Gravel Driveway Calculator
Use the calculator below to find exactly how much gravel your driveway needs. Enter your driveway dimensions, select your gravel type, and get instant results in cubic yards, tons, and estimated cost.
How to Calculate Gravel for a Driveway
Multiply the driveway length (ft) × width (ft) × depth (ft), then divide by 27 to find the total volume in cubic yards. Multiply cubic yards by 1.35 to convert to tons for crushed stone.
- Measure length and width of the driveway in feet.
- Convert depth from inches to feet — divide inches by 12. Example: 6 inches ÷ 12 = 0.5 feet.
- Calculate volume in cubic feet — Length × Width × Depth.
- Convert to cubic yards — Divide total cubic feet by 27.
To find the weight in tons, multiply cubic yards by the density of your gravel type:
- Crushed stone (#57): 1.35 tons per cubic yard
- Crusher run (CR-6): 1.45 tons per cubic yard
- Pea gravel (#8): 1.35 tons per cubic yard
- #3 stone (sub-base): 1.4 tons per cubic yard
- Limestone: 1.5 tons per cubic yard
📌 Key Fact: 1 cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet and weighs approximately 2,700 to 3,000 pounds depending on material type and moisture content.
Worked Example
Driveway: 60 ft long × 12 ft wide × 6 inches deep
- 60 × 12 × 0.5 = 360 cubic feet
- 360 ÷ 27 = 13.3 cubic yards
- 13.3 × 1.35 = 18 tons of crushed stone
That is enough material to cover a standard two-car driveway with a 6-inch surface layer.
Gravel Driveway Depth Guide
A new gravel driveway requires 12 to 18 inches of total depth across 3 compacted layers. Resurfacing an existing driveway requires 2 to 4 inches of fresh material on top of the existing base.
Recommended Depth by Project Type
| Project Type | Recommended Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New driveway (full build) | 12–18 inches total | Sub-base + base + surface |
| Surface layer only (new build) | 4–6 inches | Applied over prepared base |
| Resurfacing / refresh | 2–4 inches | Replacing migrated gravel |
| Light-use residential | 8–12 inches | Occasional vehicle traffic |
| Heavy-use residential | 16–18 inches | Daily multi-vehicle traffic |
The 3-Layer System
Every properly built gravel driveway uses 3 separate layers of stone. Each layer serves a different purpose:
| Layer | Position | Depth | Material | Stone Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-base | Bottom | 4–6 inches | #3 crushed stone | 1–2 inches |
| Base | Middle | 4–6 inches | #57 crushed stone | 3/4–1 inch |
| Surface | Top | 2–4 inches | Crusher run, pea gravel, or #8 stone | 3/8–3/4 inch |
📌 Key Fact: Each layer must be compacted individually with a plate compactor or vibratory roller before applying the next. Loose gravel loses 10–15% of its volume during compaction.
💡 Tip #1: Calculate each layer separately in the calculator above. Select the matching gravel type for each layer to get accurate tonnage based on its specific density.
How Much Gravel for a 100 Ft Driveway
A 100-foot driveway that is 12 feet wide and 6 inches deep requires 22.2 cubic yards or approximately 30 tons of crushed stone. At 4 inches deep, the same driveway needs 14.8 cubic yards or 20 tons.
Pre-Calculated Reference Table
This table shows material needed for common driveway sizes using crushed stone at 1.35 tons per cubic yard:
| Driveway Size (L × W) | Area (sq ft) | Cubic Yards (4" deep) | Tons (4" deep) | Cubic Yards (6" deep) | Tons (6" deep) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft × 10 ft | 500 | 6.2 | 8.3 | 9.3 | 12.5 |
| 100 ft × 10 ft | 1,000 | 12.3 | 16.7 | 18.5 | 25 |
| 100 ft × 12 ft | 1,200 | 14.8 | 20 | 22.2 | 30 |
| 150 ft × 12 ft | 1,800 | 22.2 | 30 | 33.3 | 45 |
| 200 ft × 12 ft | 2,400 | 29.6 | 40 | 44.4 | 60 |
| 200 ft × 20 ft | 4,000 | 49.4 | 66.7 | 74.1 | 100 |
| 500 ft × 12 ft | 6,000 | 74.1 | 100 | 111.1 | 150 |
📌 Key Fact: A standard dump truck carries 10 to 14 tons of gravel per load (approximately 8 to 12 cubic yards). A 100 ft × 12 ft driveway at 6-inch depth requires 2 to 3 truckloads of material.
💡 Tip #2: Order 10% extra gravel beyond the calculated amount. This accounts for compaction, uneven subgrade, spreading loss, and edge spillage during delivery.
Gravel Driveway Cost Estimate
Gravel driveway material costs range from $15 to $75 per cubic yard or $10 to $50 per ton depending on the stone type and your geographic region within the US.
