How much gravel do I need for a shed foundation?

Multiply the gravel pad length by width by depth in feet to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Add a compaction or waste allowance and convert cubic yards to tons using your supplier's gravel density.

How thick should a gravel shed foundation be?

Many small shed pads use 4 to 6 inches of compacted crushed stone. Heavier sheds, softer soil, poor drainage, or frost-prone sites may need a deeper base or a contractor's recommendation.

How much bigger should the gravel pad be than the shed?

A common planning target is 12 inches wider on each side than the shed, creating a pad that is 2 feet longer and 2 feet wider than the shed footprint. Check the shed maker's instructions before ordering material.

What gravel is best for a shed foundation?

Angular crushed stone or crusher run is commonly used because it compacts and drains better than rounded pea gravel. Ask your local supplier for the product normally used for compacted shed pads in your area.

Shed pad material calculator

Shed Foundation Gravel Calculator

Estimate the gravel tons, cubic yards, bags, truckloads, and cost for a crushed stone shed foundation pad.

Gravel to order 7.78 tons A 12 ft × 16 ft shed with 12 in overhang and 6 in gravel depth.

Shed and pad size

Shed length (feet) Shed width (feet) Pad overhang each side (inches)

Gravel and ordering

Compacted gravel depth (inches) Material density (tons per yd³) Compaction / waste allowance (%) Price per ton ($) Truck capacity (tons) Bag size (cu ft)

How to use this shed foundation gravel calculator

Enter your shed footprint, the extra gravel pad overhang you want on each side, and the compacted gravel depth. The calculator expands the shed size into a finished pad size, converts the volume to cubic yards and tons, and estimates delivery-sized ordering quantities.

A typical planning setup is a pad that extends about 12 inches beyond each side of the shed with 4 to 6 inches of compacted crushed stone. Local soil, drainage, frost, shed weight, and manufacturer instructions can change that target.

Good for quick estimates

Crushed stone shed pads
Gravel base planning before buying a shed
Comparing bulk gravel cost against bagged material

Ordering tips

Ask the supplier for tons per cubic yard for your exact stone.
Include extra for compaction, uneven excavation, and edge cleanup.
Confirm whether delivery trucks can reach the shed site.

FAQ

How do I calculate gravel for a shed foundation?

Calculate the finished pad length and width, multiply by gravel depth in feet, then divide cubic feet by 27 to get cubic yards. Add overage, then multiply cubic yards by tons per cubic yard.

Should the gravel pad be larger than the shed?

Usually, yes. Many shed pads extend about 12 inches beyond the shed on all sides so water sheds away from the walls and the base has a clean edge.

Is pea gravel good for a shed foundation?

Pea gravel drains but does not lock together as well as angular crushed stone. For a stable compacted pad, crushed stone or crusher run is usually the better starting point.

How many tons are in a cubic yard of shed pad gravel?

Many crushed stone products are roughly 1.35 to 1.6 tons per cubic yard. Use your supplier's number when ordering because stone type, moisture, and gradation affect weight.

How to use this shed foundation gravel calculator

Good for quick estimates

Ordering tips

FAQ

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