Calculate how much gravel you need for a gravel driveway. Estimate tons, cubic yards, and material cost by driveway size — instant, free results.
Select driveway size, gravel type, and depth for an accurate material estimate with cost.
Driveways need significantly more gravel than patios or walkways because they must support vehicle weight without rutting. The right depth depends on vehicle type, soil conditions, and the gravel material you choose.
| Driveway Use | Surface Layer | Base Layer | Total Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light use — passenger cars only | 4 inches | 6 inches | 10 inches |
| Standard — daily family vehicles | 5–6 inches | 6–8 inches | 11–14 inches |
| Heavy use — trucks, RVs, trailers | 6–8 inches | 8 inches | 14–16 inches |
| Top-up over existing driveway | 2–3 inches | — | 2–3 inches |
Not all gravel works for driveways. The material must interlock under pressure and resist displacement from turning tires. Here's what professionals recommend:
How much area does one ton of crushed stone cover at various driveway depths? Use this reference for quick estimates:
| Depth | Coverage per Ton | Coverage per Cubic Yard | Single Car Driveway (240 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 inches | 70–80 sq ft | 108 sq ft | 3.1 tons (2.2 yd³) |
| 4 inches | 50–60 sq ft | 81 sq ft | 4.2 tons (3.0 yd³) |
| 5 inches | 40–50 sq ft | 65 sq ft | 5.2 tons (3.7 yd³) |
| 6 inches | 30–40 sq ft | 54 sq ft | 6.3 tons (4.4 yd³) |
At 4 inches deep: 4.9 cu yd → ~7.4 tons crushed stone → order 8.5 tons (+15% waste)
At 5 inches deep: 6.2 cu yd → ~9.3 tons → order 10.7 tons (+15% waste)
At 6 inches deep: 7.4 cu yd → ~11.1 tons → order 12.8 tons (+15% waste)
Follow these steps to calculate exactly how much gravel your driveway project needs. The calculator above does all the math automatically.
Measure length and width in feet. Standard sizes: single car 10–12 ft wide × 20 ft long, double car 20 ft wide × 20 ft long. Add 1–2 feet on each side for edging and shoulders.
Area = Length × Width Single car: 12×20 = 240 sq ft Double car: 20×20 = 400 sq ft
Driveways need 4–6 inches of surface gravel. Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12. For heavy vehicle use, go with 6–8 inches.
5 inches → 0.417 ft 6 inches → 0.5 ft
Multiply area by depth (in feet), then divide by 27. This gives you the volume in cubic yards — the standard unit for bulk gravel orders.
Cubic yards = (Length × Width × Depth in ft) ÷ 27
Multiply cubic yards by material density (1.5 for crushed stone). Add 15% for compaction, uneven ground, and edges. Driveways need more waste allowance than patios due to vehicle compaction.
Tons = Cubic yards × 1.5 Order qty = Tons × 1.15
Step 1: Area = 20 × 20 = 400 sq ft
Step 2: Depth = 5 ÷ 12 = 0.417 ft
Step 3: Volume = 400 × 0.417 ÷ 27 = 6.17 cubic yards
Step 4: Tons = 6.17 × 1.5 = 9.26 → order 10.7 tons (+15% waste)
A gravel driveway is the most affordable permanent driveway option — 5-10× cheaper than asphalt or concrete. Here's what to budget:
Best for driveway surface. A 400 sq ft driveway at 5 inches needs ~10.7 tons → $214–$535 in material, plus $50–150 delivery.
Best for base layer or rural driveways. Compacts to a firm surface. Same volume at lower price point.
6–8 inches of larger stone underneath the surface layer. A 400 sq ft driveway base needs ~7.5 tons.
Includes excavation, base layer, surface gravel, grading, and compaction. 400 sq ft = $800–$2,000 installed.
| Cost Item | DIY Cost | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Surface gravel (400 sq ft, 5") | $200–$500 | Included |
| Base layer (400 sq ft, 6") | $100–$300 | Included |
| Delivery fees | $50–$150 | Included |
| Landscape fabric | $40–$80 | Included |
| Edging / border | $100–$300 | Included |
| Labor & equipment | $0 (DIY) | $400–$1,200 |
| Total (double car) | $500–$1,400 | $1,200–$4,000 |
A standard single-car driveway (12×20 ft / 240 sq ft) at 5 inches deep needs approximately 5.2 tons of crushed stone (3.7 cubic yards). A double-car driveway (20×20 ft / 400 sq ft) needs about 9.3 tons. Always add 15% for waste — more than patios because driveways experience compaction under vehicle weight. Use the calculator above for your exact dimensions.
A gravel driveway should have 4–6 inches of surface gravel over a 6–8 inch base layer of larger crushed stone. Total depth: 10–14 inches. For heavy vehicles (RVs, work trucks), increase to 6–8 inches surface + 8 inches base. The two-layer system is essential — without a proper base, gravel sinks into soil and forms ruts within months.
Crushed stone #57 (3/4 inch angular gravel) is the best driveway material. Its angular shape causes pieces to interlock under vehicle weight, creating a stable driving surface that resists rutting. Crusher run (crushed stone mixed with stone dust) is excellent for base layers because it compacts to a near-solid foundation. Avoid pea gravel for driveways — its rounded shape prevents interlocking, causing dangerous loose surface conditions.
A gravel driveway costs $1–3 per square foot for DIY materials, or $300–$1,200 for a typical single-car driveway. Professional installation runs $2–5 per sq ft ($800–$2,000 for a two-car driveway). Gravel driveways are 5–10× cheaper than asphalt ($7–13/sq ft installed) and concrete ($8–18/sq ft). See the gravel cost guide for full pricing details.
A 20×20 ft (400 sq ft) two-car driveway at 5 inches deep needs approximately 9.3 tons of crushed stone for the surface layer alone. Adding a 6-inch base layer brings the total to about 17 tons. The driveway gravel calculator above calculates both layers instantly for any driveway size and depth.
Yes — high-quality woven geotextile fabric is strongly recommended under gravel driveways. It prevents the gravel from mixing with soil below (which creates mud and rutting), blocks weed growth, and extends driveway life significantly. Use commercial-grade geotextile fabric (not cheap landscape fabric or plastic sheeting) rated for vehicular loads. Overlap seams by 12 inches minimum.