Gravel Driveway Calculator
How much gravel do I need for my driveway? Enter length, width and depth to get cubic yards, tons, bags, truck loads and cost — with separate base + top layers, 6 gravel types, compaction and waste allowance. Works in feet/inches and meters/cm.
Driveway Gravel Estimator
Base layer — large stone for load & drainage (set depth 0 to skip)
Top layer — driving surface (set depth 0 to skip)
Estimates for planning. Densities are typical published values and vary by quarry and moisture — confirm the tons-per-yard factor with your supplier before ordering.
Gravel Coverage Table — Common Driveway Sizes
Cubic yards and US tons (at 1.4 tons/yd³, #57 crushed stone) for common driveway sizes — geometric volume, before waste allowance. Add 10% for compaction and settling.
| Driveway size | Top-up 3 in | Standard 6 in | New build 12 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x20 (200 sq ft) | 1.9 yd³ · 2.6 t | 3.7 yd³ · 5.2 t | 7.4 yd³ · 10.4 t |
| 10x50 (500 sq ft) | 4.6 yd³ · 6.5 t | 9.3 yd³ · 13.0 t | 18.5 yd³ · 25.9 t |
| 12x50 (600 sq ft) | 5.6 yd³ · 7.8 t | 11.1 yd³ · 15.6 t | 22.2 yd³ · 31.1 t |
| 12x100 (1200 sq ft) | 11.1 yd³ · 15.6 t | 22.2 yd³ · 31.1 t | 44.4 yd³ · 62.2 t |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | 3.7 yd³ · 5.2 t | 7.4 yd³ · 10.4 t | 14.8 yd³ · 20.7 t |
| 20x50 (1000 sq ft) | 9.3 yd³ · 13.0 t | 18.5 yd³ · 25.9 t | 37.0 yd³ · 51.9 t |
Rule of thumb: one cubic yard covers 81 sq ft at 4 in deep, 54 sq ft at 6 in, 27 sq ft at 12 in (324 ÷ depth in inches).
Worked Examples (Verified Step by Step)
Example 1 — Standard top-up: 40 × 12 ft driveway, 4 in of #57 crushed stone
| Step | Value |
|---|---|
| Area | 40 × 12 = 480 sq ft |
| Volume (geometric) | 480 × (4/12) = 160 ft³ = 5.93 yd³ |
| Order volume (+10% waste) | 6.52 yd³ (4.98 m³) |
| Weight (#57, 1.4 t/yd³) | 9.13 US tons (18,252 lb) |
| Bags (0.5 ft³ bags) | 352 bags — bulk delivery wins |
| Cost @ $55/ton + $80 delivery | $501.93 + $80.00 = $581.93 |
| Truck loads (22-ton tri-axle) | 1 load |
Example 2 — Circular driveway, 24 ft diameter: 6 in crusher-run base + 2 in pea-gravel top
| Step | Value |
|---|---|
| Area | π × 12² = 452.39 sq ft |
| Base volume (+10%) | 9.22 yd³ → 13.36 tons crusher run (1.45 t/yd³) |
| Top volume (+10%) | 3.07 yd³ → 3.84 tons pea gravel (1.25 t/yd³) |
| Total to order | 12.29 yd³ — 17.20 US tons |
| Truck loads (22-ton tri-axle) | 1 load (both materials may ship separately) |
Example 3 — Long driveway budget: 12 × 100 ft, 6 in crusher run, full cost
| Step | Value |
|---|---|
| Area | 12 × 100 = 1,200 sq ft |
| Order volume (+10%) | 24.44 yd³ |
| Weight (crusher run, 1.45 t/yd³) | 35.44 US tons |
| Material @ $45/ton | $1,595.00 |
| Delivery: 2 trips × $75 | $150.00 |
| Total project cost | $1,745.00 |
Every figure above is recomputed from the same formulas the calculator uses — enter these inputs to reproduce them exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by the gravel density (about 1.4 tons per yard for #57 crushed stone) to get tons. Example: a 40 × 12 ft driveway at 4 in deep is (40 × 12 × 4/12) / 27 = 5.93 cubic yards; with 10% extra for settling that is 6.52 yards, about 9.13 tons of #57. Quick mental estimate: tons ≈ area (sq ft) × depth (in) ÷ 231.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
For topping up an existing driveway, 2–3 in of fresh stone is enough. A light-use residential driveway needs at least 4 in. A new standard driveway should total 6–8 in, built in two layers (4–5 in crusher-run base plus 2–3 in #57 top). Driveways carrying trucks, RVs or trailers need 9–12 in. Never go below 4 in for a driving surface — tires will push through to the soil.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?
