Gravel Driveway Calculator
Enter your driveway dimensions to get the tons and cubic yards of gravel you need, plus a cost estimate — works for all gravel types.
How to calculate gravel for a driveway
- Measure length × width in feet (or meters). A typical single-car driveway is 12 × 30 ft = 360 sq ft.
- Choose depth — 4 inches is standard for residential driveways. For heavy vehicles or new construction, use 6 inches.
- Volume = area × depth. Convert cubic feet to cubic yards by dividing by 27.
- Weight = cubic yards × gravel density (lb/yd³). For crushed stone that's 2,900 lb/yd³, so divide by 2,000 to get tons.
- Cost = tons × price per ton. Add 10% waste for compaction and spreading loss. Delivered gravel typically costs $40–$55/ton in the US.
Frequently asked questions
Base layer + top layer — two-layer driveways
For a new gravel driveway on bare soil, contractors typically lay two layers: a compacted base of Item 4 or road base (6 inches), then a decorative top layer of pea gravel or crushed stone (2–3 inches). Use the calculator twice — once for each layer.
| Layer | Depth | Best Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base layer | 4–6 in | Item 4 / road base | Stability, drainage, load bearing |
| Top layer | 2–3 in | Pea gravel, crushed stone | Appearance, traction, drainage |
Tons needed per 100 sq ft — quick reference
| Depth | Crushed Stone | Pea Gravel | Road Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 inches | 2.7 tons | 2.5 tons | 2.6 tons |
| 4 inches | 5.4 tons | 5.0 tons | 5.2 tons |
| 6 inches | 8.1 tons | 7.5 tons | 7.8 tons |
Values include 10% compaction waste. Multiply by your driveway area in hundreds of sq ft for a quick estimate.