Calculate exactly how many cubic yards and tons of gravel you need for your driveway. Enter dimensions and gravel depth for an instant quantity and cost estimate.
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ft
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Total length of your driveway
ft
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Standard single car lane = 10-12 ft
in
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New driveway: 4-6 inches. Top dressing: 2 inches.
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Affects weight per cubic yard
Calculate exactly how many cubic yards and tons of gravel you need for your driveway. Enter dimensions and gravel depth for an instant quantity and cost estimate.
Gravel Needed
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⚠️ Disclaimer: Material quantities are estimates. Local gravel density varies. Always confirm exact quantities with your supplier based on the specific material they stock.
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Sources & Methodology
✓Formulas and reference data verified against authoritative sources below.
Gravel driveway depth, material, and maintenance guidelines
Methodology: Volume (cu ft) = Length x Width x (Depth/12). Cubic yards = cu ft / 27. Tons = cu yards x density (tons/cy). Density varies by gravel type: #57 limestone 1.40, pea gravel 1.35, crushed granite 1.45, bank gravel 1.30, river rock 1.35 tons/cu yd.
⏱ Last reviewed: April 2026
How to Calculate Gravel for a Driveway
Getting the right amount of gravel for your driveway project requires calculating the volume of material needed based on length, width, and depth, then converting to tons for ordering. Gravel is sold by the ton or cubic yard depending on the supplier. Most contractors recommend 4 to 6 inches of gravel depth for a new driveway base.
New Driveway vs. Top Dressing
A new driveway installation typically requires 4 to 6 inches of gravel for proper drainage and a stable base. This is often done in two layers: a 4-inch base of larger aggregate (such as #4 stone) topped with 2 inches of smaller dressing gravel (#57 or pea gravel). Existing driveways needing topping only require 1 to 2 inches.
Choosing the Right Gravel Type
#57 limestone (3/4-inch crushed stone) is the most common driveway gravel — it compacts well, drains properly, and stays in place. Pea gravel is attractive but shifts underfoot and tends to scatter. Crushed granite is excellent in the South and Southwest. Bank gravel (mixed sizes) is economical but drains less well.
Converting Cubic Yards to Tons
Suppliers typically sell by the ton. Convert cubic yards to tons by multiplying by the gravel's density (tons per cubic yard). Common densities: #57 limestone: 1.4 t/cy; pea gravel: 1.35 t/cy; granite: 1.45 t/cy. Always round up to the nearest ton when ordering.
Gravel Driveway Depth Guide
Minimum depth for any gravel application is 2 inches (top dressing only). Recommended for new driveways: 4 inches of base gravel. Heavy vehicle use (trucks, RVs): 6 inches. Areas with poor drainage or soft soil: 6 to 8 inches with a geotextile fabric layer underneath to prevent sinking.
Gravel Volume Formula
Cu Yd = (Length x Width x Depth/12) / 27 | Tons = Cu Yd x Density
Depth must be in inches, converted to feet by dividing by 12. Divide by 27 to convert cubic feet to cubic yards. Multiply by gravel density to get tons. Add 10% for waste and settling.
Gravel Type
Density (tons/cy)
Best Use
Approx Cost/ton
#57 Limestone
1.40
Driveways, base layer
$30–$45
Pea Gravel
1.35
Decorative, walkways
$35–$55
Crushed Granite
1.45
High-traffic driveways
$40–$60
Bank Run Gravel
1.30
Backfill, base
$20–$35
River Rock
1.35
Decorative, drainage
$45–$70
#4 Stone (base)
1.40
Driveway base layer
$25–$40
💡 Pro Tip: Always order 10% more gravel than calculated to account for settling (gravel compacts 10–15% when driven over) and uneven distribution. Also ask your supplier whether they sell by the ton or cubic yard — verify which unit they quote so you order the right amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 100 ft x 12 ft driveway at 4 inches depth requires: (100 x 12 x 4/12) / 27 = 14.8 cu yd = approximately 20.7 tons of #57 limestone. Round up to 21 tons. At $35/ton, budget about $735 for material alone before delivery.
New driveways: 4 to 6 inches of gravel. Light traffic (passenger cars): 4 inches is sufficient. Heavy traffic (trucks, RVs): 6 inches. Top dressing an existing driveway: 1 to 2 inches. Clay soil areas: consider 6 inches plus geotextile fabric.
At 4 inches depth: (1 sq ft x 4/12 ft) / 27 cu yd/sq ft x 1.4 tons/cu yd = 0.0173 tons per sq ft. For a 1,000 sq ft driveway: 17.3 tons. At 6 inches: 25.9 tons.
Material costs $25–$70/ton depending on gravel type. Delivery adds $50–$150 per load (typically 14–15 tons per truck). Installation (spreading and grading) adds $0.50–$2.00/sq ft. A 100-ft driveway typically costs $500–$2,000 installed.
#57 crushed limestone (3/4-inch) is the most popular for driveways because it compacts well, drains effectively, and stays in place under traffic. It is widely available and typically the most cost-effective choice. Avoid pea gravel for main driveways as it scatters easily.
It depends on gravel density. For #57 limestone (1.4 tons/cu yd): 1 ton = 1/1.4 = 0.714 cu yd. For pea gravel (1.35 tons/cu yd): 1 ton = 0.741 cu yd. Always check with your specific supplier.
A properly installed gravel driveway can last 20+ years with regular maintenance (regrading, adding material). Budget for topping up with 1 to 2 inches of fresh gravel every 3 to 5 years as material spreads and settles. Annual grading with a box blade helps maintain the crown for drainage.
For best results, use a 4-inch base of larger aggregate (#4 stone or bank gravel) before adding the 2-inch surface dressing layer. In areas with soft or clay soil, lay geotextile landscape fabric first to prevent gravel from sinking into the soil over time.
A standard tandem dump truck carries 12 to 14 tons of gravel. Tri-axle trucks carry up to 15 to 17 tons. Most suppliers price by the ton delivered. Always confirm load weight with your supplier before ordering.
Yes. Gravel driveways are among the most DIY-friendly driveway options. You need a reliable supplier for gravel delivery, a tractor or ATV with box blade for grading, and labor for spreading. The key is getting proper depth and crown (center slightly higher than edges for drainage).