It depends on the material: crushed stone #57 is about 1.40 tons per cubic yard, #3 stone and crusher run about 1.45, river rock about 1.35, pea gravel about 1.25, and decomposed granite about 1.50. As a rule of thumb, multiply cubic yards by 1.4 for common driveway gravels, then confirm the exact factor with your supplier — moisture and quarry source move the number.
What type of gravel is best for driveways?
Angular crushed stone is best: #57 (3/4 in) for the middle and top layers because its sharp edges lock together and resist shifting, and crusher run or #3 stone (1–2 in) for the base because it compacts into a firm, well-drained platform. Avoid rounded pea gravel as the main driving surface — it looks nice but rolls under tires and migrates.
What is the difference between the base layer and the top layer?
The base layer (4–6 in of large angular stone like #3 or crusher run) spreads the vehicle load and drains water away from the soil; it must be compacted before anything goes on top. The top layer (2–3 in of finer stone like #57) is the actual driving surface — smoother, tighter, and easier to rake. Skipping the base is the most common reason new gravel driveways rut and sink.
How many bags of gravel do I need for a driveway?
A standard 0.5 ft³ bag covers almost nothing on a driveway: one cubic yard needs 54 bags. The 40 × 12 ft example above needs 6.52 yards, which is 352 bags. Bags make sense only for tiny patches — for any real driveway, bulk delivery by the ton is far cheaper.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
Bulk crushed stone typically costs $25–$80 per US ton depending on region and gravel type, plus $50–$150 per delivery trip. Example: a 12 × 100 ft driveway at 6 in deep needs 24.44 yards, which is 35.44 tons of crusher run; at $45 per ton the stone is $1,595.00, and two 22-ton truck trips at $75 each add $150.00 — about $1,745.00 total. Labor, excavation and edging are extra.
How many truck loads of gravel will I need?
A tri-axle dump truck carries about 20–25 tons per load. Divide your total tons by the truck capacity and round up: 9.13 tons is 1 load, 35.44 tons is 2 loads. Tell the supplier your total tonnage — they will size the truck and the delivery fee for you.
Should I order extra gravel for compaction?
Yes. Fresh gravel compacts 10–15% in the first season under traffic, and you lose more to spillage at the edges and low spots. Ordering 10% over the geometric volume is the standard recommendation; use 15% for new builds or soft ground. This calculator applies your chosen waste percentage automatically.
How do I calculate gravel for a circular driveway?
Use π × radius² × depth instead of length × width. Example: a 24 ft diameter circle has an area of π × 12² = 452.39 sq ft. A 6 in crusher-run base needs 9.22 yards (13.36 tons) and a 2 in pea-gravel top needs 3.07 yards (3.84 tons) after a 10% allowance — 12.29 yards and 17.20 tons in total.
How is this different from a general gravel calculator?
This calculator is built only for driveways: separate base and top layers with per-layer materials and compaction, driveway depth guidance, truck-load math and delivery costing. For any other gravel project — garden beds, patios, walkways, drainage — use the general Gravel Calculator, which handles rectangular, circular and triangular areas plus a bag-vs-bulk cost advisor.
How often does a gravel driveway need topping up?
Plan on a fresh 1–2 in top-up every 1–3 years, depending on traffic, slope and how much stone migrates off the edges. Rake the surface level once or twice a year and re-crown it so water keeps draining off the sides — standing water is what destroys gravel driveways.
