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Gravel Driveway Calculator — How Much Gravel Do You Need?
Estimate how many tons of gravel you need for a driveway. Enter length, width, depth, and price per ton to calculate coverage and total material cost.
About This Calculator
Building or resurfacing a gravel driveway requires careful material planning. Order too little and you end up with thin, muddy spots that turn into potholes after the first rainstorm; order too much and you've spent money on piles of stone sitting in your yard for years. Gravel is sold by the ton, but most people measure their project in feet and inches, making the conversion tricky. Our gravel driveway calculator converts your driveway dimensions into tons using standard #57 gravel density of 1.4 tons per cubic yard, then estimates total material cost so you can budget accurately and order the right amount from your local quarry.
The Formula Behind This Calculator
Volume (cu ft) = Length * Width * (Depth / 12) Volume (cu yd) = Volume (cu ft) / 27 Tons = Volume (cu yd) * 1.4 (gravel density) Cost = Tons * Price per ton
Understanding the math helps you verify results and make better decisions for your project.
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How to Use
- 1Enter total driveway length in feet.
- 2Enter the width (10-12 ft is standard for a single lane).
- 3Specify gravel depth in inches (4-6" for new driveways).
- 4Enter price per ton from your local quarry.
- 5Click Calculate for total tons and cost.
When to Use
- →Planning a new gravel driveway or resurfacing an existing one before ordering from the quarry
- →Budgeting material costs when comparing gravel vs asphalt or concrete driveway options
- →Estimating fill needed for a parking area, road base, or drainage project
Tips
- ✓Order 10-15% more than calculated to account for compaction and settling after the first few months
- ✓Use landscape fabric under the gravel to prevent sinking into soft soil and reduce long-term maintenance
- ✓For new driveways, install gravel in layers — larger stone first, then smaller on top — for a stable base
FAQ
What type of gravel is best for driveways?
#57 crushed stone (3/4") is most popular. Use larger #3 for the base layer and #57 or crusher run for the top.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?
New driveways need 8-12" total installed in layers. For resurfacing, 2-4" of fresh gravel on top is sufficient.
How much does a ton of gravel cover?
One ton of #57 gravel covers roughly 100 sq ft at 2" deep or 50 sq ft at 4" deep.
Do I need landscape fabric under gravel?
Yes. Geotextile fabric prevents gravel from sinking into the soil and dramatically reduces maintenance.
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