Material Cost by Gravel Type
| Gravel Type | Cost per Cubic Yard | Cost per Ton | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher Run (CR-6) | $15–$30 | $10–$25 | Base layer, budget builds |
| #57 Crushed Stone | $25–$50 | $20–$40 | Base and surface |
| #3 Stone | $20–$40 | $15–$30 | Sub-base |
| Pea Gravel (#8) | $30–$55 | $25–$45 | Decorative surface |
| Limestone | $30–$45 | $20–$35 | All layers |
| River Rock | $50–$75 | $40–$60 | Decorative surface |
| Jersey Shore Gravel | $45–$70 | $35–$55 | Decorative surface |
| Marble Chips | $55–$80 | $45–$65 | Premium decorative |
Total Project Cost by Driveway Size
| Driveway Area | Material Only | Material + Delivery | Full Installation (labor included) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | $200–$600 | $400–$900 | $1,500–$4,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $400–$1,200 | $700–$1,500 | $3,000–$7,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $800–$2,400 | $1,200–$3,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
| 4,000 sq ft | $1,500–$4,500 | $2,000–$5,500 | $8,000–$20,000 |
Full installation costs include excavation, grading, geotextile fabric, compaction, and material spreading by a contractor.
📌 Key Fact: Delivery fees typically add $50 to $150 per truckload based on distance from the quarry. Most aggregate suppliers offer free delivery within 10 to 20 miles for orders above 10 tons.
Total Material Cost = Cubic Yards × Price per Cubic Yard
OR:Total Material Cost = Tons × Price per Ton
💡 Tip #3: Call your local supplier and ask for their current price per ton. Enter that number into the calculator above to get a cost estimate specific to your area.
Gravel Types and Sizes for Driveways
The 6 most common gravel types for driveways are #3 stone, #57 stone, #411 stone, crusher run, pea gravel, and limestone. Each has a different stone size, density, and ideal placement within the driveway layers.
Gravel Type Comparison Table
| Gravel Type | Size Range | Density (tons/yd³) | Best Layer | Key Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 Stone | 1–2 inches | 1.4 | Sub-base (bottom) | Large, angular, excellent drainage |
| #57 Stone | 3/4–1 inch | 1.35 | Base or surface | Most popular driveway gravel; angular edges lock together |
| #411 Stone | Mix of #4 + stone dust | 1.45 | Base | Self-compacting; minimal migration |
| Crusher Run (CR-6) | Dust to 1.5 inches | 1.45 | Base or surface | Compacts firm; includes fine particles that bind |
| Pea Gravel (#8) | 3/8 inch (rounded) | 1.35 | Surface only | Smooth, decorative; shifts without edging |
| Limestone | 3/4–1.5 inches | 1.5 | All layers | Heaviest option; high compaction; durable |
📌 Key Fact: Angular crushed stone (like #57 and crusher run) interlocks under compaction and resists displacement from vehicle tires. Round stone (like pea gravel and river rock) migrates laterally without physical edging made from metal, plastic, or timber borders.
💡 Tip #4: For the most stable, low-maintenance surface, use crusher run or #411 as your top layer. These contain stone dust fines that bind together when wet and compacted — creating an almost cement-like surface. Reserve pea gravel for decorative sections or walkways with installed edging.
How to Measure Your Driveway for Gravel
Measure driveway length and width in feet using a 100-foot tape measure or a digital measuring wheel. For driveways longer than 50 feet, a measuring wheel gives faster and more accurate results than a standard tape.
Step-by-Step Measurement Process
- Measure the length — Walk from the road edge to the endpoint (garage door, house, or turnaround area). Record the distance in feet.
- Measure the width — Take measurements at 3 points: the start, the middle, and the end. If the width varies, use the average of all 3 readings.
- Non-rectangular driveways — Break irregular shapes into separate rectangles. Calculate each section individually using the calculator, then add the cubic yard results together.
- Circular turnarounds — Measure from the center to the outer edge (this is the radius). Formula: π × radius² × depth ÷ 27 = cubic yards.
- Sloped driveways — Gravel migrates downhill on grades steeper than 5%. Add 10–15% extra material to compensate for settling and displacement on slopes.
💡 Tip #5: Measure twice before ordering. A 1-foot error in width across a 100-foot driveway changes the total by approximately 3.7 cubic yards — that is 5 tons of material and $100–$200 wasted or missing.
Tons vs. Cubic Yards — Gravel Conversion Reference
1 cubic yard of gravel weighs between 2,700 and 3,000 pounds (1.35 to 1.5 tons) depending on material type, stone size, and moisture content. Wet gravel weighs more than dry gravel of the same volume.
