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Gravel Pad and Shed Base Calculator

Calculate gravel cubic yards, tons, bag count, and bulk cost for a compacted pad or shed base.

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Gravel pad and shed base calculator

Estimate cubic yards, tons, bags, and bulk cost for a compacted gravel pad.

Cubic yards to order
1.87
Includes compaction and waste
Tons needed
2.62
Using selected density
Bags equivalent
105
If buying bags
Bulk cost
$118.07
Before delivery fees
Use project-specific base depth and stone type for sheds, pavers, drainage, or driveways.

What this estimate does and does not do

This calculator estimates gravel quantity for a rectangular pad, shed base, or simple landscape base. It does not design drainage, sub-base preparation, geotextile, frost protection, slope, retaining edges, or load-bearing foundations. Use the depth and stone type recommended for your specific shed, paver, drainage, or driveway project.

Formula used

base cubic yards = length ft × width ft × depth inches / 324
order cubic yards = base cubic yards × compaction factor × waste factor
tons = order cubic yards × density tons per yd³
bags = ceil(tons × 2000 / bag weight lb)

The divisor 324 combines the inches-to-feet and cubic-feet-to-cubic-yards conversions.

Worked example

For a 10 ft × 12 ft shed base at 4 inches deep, 15% compaction, 10% waste, and 1.4 tons/yd³ density:

base yd³ = 10 × 12 × 4 / 324 = 1.48 yd³
order yd³ = 1.48 × 1.15 × 1.10 = 1.87 yd³
tons = 1.87 × 1.4 = 2.62 tons

Assumptions

  • The calculator assumes a rectangular area.
  • Bulk suppliers may round to half-ton, full-ton, half-yard, or full-yard increments.
  • Moisture content can change delivered weight.
  • Bag counts are usually practical only for small jobs.

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate gravel for a pad?

Multiply length by width by depth to get volume, convert cubic feet to cubic yards, then apply compaction and waste allowances.

Why add compaction percentage?

Crushed stone used as a base consolidates when compacted, so the placed and compacted layer can require more loose material than the simple hole volume.

How many tons are in a cubic yard of gravel?

Many common gravels are roughly 1.3–1.7 tons per cubic yard depending on rock type, gradation, and moisture. Use your supplier's density where available.

Can this calculator design a driveway or foundation?

No. It estimates quantity only. Load-bearing pads, driveways, drainage systems, and shed foundations may need project-specific depth, base prep, and local guidance.