Gravel Calculator – How Much Gravel Do You Need for Your Next Project?

Planning a patio, driveway, drainage ditch, or rock garden around Lake of the Ozarks? Don’t guess—calculate. Our free gravel calculator tells you exactly how many cubic yards of bulk gravel you’ll need. Whether you’re a Mid-Missouri homeowner or ordering from across the country, we make it easy.

Enter the approximate length and width of the area you want to be covered, then the desired depth (standard depth is 2″) and size of the stone. Then click Calculate.

Please note: Delivery is a maximum of 12 cubic yards per truckload.

How to Use Our Gravel Calculator (With Real Missouri Examples)

We made it simple, but here are a few pro tips and real-world examples so you get the perfect amount the first time:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Measure your project area in feet (length × width).
Decide on depth — 2–3″ for most decorative areas, 3–4″ for driveways/patios, 4–6″ for drainage.
Choose your stone size (we carry everything from pea gravel to 3″ river rock).
Click Calculate and we’ll show you the cubic yards needed.

Example Projects Near the Lake of the Ozarks

Backyard Patio in Osage Beach (12 ft × 20 ft at 3″ depth) → ~2.2 cubic yards
French Drain Along a Columbia Slope (50 ft × 2 ft at 6″ depth) → ~1.85 cubic yards
Springfield Driveway Resurface (20 ft × 50 ft at 4″ depth) → ~12 cubic yards (one full truckload)

Gravel Depth & Coverage Guide (Quick Reference Table)

Project Type	Recommended Depth	Gravel Type Examples
Walkways & Garden Paths	2–3″	River Rock, Pea Gravel
Patios & Driveways	3–4″	Crushed Limestone, Trap Rock
Drainage & French Drains	4–6″	Larger River Rock
Decorative Landscaping	2″	Colored Stones, Alabama Sunset

Best Gravel Types for Mid-Missouri & Lake of the Ozarks

Not all gravel is created equal — especially when you’re dealing with Missouri’s freeze-thaw cycles, clay soil, and beautiful lake-country landscapes. At Southwest Stone Supply in Osage Beach, we stock the good stuff that holds up and looks great year after year.

Popular Gravel Options We Carry:

River Rock & Smooth Rounded Stone — Perfect for drainage, French drains, and low-maintenance areas. Excellent water flow and that clean Ozark look.
Crushed Limestone & Trap Rock — Great base material for patios and driveways. Compacts well and gives a natural neutral tone.
Colored Decorative Gravel (Alabama Sunset, Ozark Rainbow, Iowa Rainbow, Black Beauty, Red Lava) — Adds serious curb appeal for garden paths, around pools, and front-yard landscaping.
Pea Gravel — Ideal for walkways and play areas — soft underfoot and great drainage.
Large River Rock — Use for accent areas, erosion control, or dry creek beds.

Why Choose Natural Stone Gravel from Us? Missouri weather can be tough on landscaping. Our natural stone stands up to it better than manufactured alternatives and looks better every year. Plus, you’re supporting a local Lake of the Ozarks business that ships nationwide to the lower 48 states.

Shop These Gravels → Check out our Bulk Mulch, Gravel, Decorative Stone page.

Pro Tips for Successful Gravel Projects

Make your project look professional and last for years with these field-tested tips from the Southwest Stone Supply team:

Always use a proper base layer — 4–6″ of compacted crusher run or road base before your decorative gravel.
Install landscape fabric or geotextile — Keeps weeds down without stopping water drainage.
Edge it properly — Use metal, plastic, or natural stone edging so gravel stays where you put it.
Depth matters — Too thin and it shifts; too thick and you waste material and money. (Refer back to our table above!)
Refresh every 2–3 years — Top off with a fresh layer to keep the color bright and coverage even.
Gravel vs Mulch? — Gravel wins around foundations, on slopes, and high-traffic areas. Mulch is better for flower beds. (We carry both!)

Bonus Ozark Tip: If you’re near the Lake of the Ozarks, consider slightly larger river rock near the waterline — it holds better against waves and boat wakes.

Local Pickup & Nationwide Shipping

Come See Us in Osage Beach Our yard is located right on Osage Beach Parkway — easy in-and-out for trucks and trailers. Pull in, load up, and you’re on your way. We’re proud to serve Mid-Missouri homeowners and contractors in Columbia, Jefferson City, Springfield, Lebanon, and everywhere in between.

Delivery & Shipping Options

Local delivery throughout the Lake of the Ozarks region
Bulk truckload delivery (max 12 cubic yards per truck)
Nationwide shipping available to all lower 48 states — perfect for contractors or anyone who wants quality Ozark-sourced stone without the hassle

Need a quote? Call us or fill out our contact form here. We make it easy.