Free Drainage Gravel Calculator
Calculate gravel needed for a French drain or drainage trench, accounting for pipe displacement.
ft
in
in
in
Gravel Needed
2.6 cu yd
Approximate Weight3.7 tons
Total Trench Volume75.0 cu ft
Gravel Needed vs Trench Length
Drainage Gravel Calculation
Gravel Volume = Trench Volume - Pipe Volume
The perforated pipe displaces some of the trench volume. Subtract its cross-sectional area multiplied by the trench length to get the net gravel volume. Use washed, angular gravel (3/4 to 1-1/2 inch) for good drainage.
Example Calculation
50 ft French drain, 12 in wide, 18 in deep, with 4-inch pipe.
- 01Trench volume = 50 x 1 x 1.5 = 75 cu ft
- 02Pipe volume = 50 x pi x (2/12) squared = 2.18 cu ft
- 03Gravel = (75 - 2.18) / 27 = 2.7 cu yd
- 04Weight = 2.7 x 1.4 = 3.8 tons
Frequently Asked Questions
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