How Much Does Gravel Cost?
See what drives the price of gravel and work out the material cost of your project. The calculator starts with an example price of $40 per ton; replace it with your supplier's quote.
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 much does gravel cost?
Bulk gravel is usually priced per ton or per cubic yard. Across the United States, typical bulk prices for common types such as crushed stone and pea gravel often fall somewhere between about $20 and $60 per ton, before delivery. Decorative stones such as river rock cost more, sometimes much more, and prices are generally higher in the West and Northeast and where the nearest quarry is far away. These are rough ranges, not quotes, so call two or three local suppliers for a delivered price.
What drives the price
- Type of stone. Plain crushed stone and bank-run gravel tend to be cheapest, decorative stone the most expensive.
- Distance from the quarry. Weight is expensive to move, so local supply matters.
- Delivery. Often charged as a flat fee or by distance, and sometimes there is a minimum load. Ask for the delivered price, not just the price at the pit.
- Quantity. Larger orders usually cost less per ton, and one big load is cheaper than several small ones.
- Bags or bulk. Bagged gravel costs far more per ton than bulk.
How to calculate your cost
Use the calculator above: enter your dimensions, choose the gravel and type in your supplier's price per ton. The estimate is tons multiplied by price. If your supplier quotes per cubic yard, multiply the cubic yards by their price instead.
Example project costs
The table shows the material cost for four common jobs at three illustrative prices per ton. These are examples to show how the cost scales, not market quotes, and they exclude delivery and any labor.
| Project | Tons | At $25/ton | At $40/ton | At $60/ton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden path, 30 × 3 ft × 3 in (crushed stone) | 1.36 | $34 | $54 | $82 |
| Pea gravel bed, 10 × 10 ft × 2 in | 0.96 | $24 | $39 | $58 |
| Patio base, 12 × 12 ft × 4 in (crushed stone) | 3.04 | $76 | $121 | $182 |
| Driveway, 40 × 12 ft × 4 in (crushed stone) | 10.12 | $253 | $405 | $607 |
Costs that are easy to forget
- Delivery fee, and any extra charge for hard-to-reach sites.
- Landscape fabric, edging and, for patios, bedding sand.
- Hiring someone to spread and compact the stone, or renting a plate compactor for a day.
- Extra material for waste and compaction. Ordering 10 to 15% more is cheaper than a second delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a ton of gravel cost?
Bulk gravel commonly costs roughly $20 to $60 per ton in the United States before delivery, with decorative stone costing more. Prices vary by region and supplier, so get a delivered quote.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel cost?
Multiply the price per ton by about 1.4 to 1.5, because a cubic yard of gravel weighs that many tons. A supplier who sells by the cubic yard will quote this directly.
Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the ton or the yard?
Neither is cheaper in itself; they are two ways of pricing the same stone. Ask what unit the supplier uses, convert your quantity with the calculator, and compare delivered totals.
How much does it cost to deliver gravel?
It varies with distance and the supplier's rules. Some charge a flat fee, others charge by distance or by the ton, and some set a minimum load. Ask for the delivered price before you compare.
How much does it cost to put gravel down?
Labor and equipment come on top of the material, and prices vary a lot. The calculator estimates the stone only. For installed prices, ask local contractors for a quote based on your measurements.
More gravel calculators
Last updated 2026-10-06. Quantities are estimates; densities and coverage vary by material, moisture and supplier.