You need about
0.61 cubic yards of gravel
Includes 10% extra for waste. Weight assumes about 1.4 tons per cubic yard (range 1.3–1.5).
The working
3 ft × 20 ft × 3/12 ft = 15.0 cubic feet. Add 10% = 16.5 cubic feet. Divide by 27 = 0.61 cubic yards.
Change the numbers
What if it is a different depth?
| Depth | Cubic yards | Tons | Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 0.41 | 0.57 | 22 |
| 3 in (this page) | 0.61 | 0.86 | 33 |
| 4 in | 0.81 | 1.14 | 44 |
| 6 in | 1.22 | 1.71 | 66 |
What you will also need for gravel
Tools and supplies that go with this job. These are Amazon search links, so you can compare options and current prices there.
- Landscape fabric (weed barrier)
- Hand tamper or plate compactor
- Wheelbarrow
- Landscape edging
- Steel garden rake
- Work gloves
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are paid links and cost you nothing extra.
Good to know
A compacted base under pavers is 4 in minimum, and ICPI gives 4–6 in for walks and patios. A paver driveway base is 6–8 in. Loose gravel on a garden path is around 3 in. A compacted base needs roughly 25 to 30% more loose stone than the flat volume (Washington State DOT unit weights), so order extra and ask your supplier.