Use the intended loose depth and the supplier’s density for the chosen gravel.
- Volume = area × depth; mass = volume × density. The example density is not a product specification. Sub-base and edging are separate materials.
Garden calculator
Gravel Path Calculator
Calculate path volume, supplier-density weight and bag quantities.
Method and practical checks
- Volume = area × depth; mass = volume × density. The example density is not a product specification. Sub-base and edging are separate materials.
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Worked example
A 5 × 4 m area at 5 cm deep holds 1 m³, or 1.1 m³ with a 10% allowance. At 1.5 tonnes per m³ that is 1.65 t, or 83 bags of 20 kg.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Measured sections | Length 5 m, Width 4 m |
| Gravel depth | 5 cm |
| Bulk density | 1.5 t/m³ |
| Extra allowance | 10 % |
| Pack size | 20 kg |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Volume including allowance | 1.1 m³ |
| Bulk mass | 1.65 t |
| Required quantity | 1,650 kg |
| Packs to buy | 83 |
| Purchase quantity | 1,660 kg |
| Left over | 10 kg |
Reading the result
- Gravel density varies with stone type and size; use the supplier’s figure for bulk bags.
- Paths usually need a compacted sub-base below the decorative layer; that is a separate material.
- For large areas, bulk bags are normally cheaper than small bags.