Which Gravel Is Best for a Driveway?
Angular crushed stone beats rounded gravel for driveways: the sharp edges lock together under tires instead of rolling. Rounded pea gravel looks attractive but migrates, so it suits borders and pathways better than the driving surface. For the base, use large angular stone (#3 or crusher run) that spreads the load and drains water away from the subgrade.
| Gravel type | Size | Density | Tons / yd³ | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crushed stone #57 | 3/4 in | 2,800 lb/yd³ | 1.40 | Middle & top layer — locks together, resists shifting |
| Crushed stone #3 | 1–2 in | 2,900 lb/yd³ | 1.45 | Heavy base course — drainage & load spreading |
| Crusher run | fines + stone | 2,900 lb/yd³ | 1.45 | Self-compacting base & hard top surface |
| Pea gravel | 1/4–3/8 in | 2,500 lb/yd³ | 1.25 | Decorative top coat (not ideal as driving surface) |
| River rock | 1–3 in | 2,700 lb/yd³ | 1.35 | Decorative edges & borders |
| Decomposed granite | fine–3/8 in | 3,000 lb/yd³ | 1.50 | Compact rustic surface |
Typical published densities; actual weight varies with moisture and quarry. The calculator lets you override density per layer.
How Deep Should a Gravel Driveway Be?
| Use case | Total depth | Suggested layers |
|---|---|---|
| Topping up an existing driveway | 2–3 in | One top layer of #57 or crusher run |
| Light residential (occasional parking) | 4 in | Single layer, minimum for cars |
| Standard new driveway | 6–8 in | 4–5 in crusher-run base + 2–3 in #57 top |
| Heavy vehicles (trucks, RVs, trailers) | 9–12 in | 6 in #3 base + 3–4 in #57 + 2 in crusher-run top |
Too thin and the soil shows through after the first rain; too thick and you pay for stone nobody sees. Gravel compacts roughly 10–15% in the first season, so always order at least 10% more than the geometric volume — the calculator applies your waste allowance automatically.
Preparing the Base: 5 Steps
- Excavate and shape. Dig out soft topsoil to the planned total depth and grade the subgrade so water drains off to the sides.
- Compact the subgrade. Roll or plate-compact the soil before any stone goes down, so your depth stays true.
- Lay landscape fabric (optional but recommended). Woven geotextile stops gravel sinking into soil and cuts long-term stone loss.
- Spread the base layer. Large stone (#3 or crusher run), 4–6 in, compacted before the next layer.
- Finish with the top layer and crown it. 2–3 in of #57 or crusher run, crowned about 1/4–1/2 in per foot so rain runs off the edges.
How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost?
Bulk crushed stone typically runs $25–$80 per US ton before delivery, varying by region, gravel type and quantity: crusher run and #57 sit at the cheaper end, pea gravel and river rock cost more. Delivery usually adds $50–$150 per trip, and a tri-axle dump truck carries about 20–25 tons per load. The worked example above shows a 12 × 100 ft driveway at 6 in deep costing about $1,745 all-in (35.44 tons at $45/ton plus two $75 deliveries). Installation labor, excavation, edging and drainage work are extra — get at least three local quotes.
Looking for a general gravel estimator?
This calculator is driveway-specific: base + top layering, driveway depth guidance, truck loads and delivery costing. For any other gravel project — garden beds, patios, walkways, drainage trenches — use our Gravel Calculator, which handles rectangular, circular and triangular areas with a bag-vs-bulk cost advisor.
Related Tools
- Gravel Calculator — general gravel volume, tons, bags & cost for any project
- Cubic Yards to Tons Calculator — convert volume to weight for any material
- Paver Calculator — compare with a paver patio or walkway project
- Mulch Calculator — landscaping beds and borders around the driveway
Planning estimates only — confirm density and pricing with your local supplier. Gravel driveways need periodic raking and a fresh top-up every 1–3 years.
Free tool by NRTechStudio