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Gravel Driveway Calculator — Yards, Tons & Cost

Get the exact cubic yards, tons, and cost for your gravel driveway. Accounts for compaction, waste, and delivery. Works for any driveway length, width, or shape.

✅ Compaction Factor ✅ Tons & Lbs ✅ Truck Load Count ✅ Cost Estimate ✅ Any Shape
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Measure your driveway length and width in feet, then multiply by your desired depth in feet (e.g. 4 inches = 0.333 ft). Divide the result by 27 to get cubic yards. Example: a 100 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches deep = 100 × 12 × 0.333 ÷ 27 = 14.8 cubic yards. Add 15% for compaction and waste to get your final order of 17 cubic yards.
For a standard residential driveway used by cars and SUVs, install 4–6 inches of compacted gravel. For heavy truck traffic or soft soil areas, use 6–8 inches. A well-built gravel driveway often uses two layers: a 4-inch compacted base of crusher run or #411, topped with 2–3 inches of #57 or #8 crushed stone for the wearing surface.
Standard crushed stone weighs approximately 1.5 tons per cubic yard. Multiply your cubic yard quantity by 1.5 to get tons. For a 17 cubic yard driveway order: 17 × 1.5 = 25.5 tons. Gravel is often sold by the ton for large driveway projects, so knowing both units helps you get the most accurate quote from suppliers.
Crushed stone #57 (3/4 inch) is the most popular choice for driveways because the angular edges lock together under compaction. For a base layer, use crusher run (#411) which contains fines that bind the stone. Avoid pea gravel for driveways — its round shape scatters under tires. For the top layer, #8 or #9 (1/4–3/8 inch) crushed stone provides a smooth, finished surface.
A gravel driveway typically costs $1–$3 per square foot for material and installation. A standard 100 × 12 ft driveway (1,200 sq ft) costs $1,200–$3,600 total. Material alone (crushed stone at $40–$65/cu yd) runs $700–$1,100 for 17 cubic yards. Professional grading, compaction, and edging add another $500–$2,500 depending on your area and the existing driveway condition.
A properly built and maintained gravel driveway lasts 10–20 years. Key factors are proper drainage (crown the center so water runs off the sides), regular raking to redistribute scattered stone, annual top-dressing with 0.5–1 inch of fresh gravel, and installing landscape edging to contain the material. Weed barrier fabric under the gravel extends the life by preventing vegetation growth.

How to Calculate Gravel for a Driveway

The formula for a gravel driveway is: Cubic Yards = (Length ft × Width ft × Depth ft) ÷ 27 × Compaction Factor. A 100 ft × 12 ft driveway at 4 inches (0.333 ft) deep with 1.25× compaction: 100 × 12 × 0.333 ÷ 27 × 1.25 = 18.5 cubic yards. Add 15% waste → order 21.3 cubic yards.

Gravel Driveway Depth by Use Case

Driveway Type Depth Gravel Type Compaction
Car / SUV — occasional use 4 inches Crushed stone #57 1.15×
Car / SUV — daily use 4–6 inches Crushed stone #57 1.25×
Pickup truck / light commercial 6 inches Crusher run + #57 1.25×
Heavy truck / farm equipment 6–8 inches Limestone base + #57 1.35×
Soft / clay soil base 8+ inches Crusher run sub-base 1.35×

Two-Layer Driveway System (Recommended)

Professional driveway installers use a two-layer system for maximum durability:

Layer 1: Base (4")

Crusher run (#411) or processed gravel. Contains fines that compact and bind. Provides stability and prevents rutting.

Layer 2: Wearing Surface (2–3")

Clean crushed stone #57 or #8. Angular edges lock together under traffic. Add this layer separately after base compaction.

Driveway Gravel Cost Breakdown

Use our gravel cost calculator for a detailed estimate. Typical costs for a 100 × 12 ft driveway (21 cubic yards):

  • Material (21 cu yd × $45–65/cu yd) $945–$1,365
  • Delivery (1–2 loads) $100–$300
  • Grading & shaping (if needed) $200–$800
  • Landscape fabric (optional) $80–$150
  • Edging / border (optional) $100–$400
  • Total estimated range $1,425–$3,015

For the base gravel sub-layer calculation, see our gravel base calculator. To convert your cubic yard quantity to tons for supplier quotes, use the gravel weight calculator.

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