Quick Conversion Table
| Cubic Yards | Tons (at 1.35 t/yd³) | Tons (at 1.5 t/yd³) | Approximate Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.35 | 1.5 | 2,700–3,000 |
| 5 | 6.75 | 7.5 | 13,500–15,000 |
| 10 | 13.5 | 15 | 27,000–30,000 |
| 15 | 20.25 | 22.5 | 40,500–45,000 |
| 20 | 27 | 30 | 54,000–60,000 |
| 25 | 33.75 | 37.5 | 67,500–75,000 |
| 50 | 67.5 | 75 | 135,000–150,000 |
Conversion Formulas
- Cubic yards to tons: Cubic yards × 1.35 (crushed stone) or × 1.5 (limestone)
- Tons to cubic yards: Tons ÷ 1.35 (or ÷ 1.5)
- Cubic yards to cubic feet: Cubic yards × 27
- Cubic feet to cubic yards: Cubic feet ÷ 27
📌 Key Fact: Aggregate suppliers in the eastern US and Midwest predominantly sell gravel by the ton. Suppliers in the western US more commonly sell by the cubic yard. Always confirm your local supplier's pricing unit before placing an order to avoid quantity confusion.
Gravel Coverage Per Yard and Per Ton
1 cubic yard of gravel covers approximately 108 square feet at 3 inches deep, 81 square feet at 4 inches deep, or 54 square feet at 6 inches deep.
Coverage Per 1 Cubic Yard
| Depth | Area Covered |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 54 sq ft |
| 8 inches | 40.5 sq ft |
Coverage Per 1 Ton (Crushed Stone at 1.35 t/yd³)
| Depth | Area Covered |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | 120 sq ft |
| 3 inches | 80 sq ft |
| 4 inches | 60 sq ft |
| 6 inches | 40 sq ft |
| 8 inches | 30 sq ft |
💡 Tip #6: These coverage figures assume level ground and loose-spread material. After compaction with a plate compactor, actual coverage decreases by 10–15%. Enable the compaction toggle in the calculator above to get adjusted amounts automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tons of gravel do I need for a 100-foot driveway?
A 100-foot driveway that is 12 feet wide and 4 inches deep requires 14.8 cubic yards or approximately 20 tons of crushed stone. At 6 inches deep, the same driveway requires 22.2 cubic yards or 30 tons. These figures use a standard crushed stone density of 1.35 tons per cubic yard and do not include the extra 10% recommended for compaction.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
A complete gravel driveway should be 12 to 18 inches deep in total, built in 3 compacted layers: a 4–6 inch sub-base of #3 stone, a 4–6 inch base of #57 stone, and a 2–4 inch surface of crusher run or decorative gravel. Resurfacing an existing driveway with new material requires only 2 to 4 inches on top of the old base.
How do I convert cubic yards of gravel to tons?
Multiply the number of cubic yards by the density factor of your gravel type. Standard crushed stone averages 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Crusher run and dense limestone average 1.45–1.5 tons per cubic yard. Example: 20 cubic yards × 1.35 = 27 tons of crushed stone.
How much does a cubic yard of gravel cost?
A cubic yard of driveway gravel costs $15 to $75 depending on the material. Crusher run is the most affordable at $15–$30 per cubic yard. #57 crushed stone costs $25–$50 per cubic yard. Decorative options like river rock and marble chips cost $50–$80 per cubic yard. Delivery adds $50–$150 per truckload.
How much area does 1 ton of gravel cover?
One ton of crushed stone covers approximately 80 square feet at 3 inches deep, 60 square feet at 4 inches deep, or 40 square feet at 6 inches deep. Actual coverage varies slightly based on stone size, shape, and whether the material is compacted after spreading.
Should I order extra gravel for compaction?
Yes. Order 10 to 15% extra beyond the calculated volume. Gravel compresses 10–15% when compacted with a plate compactor or roller. Additional loss happens during delivery transfer, uneven subgrade filling, and edge spillage. For driveways longer than 200 feet, order 15% extra to account for gradual spreading inconsistencies over the full distance.
What size gravel is best for a driveway?
#57 crushed stone (3/4 to 1 inch) is the most widely used driveway surface gravel in the US. Its angular edges lock together under vehicle weight and plate compaction, resisting tire displacement while still allowing water drainage between stones. For a firmer, budget-friendly alternative, crusher run contains stone dust fines that bind into a solid surface without requiring separate edging.
How many truckloads of gravel do I need?
A standard dump truck carries 10 to 14 tons of aggregate per load, which equals approximately 8 to 12 cubic yards. Divide your total tonnage by 12 (average load capacity) to estimate the number of deliveries. Example: a 1,200 sq ft driveway at 6-inch depth needs approximately 30 tons — that equals 2 to 3 truckloads.