Gravel Driveway Calculator
Estimate how much gravel your driveway needs. Enter the length, width and depth to get cubic yards, tons and cost — pre-set to a 4-inch crushed-stone layer, the typical driveway build.
Picks a typical depth & material — tweak anything below.
For a 20 × 10 ft area at 4 in deep, order about 2.72 cubic yards (3.67 US tons) of crushed stone.
Estimates only. Densities vary by moisture, compaction and supplier — confirm quantities before ordering.
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?
Measure your driveway's length and width in feet, multiply them for the area, then multiply by the depth in feet and divide by 27 for cubic yards. A gravel driveway is built up in layers — a compacted base plus a top layer — to a total of about 4 to 6 inches. For a 40 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches that's roughly 6 cubic yards, or about 8 tons of crushed stone. Enter your own numbers above for the exact amount.
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Plan on 4 inches of gravel for a light-use residential driveway over firm ground, and 6 inches or more for soft soil, heavy vehicles, or a long driveway. Build it in two or three compacted layers: a coarser base such as #57 or crusher run, topped with a finer, angular gravel that locks together. Compact each layer before adding the next.
Best gravel for a driveway
Angular crushed stone is the top choice because its sharp edges interlock and resist rutting — unlike smooth, round gravel that shifts under tires. A common build uses crusher run / road base or #57 gravel for the base with a crushed-stone or crushed-limestone top layer. This calculator defaults to crushed stone; use the material buttons to compare others.
Gravel driveway cost
Bulk gravel typically runs about $30–$60 per ton or $40–$80 per cubic yard delivered, though prices vary by region, material and haul distance. Enter your supplier's price above for an instant driveway cost estimate. Budget for both the base and top layers, plus delivery and any grading.
Driveway gravel depth guide
| Driveway | Recommended total depth |
|---|---|
| Light residential, firm soil | 4 inches |
| Standard residential | 4–6 inches |
| Soft or clay soil | 6–8 inches + geotextile |
| Heavy vehicles / RV / farm | 8+ inches |
Built up in 2–3 compacted layers over a solid, graded subgrade.
Worked examples
- 20 ft × 10 ft = 200 sq ft
- 200 × 4 in (0.33 ft) = 66.7 cu ft
- 66.7 ÷ 27 = 2.5 cubic yards
- × ~1.35 ton/yd³ ≈ 3.3 tons
- 40 ft × 12 ft = 480 sq ft
- 480 × 4 in (0.33 ft) = 160 cu ft
- 160 ÷ 27 = 5.9 cubic yards
- × ~1.35 ton/yd³ ≈ 8 tons
- 100 ft × 10 ft = 1,000 sq ft
- 1,000 × 6 in (0.5 ft) = 500 cu ft
- 500 ÷ 27 = 18.5 cubic yards
- × ~1.35 ton/yd³ ≈ 25 tons
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping compaction. Gravel dumped and spread without compacting each layer will rut and wash out. Compact the base and every layer with a plate compactor or roller.
- Going too thin. A single 2-inch layer won't survive vehicle traffic. Build to at least 4 inches total over a firm base — more on soft ground.
- Using round gravel on top. Smooth pea gravel or river rock shifts under tires. Use angular crushed stone so the pieces lock together.
- No edging or geotextile. Without edging, gravel spreads into the lawn; on soft soil a geotextile fabric under the base keeps gravel from sinking into the mud.
- Forgetting the base layer. Order enough for both the base and the top layer, not just the surface — that's why driveways total 4–6 inches.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons of gravel for a driveway?+
It depends on size and depth. A 40 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches needs about 8 tons of crushed stone. Enter your dimensions above for the exact figure.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?+
Material is often $30–$60 per ton, so a typical residential driveway's gravel runs a few hundred dollars, plus delivery and grading. Enter a price above for your estimate.
What kind of gravel is best for a driveway?+
Angular crushed stone, crushed limestone, or a crusher-run base with a crushed-stone top. Avoid smooth, round gravel, which shifts under tires.
How thick should a gravel driveway be?+
About 4 inches for light residential use over firm ground, and 6 inches or more for soft soil or heavy vehicles, built in compacted layers.