Gravel Driveway Calculator
Enter your driveway length, width, and depth to find out how many cubic yards and tons of gravel you need, plus an estimated material cost. Choose a single depth for a simple fill or switch to three-layer mode to size a base, middle, and top coat separately. Pick your gravel type to get an accurate weight conversion, and flip to metric units at any time.
How to calculate gravel for a driveway
The core formula is straightforward: Volume = Length x Width x Depth, then divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. From there, multiply by the gravel density (in pounds per cubic yard) and divide by 2,000 to get short tons. For example, a 40 ft x 12 ft driveway at 4 in depth works out to (40 x 12 x 0.333) / 27 = 5.93 cubic yards. At 2,800 lb/yd3 for #57 crushed stone, that is about 8.3 short tons. Add 10% for compaction and you should order around 9.1 tons. This calculator does all of that math instantly and also handles metric inputs, a three-layer build, five gravel types, and an optional cost estimate.
Single-layer vs. three-layer driveway builds
A single-layer calculation is useful when you are topping up an existing driveway or doing a simple fill. For a new installation, the industry standard is a three-layer build: a 4-6 in base of large crushed stone (#3 or crusher run) for drainage and load distribution, a 3-4 in middle course of #57 crushed stone to fill the voids, and a 2 in surface coat of pea gravel or fine crushed stone for a finished look. Each layer must be compacted before the next is added. The three-layer mode in this calculator lets you enter each depth separately so you can price and order them on different trips or from different suppliers.
Gravel depth recommendations by use case
Topping up an existing driveway: 1-2 in. Light residential use (occasional car parking): 4 in total. Standard residential driveway: 6-8 in total, ideally in two or three layers. High-traffic or heavy-vehicle use (trucks, RVs, trailers): 9-12 in total with a compacted base. Keep in mind that gravel compacts by roughly 10-15% after the first season, so always order at least 10% more than the bare calculation suggests. This calculator applies your chosen waste factor to the result automatically.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
Material costs for bulk crushed stone typically run $30-$60 per short ton delivered, though prices vary significantly by region, gravel type, and quantity. Pea gravel and river rock tend to cost more ($45-$80/ton) because of additional processing. Decomposed granite and crusher run are often cheaper ($25-$45/ton). These are material-only figures: installation labor, excavation, edging, drainage work, and hauling add to the total. Use the optional price-per-ton field in the calculator to generate a rough materials budget, and get at least three quotes from local suppliers before ordering.
Gravel types for driveways
| Gravel type | Size | Density (lb/yd³) | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| #57 Crushed Stone | 3/4 in | 2,800 | Driveway middle layer, drainage base |
| #3 Crushed Stone | 1-2 in | 2,900 | Driveway base, heavy-load base courses |
| Pea Gravel | 1/4-3/8 in | 2,500 | Decorative top coat, pathways |
| River Rock | 1-3 in | 2,700 | Decorative edges and borders |
| Decomposed Granite | Fine to 3/8 in | 3,000 | Compact surface, rustic driveways |
| Crusher Run | Mixed fines | 2,900 | Base layer, self-compacting fill |
Typical densities and best-use guidance. Actual weights vary by moisture content and source.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards of gravel do I need for a driveway?
Multiply length (ft) x width (ft) x depth (ft), then divide by 27 to get cubic yards. For a 40 ft x 12 ft driveway at 4 in (0.333 ft) deep, that is (40 x 12 x 0.333) / 27 = about 5.9 yd3. Add 10% for compaction and you need around 6.5 yd3. This calculator does the math automatically and also converts to tons and a cost estimate.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
For a new residential driveway, aim for 6-8 in of total gravel depth, ideally split across three layers: 4-6 in base, 3-4 in middle, and 2 in surface. For light use or a top-up, 4 in is often sufficient. High-traffic or heavy-vehicle applications should use 9-12 in. If you build in a single layer, go no shallower than 4 in or vehicles will push through to the subgrade.
How do I convert cubic yards to tons for gravel?
Multiply cubic yards by the gravel density in pounds per cubic yard, then divide by 2,000. The density varies by material: #57 crushed stone is about 2,800 lb/yd3 (1.4 tons/yd3), pea gravel is about 2,500 lb/yd3 (1.25 tons/yd3), and decomposed granite is about 3,000 lb/yd3 (1.5 tons/yd3). As a rule of thumb, multiply cubic yards by 1.35-1.45 for most common driveway gravels.
What type of gravel is best for driveways?
#57 crushed stone is the most popular choice for the middle and surface layers because its angular edges lock together and resist shifting under tires. Crusher run or #3 crushed stone works well for the base layer because it compacts into a firm, stable platform. Pea gravel is smooth and attractive but rolls under tires, making it better suited to pathways or decorative borders than a driving surface.
Why should I add extra gravel for compaction?
Gravel compacts 10-15% when first laid and driven on, and additional material is lost to spillage at edges and low spots. Ordering 10% extra is the standard recommendation for most driveways. For new installations or soft subgrades, go up to 15%. This calculator applies your chosen waste percentage automatically and shows the compacted-inclusive total.
Can I use this calculator for metric measurements?
Yes. Switch to Metric (m, cm) using the Units selector. Enter length and width in metres and depth in centimetres. The calculator returns volume in both cubic yards and cubic metres, weight in short tons, and cost if you enter a price per ton. All formulas are identical; only the input units change.