Landscaping
Gravel Calculator for Shed Base & Cubic Yards
Estimate gravel for a shed foundation, compacted gravel base, driveway, walkway, drainage area, or landscaping project.
Estimated material
2.72 cubic yards73.3 cubic feet with buffer200 square feet covered- 147 bags at 0.5 cu ft
- Estimated cost: $661.5
Formula
length × width × depth = volume; convert inches to feet before multiplying
Gravel shed foundation calculator
For a shed gravel foundation, enter the pad length and width, then use the planned compacted gravel depth. Many small shed pads use about 4 inches of gravel, while heavier sheds or soft ground may need a deeper base based on local conditions.
- 8×10 shed pad at 4 inches: about 0.99 cubic yards before buffer.
- 10×12 shed pad at 4 inches: about 1.48 cubic yards before buffer.
- Add 10–15% extra for compaction, edge loss, and uneven subgrade.
How to calculate gravel yards
To calculate gravel in cubic yards, multiply length by width by depth in feet, then divide cubic feet by 27. If your depth is in inches, divide the depth by 12 first. The calculator does this automatically and also estimates bag counts when you are buying bagged gravel.
Gravel base calculator
Use a gravel base calculator when you are planning a shed pad, paver patio, or compacted work area. Measure the finished length and width, enter the planned compacted depth, then add 10–15% for compaction and uneven ground. For a small 10×10 base at 4 inches deep, the starting estimate is about 1.23 cubic yards before the buffer.
Gravel under concrete slab calculator
For gravel under a concrete slab, calculate the footprint of the slab rather than the concrete volume. A 10×10 slab base at 4 inches deep needs about 1.23 cubic yards of gravel before a compaction buffer. Confirm the specified base depth, aggregate type, drainage details, and local code requirements for your slab project.
Gravel base depth guide
Use the target depth that matches the project, then verify with your supplier or local installation guide. Decorative paths often need less depth than a compacted base for sheds, pavers, or driveways.
- Decorative walkway: often 2–3 inches.
- Shed base or patio base: commonly around 4 inches or more.
- Driveways and load-bearing areas: often need a deeper compacted base.
Quick reference
| Project size | Common use | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| 8×10 shed base at 4 in deep | Small shed foundation | About 0.99 cubic yards before compaction buffer |
| 10×12 shed base at 4 in deep | Medium shed gravel pad | About 1.48 cubic yards before adding 10–15% extra |
| 100 sq ft at 3 in deep | Gravel path or thin landscape area | About 0.93 cubic yards before buffer |
| 250 sq ft at 4 in deep | Gravel base or patio prep | About 3.09 cubic yards (roughly 3.7–4.6 tons, depending on material) before buffer |
| 10×10 slab base at 4 in deep | Gravel under a small concrete slab | About 1.23 cubic yards (roughly 1.5–1.8 tons) before buffer |
FAQ
How much gravel do I need for a shed foundation?
Multiply the shed pad length by width by gravel depth. For example, an 8×10 pad at 4 inches deep is about 26.7 cubic feet, or 0.99 cubic yards before adding a compaction buffer.
How many cubic yards of gravel are in a 10×12 shed base?
A 10×12 shed base at 4 inches deep needs about 40 cubic feet, or 1.48 cubic yards before buffer. With 10–15% extra, plan closer to 1.63–1.70 cubic yards.
How deep should gravel be for a walkway?
A decorative walkway is often 2–3 inches deep. A driveway or load-bearing area usually needs a deeper compacted base.
Should I order gravel by cubic yards or tons?
Measure the area in cubic yards first, then ask the supplier for the tons-per-yard conversion for the exact aggregate. A cubic yard of common gravel often weighs roughly 1.2–1.5 tons, so 3 cubic yards may be about 3.6–4.5 tons, but moisture and stone size can change that estimate.
How much extra gravel should I add for compaction?
Add about 10–15% to the calculated volume for compaction, uneven subgrade, and small edge losses. The correct buffer depends on the material, how the base is installed, and site conditions, so confirm large orders with your supplier or installer.