Worked example: 4 inches deep
| Step | Math | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 10 ft × 10 ft | 100 sq ft |
| Volume at 4 in | 100 × 4 ÷ 12 | 33.3 ft³ |
| Add 10% for compaction | 33.3 × 1.10 | 36.7 ft³ |
| Cubic yards | 36.7 ÷ 27 | 1.36 yd³ |
| Tons | 1.36 × 1.4 | 1.90 tons |
Gravel by depth
| Depth | Cubic feet (+10%) | Cubic yards | Tons | Bulk order (tons) | Delivered cost | 0.5 ft³ bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 16.7 | 0.68 | 0.95 | 1.0 | $145 | 37 bags / $204 |
| 3 in | 25.0 | 1.02 | 1.43 | 1.5 | $168 | 55 bags / $302 |
| 4 in | 33.3 | 1.36 | 1.90 | 2.0 | $190 | 74 bags / $407 |
| 6 in | 50.0 | 2.04 | 2.85 | 3.0 | $235 | 110 bags / $605 |
| 8 in | 66.7 | 2.72 | 3.80 | 4.0 | $280 | 147 bags / $808 |
At 4 inches, a bulk delivery is cheaper here ($407 in bags versus $190 delivered). Bagged gravel weighs about 3,700 lb in total for this size, so bulk is the practical way to buy for a driveway.
Prices used: bulk gravel $45 per ton plus $100 delivery (1 ton minimum); 0.5 ft³ bags $5.50. Quarry prices vary widely by stone type and region.
Patio base notes
Under pavers or flagstone, a compacted gravel base of 4 inches is typical for foot traffic, and 6 inches or more where soil is soft or frost is deep. The 1 in layer of bedding sand on top adds about 0.46 tons (sand for pavers by patio size).
For a patio finished with loose gravel instead of pavers, 2–3 inches of pea gravel over landscape fabric is enough: 0.9–1.4 tons here.
Nearby sizes
Also see 12×12 patio base , 12×16 patio base, or the driveway and patio gravel chart. Open the gravel calculator to change the size or price.