic foot, with a 10% allowance.
| Path size | Sq ft | Cubic yards | Tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 × 3 ft | 60 | 0.61 | 0.91 |
| 30 × 3 ft | 90 | 0.92 | 1.36 |
| 50 × 3 ft | 150 | 1.53 | 2.27 |
| 50 × 4 ft | 200 | 2.04 | 3.03 |
For a short path, bagged gravel can be easier than a bulk delivery. See the gravel bags calculator to work out how many bags you need.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a path?
Multiply length by width by depth. A 30 × 3 ft path at 3 inches deep with a 10% allowance needs about 1.4 tons of crushed stone. Enter your own length and width in the calculator above.
How wide should a gravel path be?
Garden paths are commonly 3 to 4 feet wide. Make it wider if two people will walk side by side or if you need to get a wheelbarrow or mower along it.
How deep should gravel be on a path?
Usually 2 to 3 inches. Thinner layers let the soil show through, and very deep loose gravel is tiring to walk on.
Do I need edging and fabric?
Edging keeps the gravel from spreading into the lawn or beds, and landscape fabric slows weeds. Neither is essential, but most gravel paths look better and need less upkeep with both.
Should I use pea gravel or crushed stone?
Pea gravel feels smoother underfoot but shifts more. Crushed stone packs down firmer, which helps on slopes and where wheels run. Both are calculated the same way.
More gravel calculators
Last updated 2026-10-06. Quantities are estimates; densities and coverage vary by material, moisture and supplier.