Gravel Calculator · Practical guide
How Much Gravel Do I Need for My Driveway?
Length × width × depth, divided by 27, gives cubic yards — then multiply by about 1.4 for tons.
At a glance
The Short Answer
Most driveways need 4 to 6 inches of gravel for a stable base. A typical single-car driveway of 12 × 50 feet at 4 inches deep requires about 7.4 cubic yards, or roughly 10.4 tons, of standard gravel. Order 5-10% extra for compaction and uneven spots.
Interactive tool
Gravel Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Gravel Estimate
Add 5-10% extra to account for compaction and uneven coverage.
The Formula
Cubic Yards = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27, then Tons = Cubic Yards × Density. Densities: standard gravel ≈ 1.4 tons per cubic yard, pea gravel ≈ 1.3, crushed stone ≈ 1.5.
Worked Example: 12 × 50 ft Driveway
| Depth | Cubic Feet | Cubic Yards | Tons (1.4/yd³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 inches | 150 | 5.6 | 7.8 |
| 4 inches | 200 | 7.4 | 10.4 |
| 6 inches | 300 | 11.1 | 15.6 |
The math: 12 × 50 × (4 ÷ 12) = 200 cubic feet; 200 ÷ 27 = 7.4 cubic yards; 7.4 × 1.4 = 10.4 tons. The calculator above runs this instantly for any dimensions and material.
How Much Area One Yard Covers
- 2 inches deep: one cubic yard covers about 162 sq ft
- 3 inches deep: about 108 sq ft
- 4 inches deep: about 81 sq ft
- 6 inches deep: about 54 sq ft
Buying Tips
Gravel is usually sold by the ton or cubic yard, with delivery minimums around 5-10 yards. Angular crushed stone locks together for driveways; rounded pea gravel suits paths and decorative areas but migrates under tires. Compact in layers, and remember compaction shrinks volume by about 10-15%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should a gravel driveway be?
Four to six inches is typical for a driveway base. Lightly used or decorative areas can manage with 2 to 3 inches, but vehicles need the deeper base to avoid rutting.
How many tons of gravel fit in a dump truck?
A standard dump truck carries about 10 to 14 tons, roughly 7 to 10 cubic yards of gravel. Larger tandem trucks can haul 15 tons or more.
Is it cheaper to buy gravel by the ton or by the yard?
Suppliers price both ways; since one cubic yard of standard gravel weighs about 1.4 tons, compare quotes by converting to the same unit before deciding.
Do I need landscape fabric under driveway gravel?
Fabric is strongly recommended under driveways. It keeps gravel from mixing into the soil, reduces the depth you need over time, and limits weeds.