Gravel Driveway Calculator
Calculates the cubic yards of gravel required to surface a driveway at a specified depth. Use it when planning a new gravel driveway or replenishing an existing one.
About this calculator
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or ton, and converting your driveway's dimensions into cubic yards is the essential first step before pricing materials. The driveway length and width are measured in feet, while depth is in inches. Depth must be converted to feet by dividing by 12. The full formula is: Cubic Yards = (length × width × (depth / 12)) / 27. A new gravel driveway typically requires 4–6 inches of compacted gravel; a 4-inch base layer of crushed stone topped with 2 inches of finish gravel is a common two-layer approach. To convert cubic yards to tons — useful when suppliers price by weight — multiply by approximately 1.4 (the typical density factor for gravel).
How to use
Suppose your driveway is 60 ft long, 12 ft wide, and you want 4 inches of gravel. Step 1 — Convert depth to feet: 4 / 12 = 0.333 ft. Step 2 — Calculate cubic feet: 60 × 12 × 0.333 = 239.76 cu ft. Step 3 — Convert to cubic yards: 239.76 / 27 ≈ 8.88 cubic yards. Round up to 9 cubic yards. To estimate tons: 9 × 1.4 = 12.6 tons. Add 10% for compaction and waste: ~13.9 tons — order 14 tons to be safe.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should gravel be on a driveway for it to hold up long-term?
A minimum depth of 4 inches of compacted gravel is recommended for light residential use, while driveways that bear heavy vehicle or truck traffic should have 6–8 inches total. A best-practice approach uses two layers: a 4-inch compacted base of crusher run or crushed stone for stability, topped with a 2-inch surface layer of pea gravel or decorative stone. Proper depth prevents rutting, sinking, and washout, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles or heavy rainfall. Compact each layer with a plate compactor before adding the next for maximum longevity.
How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard, and how do I convert between them?
One cubic yard of gravel weighs approximately 1.2 to 1.5 tons, with a common average of 1.4 tons used for estimation purposes. To convert cubic yards to tons, multiply your cubic yard figure by 1.4. For example, 9 cubic yards × 1.4 = 12.6 tons. Many gravel suppliers price material by the ton rather than the cubic yard, so this conversion is critical for accurate budgeting. Always confirm the specific weight of your chosen gravel type with the supplier, as crushed limestone, pea gravel, and river rock all have slightly different densities.
What type of gravel is best for a residential driveway surface?
Crushed stone (also called crusher run or road base) is the best material for the base layer because its angular edges lock together under compaction for a solid, stable foundation. For the surface layer, pea gravel, crushed granite, or #57 stone are popular choices that offer good drainage and an attractive appearance. Avoid round, smooth river rock for the entire driveway depth — it shifts underfoot and under tires and does not compact well. Locally sourced materials are typically cheaper and more readily available, so check with regional suppliers for the best value.