Whether you’re creating a driveway, garden path, decorative border or drainage system, ordering the correct amount of gravel is essential. One of the most common questions we get asked at Tiny Tipper is:
“How much gravel do I need?”
This guide will help you calculate exactly how much gravel or shingle is required for your project.
Typical Gravel Coverage
As a general guide:
1 tonne of gravel covers approximately:
- 20m² at 25mm depth
- 13m² at 40mm depth
- 10m² at 50mm depth
- 6.5m² at 75mm depth
Coverage may vary slightly depending on the size and shape of the aggregate.
How To Calculate Gravel Requirements
Use the following formula:
Length (m) × Width (m) × Depth (m) = Cubic Metres Required
As a guide:
1 tonne of gravel is approximately 0.6m³
Example 1 – Decorative Border
Area:
- Length: 10m
- Width: 1m
- Depth: 50mm (0.05m)
Calculation:
10 × 1 × 0.05 = 0.5m³
0.5 ÷ 0.6 = 0.83 tonnes
You would require approximately 1 tonne of gravel.
Example 2 – Gravel Driveway
Area:
- Length: 10m
- Width: 4m
- Depth: 50mm (0.05m)
Calculation:
10 × 4 × 0.05 = 2m³
2 ÷ 0.6 = 3.3 tonnes
You would require approximately 3.5 tonnes of gravel.
Recommended Gravel Depths
Decorative Borders
40-50mm
Garden Paths
40-50mm
Gravel Driveways
50-75mm
Drainage & Soakaways
Varies depending on design requirements
Which Gravel Should I Choose?
10mm Pea Shingle
Ideal for:
- Decorative borders
- Garden features
- Pot toppings
- Paths
20mm Shingle
Ideal for:
- Driveways
- Landscaping
- Decorative ground cover
- General use
40mm Shingle
Ideal for:
- Drainage systems
- Soakaways
- Filter trenches
- Larger decorative areas
Cockleshells
Ideal for:
- Coastal-themed gardens
- Decorative pathways
- Mulching beds and borders
- Golf courses and landscaping projects
Why Choose Tiny Tipper?
At Tiny Tipper, we supply gravel, shingle and decorative aggregates throughout Sussex and Kent.
Our compact delivery vehicles can access locations where larger lorries cannot, making us ideal for domestic and restricted access deliveries.
Benefits Of Ordering From Tiny Tipper
✔ Same Day & Next Day Delivery Available
✔ Loose Tipped Loads From 1 Tonne
✔ Bulk Bags Available
✔ Restricted Access Specialists
✔ Domestic & Trade Supply
Gravel Delivered Across Sussex & Kent
Whether you’re creating a driveway, refreshing garden borders or installing a drainage system, Tiny Tipper can supply the materials you need.
We offer loose tipped loads, bulk bags and larger deliveries throughout Sussex and Kent.
Need help calculating how much gravel you need? Contact the Tiny Tipper team today and we’ll be happy to help.
